Hello Worthington! Here's your recap of what happened at the Monday April 6, 2026 City Council meeting. Below are brief summaries of the most significant discussions.
Council officially set its policy agenda for the next two years
Council unanimously approved its 2026–2028 policy agenda Monday, adopting four documents from February's retreat and formalizing priorities across six areas: economic development, infrastructure and streetscaping, housing, environmental sustainability, community-based programs, and boards/commissions/governance.
Council Member Joy Dong has developed a vision-based format that ties each policy item back to Worthington's community vision statements, so residents can understand not just what the city is working on but why. Council agreed to keep both the existing quick-reference "placemat" and Dong's fuller document, with the incoming communications director finalizing the design. City manager Robyn Stewart confirmed that the department will work on a Gantt chart view for tracking progress and a committee-of-the-whole session to refine metrics with department directors.
In other news
With longtime Communications Director Anne Brown retired, the job description was updated (Res. 25-2026), adding an expectation to attend council meetings and refreshed accessibility language aligned with federal requirements. A compensation ordinance for the position (Ord. 8-2026) was introduced and heads to a public hearing April 13.
Two capital projects were introduced: Ord. 9-2026 (Linworth, Snouffer & Godown Rd improvements) and Ord. 10-2026 (Service & Engineering Building concrete replacement). Public hearings set for April 20, more information here.
Council Member Glen Pratt thanked Chief Stephen Mylett and the Worthington Police Department, especially Officer Farmer, for keeping the No Kings Rally safe. About 2,000 people showed up, well above the 150 who had pre-registered.
Old Worthington will benefit from the addition of three new businesses. Two bookstores, one above Denig Jewelers with specialty books. Another in the old Snap Fitness/Bubbles Tea and Juice space will offer both general books and coffee. Finally, the Fritzy Jacobs unit will divide to make way for a tea shop.
The Worthington Partnership's annual meeting will feature Crawford Hoying's executive VP of Development as guest speaker.
A history walk with the Historical Society and a sheep-themed public art display on the green are planned for America 250 celebrations.
Payment processor Flipcause, which handled ticket and payment collection for the Worthington Partnership, declared bankruptcy and owes money to the Worthington Partnership and other local entities. A joint recovery effort is being discussed.
WIFA's Cherry Blossom Festival is April 25, 1:30–3:30 p.m. at the Old Worthington Library. Virtual book discussions are planned for May 13 and Aug. 12. A delegation from Worthington's sister city Sayama, Japan, is expected July 2–6.
The Worthington Charter Review Commission is expected to hold its first meeting next Tuesday April 14. The Worthington Charter Review Commission reviews the city's charter to ensure it reflects current operations and needs. Details are here.
Council met in executive session to discuss compensation of public employees, appointment of public officials, and city security and emergency response protocols.
Upcoming dates
- April 13 — Public hearing: Ord. 8-2026 (Communications Director compensation)
- April 20 — Public hearings: Ord. 9-2026 (Linworth/Snouffer/Godown Road enhancements) and Ord. 10-2026 (Service & Engineering Building concrete replacement)
- April 25 — WIFA Cherry Blossom Festival, old Worthington Library, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
- May 13 — Worthington Together public meeting, Community Center North Gym
- May 13–June 3 — Worthington Together survey open
- June 22 — Joint city council/school board session (being coordinated, not yet confirmed)
- July 2–6 — Sayama, Japan delegation visit
You can watch the full meeting video here.