The Columbus City Council members in a joint public appearance on Wednesday reeled off the core concept of “Columbus Forward”: a suite of nine new legislative initiatives designed to preserve and enhance affordability, safety, and quality of life as this city continues to expand. 

“The City of Columbus is one of the fastest-growing in the nation. Every day, we welcome new families, new businesses and new opportunities. How we manage that growth will determine what kind of city we become.”

“More people moving to Columbus is great, but what good is growth if it leaves behind lifelong residents and families?” said Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin.

“Columbus Forward is about getting ahead of the challenges that growth brings and channeling growth into opportunities, so we can strengthen every neighborhood and lift up every resident to share in this city’s success.” 

This is about more than one moment: City Council expects to add more to the platform over time, but each Councilmember will prioritize one of these first nine initiatives. Columbus Forward is a living platform designed to change as new challenges arise or fresh ideas emerge.

City Council is working hard to ensure that every Columbus resident, in every neighborhood, has an equal opportunity to succeed. This is the latest policy package from Columbus City Council, which pursued the “Reimagining Safety” set of policies in 2021 and the “Housing for All” set of policies in 2023.

Columbus Forward Initiatives:

President Shannon G. Hardin – Yes in God’s Backyard 

Our region is expected to gain nearly 1 million new residents by 2050. This will require creative solutions to meet the housing demand. Council President Hardin is working to partner with faith communities to transform underused church land into affordable housing. He will work to update zoning codes and offer technical assistance, to empower congregations to serve their neighborhoods and address the housing crisis.

President Pro Tem Rob Dorans – Historic Preservation

Columbus is rewriting its 70-year-old zoning code through the Zone In initiative, and historic preservation must keep pace. Council President Pro Tem Dorans will work to modernize policies to balance growth and protect the unique character of our neighborhoods, starting with a new study to benchmark our policies against peer cities. This effort ensures that progress doesn’t erase the city’s history but rather builds upon it.

Nicholas J. Bankston – Construction Impact Mitigation 

As transformative projects and new developments reshape Columbus, small businesses could suffer during construction. Councilmember Bankston will develop a plan to address gaps in communications and wayfinding and to offer other assistance so businesses can weather disruptions. 

Otto Beatty – Accessory Dwelling Units 

Families are changing, and so are housing needs. Councilmember Beatty’s initiative makes it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), adding flexible, affordable housing options in existing neighborhoods. This policy supports multigenerational living and grows housing supply without sprawl.

Nancy Day-Achauer – Youth Programming Analysis 

From recreation centers to after-school programs, Columbus offers many opportunities for kids, but resources aren’t always distributed evenly across communities or neighborhoods. Councilmember Day-Achauer will work to inventory all youth programs throughout the city to identify gaps and prevent duplication of services.

Lourdes Barroso de Padilla – Pay Transparency 

With new employers arriving daily, job seekers deserve fairness and clarity. Councilmember Barroso de Padilla’s legislation will require salary ranges on job postings to promote transparency and help close gender and racial pay gaps. 

Melissa Green – Sustainable Investments for Human Services  

Columbus is facing the largest homelessness crisis in its history, with an estimated 2,500 unhoused individuals in 2025. Councilmember Green will explore new ways to generate long-term, reliable funding to support housing, homelessness and other human services. 

Emmanuel V. Remy – Safer City 

Councilmember Remy’s initiative will work to strengthen oversight of short-term rentals, enhance festival and event standards and liquor permit enforcement, and modernize crime reporting for the modern era. 

Christopher L. Wyche – Recycling Expansion 

The remaining lifespan of our landfill is only a few decades, and with rapid population growth, waste reduction is critical. But right now, only residents in single-family homes and small buildings currently have guaranteed access to recycling services. Councilmember Wyche’s plan seeks to expand recycling access to ensure all residents can participate.

Residents can learn more at www.columbusforward.us.

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