Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther delivered his State of the City Address, outlining his vision to improve neighborhood safety, make the city more affordable for more families, and provide excellent city services that empower the city’s residents and businesses to thrive.
Mayor Ginther opened his address by noting the importance of neighborhood safety and recent accomplishments in improving public safety, resulting in a 33% reduction in homicides and a decline in violent crime. The city has launched various initiatives to remove violent criminals from neighborhoods, used cutting-edge technologies, and established prevention and intervention programs.
Mayor Ginther also shared Columbus has passed commonsense gun safety measures like limiting the number of rounds in a magazine, demanding safe storage for guns, and increasing penalties for shady firearms dealers, and the city is working to pass universal background checks and red-flag laws.
In his remarks, the Mayor also highlighted the importance of affordability, particularly regarding housing for his community. In response to its housing needs, the city created the Regional Housing Coalition to coordinate the efforts of suburban partners, private investors, and the nonprofit sector and passed two voter-approved affordable housing bonds. Additionally, they have led efforts to provide residents with resources to assist with down payments, capital grants, and loan forgiveness.
“I have every confidence that as our city grows, so will our efforts to make Columbus more affordable … and more equitable … for everyone. That is the foundation for a stronger future,” said Mayor Ginther.
Watch Mayor Ginther’s full remarks here.
