Columbus City Council Discusses Proposed Capital Budget with Focus on Public Safety and Affordable Housing

Columbus City Council Members Discuss Proposed Capital Budget, Focus on Public Safety and Affordable Housing

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus City Council members gathered on Monday, July 8 to discuss the city’s proposed capital budget, with a significant portion allocated towards safety and crime prevention efforts.

The public safety category is set to receive a substantial investment this year, with nearly $121 million proposed, marking a 45 percent increase from the previous year. This amount is almost four times the public safety investment from the 2022 capital budget.

During the budget hearing, Columbus Department of Public Safety Deputy Director Dan Giangardella noted the importance of this investment, especially given the challenges posed by inflation and disruptions in the supply chain. He highlighted the need for funding for neighborhood safety cameras, renovations at police and fire facilities, and new fire trucks.

Mayor Andrew Ginther has hailed this proposed budget as the largest in city history, totaling almost $2 billion. In addition to public safety, another key area of focus is affordable housing, as rising rent and homelessness continue to be pressing issues in Columbus.

Bill Webster, Columbus Deputy Director of Development, emphasized the need to build more housing at all price points, particularly for those earning less than $50,000 annually. The proposed funding for housing development includes resources for housing preservation and affordable housing initiatives.

One notable project included in the budget is the development of a campus on Caroyln/Piedmont Avenue along I-71, which will house a crime center, a 911 emergency communications center, an emergency operations center, and a substation.

City council will be holding another public hearing on the proposed budget on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Columbus Fire Academy, located at 3639 Parsons Ave. As council members and the mayor continue to prioritize public safety and affordable housing, the community eagerly awaits the outcome of these discussions.