Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther delivered his annual State of the City Address on April 14, reflecting on the challenges of the past year and the unique opportunity this moment presents.
“We are still working to get to the other side of the pandemic, grappling with the need to reform police and end systemic racism,” Mayor Ginther said. “Columbus – and cities across the country – are seeing an unprecedented spike in violent crime. At the same time, there is great hope and a tremendous opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and to build back stronger.”
The City has made a strong effort to support and invest in residents since the onset of the pandemic, including a partnership with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to provide internet hot spots to students of Columbus City Schools.
Mayor Ginther noted that the pandemic has exacerbated existing disparities within the Columbus community. “Nowhere has that been more apparent than with crime – especially those crimes involving our youth both as victims and assailants,” he said.
The City has invested $2 million in CARES Act dollars for anti-violence efforts and continues to work with partners and community groups to curb violence. Mayor Ginther also highlighted the expansion of programs like ReRoute, Safe Streets, and Safe Neighborhoods.
Watch Mayor Ginther’s address here.
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