In the July 14 city council meeting city Manager Robyn Stewart provided a comprehensive update on Worthington's two-year policy agenda, highlighting significant accomplishments while outlining upcoming priorities that will guide the city's work through the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. The agenda organizes initiatives into three categories: completed items, current "do now" priorities, and future "do next" projects.
Major Accomplishments
The city has completed several significant initiatives that will have lasting community impact:
Planning and Development
- Northeast Area Plan now guides development in the city's key commercial corridor
- Housing Assessment provides data foundation for current housing strategy discussions
- Deer Task Force recommendations are being implemented with targeted removal program planned for winter
Ongoing Programs Established
- Service Coordinator Program successfully launched with part-time position helping residents connect to supportive services
- Community Relations Commission actively working on community engagement initiatives
- Enhanced sapling giveaways now established as recurring annual program
Current Priority Projects
Stay connected to what's happening in Worthington, Ohio.
Worthington Together Comprehensive Plan
The city's most significant planning effort continues with strong community engagement. Recent milestones include:
- Launch event with substantial public participation
- Online survey and webinar maintaining engagement opportunities
- Speaker series launch July 23 featuring regional housing and growth expert Michael Wilkos at McConnell Arts Center
The first round of community engagement will conclude in coming weeks, with City Council receiving a report this fall before the second engagement phase begins.
Infrastructure and Environmental Initiatives
Several projects are advancing toward implementation:
- Community waste reduction: SWACO grant application submitted to create consolidated drop-off location including new styrofoam collection
- Parking evaluation for Old Worthington: Consultant interviews conducted with selection expected before August recess
- Sidewalk gap program: LinkUs funding secured for engineering design phase of connectivity improvements
Pool Project and Gateway Improvements
Beyond the major pool construction decision, the city continues work on:
- Gateway signage and branding: Consultants working with Community Improvement Corporation on Northeast area identity
- Zoning code updates: Staff developing language to implement Northeast Area Plan recommendations
Stay connected to what's happening in Worthington, Ohio.
Upcoming Priorities
Deer Management Implementation
The targeted deer removal program advances toward winter implementation:
- Property evaluation: USDA Wildlife Services reviewing volunteer properties for removal program
- State permit process: Draft management plan completed, pending state submission
- Community benefit: All processed meat will be donated to Worthington Resource Pantry and Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Mental Health Response Enhancement
Police Chief Mylett and Stewart are researching expanded mental health response capabilities, evaluating current call volumes and regional approaches to determine appropriate program design.
Tree and Environmental Programs
Environmental initiatives continue developing:
- Grove installation challenges: Underground utilities limiting Northeast Gateway plantings; staff exploring alternative signature grove locations
- Tree planting expansion: Moving beyond saplings toward broader urban forestry initiatives
Sustainability Focus
Council members emphasized the need for accelerated sustainability planning, particularly given potential federal policy changes. They highlighted the Planning Commission for Central Ohio's offer to provide cost-effective assistance in developing basic sustainability strategies that could guide departmental efforts.
The city currently addresses sustainability through housing and transportation initiatives within Worthington Together, but council members advocate for a standalone sustainability plan to provide comprehensive guidance.
Looking Forward
Several major initiatives await sufficient staff capacity:
Arts Committee Development
Staff are identifying bandwidth to launch the arts committee that would guide cultural programming and public art initiatives.
Noise Ordinance Review
The comprehensive noise ordinance update remains on the "do next" list, requiring significant staff time to address various concerns from construction activities to residential equipment to commercial operations.
Infrastructure Planning
Ongoing capital needs for sewers, water lines, roadways, equipment, and building systems require continued attention and investment planning.
Organizational Development
Diversity and Inclusion Initiative
The city completed internal organizational assessment of employee experiences and has established a staff committee to develop initiatives that ensure all employees feel welcomed, supported, and fully engaged.
Board and Commission Enhancement
The program bringing advisory boards and commissions to City Council for progress reports will continue, strengthening communication and accountability.
Community Engagement
Stewart emphasized that the policy agenda reflects extensive community input and represents the city's commitment to transparent, proactive governance. The quarterly check-ins with City Council ensure priorities remain aligned with community needs and emerging challenges.
Council President Dorothy highlighted that the agenda demonstrates the city's ability to manage multiple significant initiatives simultaneously while maintaining high-quality basic services. The systematic approach helps ensure important long-term projects receive attention alongside day-to-day operations.
The next quarterly policy agenda review will assess progress on current initiatives while considering any new priorities that emerge from ongoing community engagement efforts, particularly the Worthington Together comprehensive planning process.