Hello Worthington! Here's your recap of what happened at September 14, 2026's City Council meeting. Below are brief summaries of the most significant discussions.
E-bike and e-scooter rules head to an October 5 public hearing
Council formally introduced an ordinance that would update Worthington's traffic code to govern bicycles, electric bicycles, e-scooters, and similar personal transportation devices. No vote was taken on September 14. The introduction sets up a public hearing on Monday, October 5, when council will take comment before acting.
One council member asked staff to publicize the proposal on social media and through the schools ahead of the hearing, noting that a 7 p.m. meeting can be hard for the young families the rules would most affect. Staff said residents can weigh in without attending: by emailing council@worthington.org, using the comment form on the city website, or contacting members directly.
A full breakdown of what the rules would change (where the devices could be ridden, minimum ages, helmets, and enforcement) is in the Pulse's earlier coverage, E-Bike and E-Scooter Rules Move Toward a Fall Vote.
In Other News
Stay connected to what's happening in Worthington, Ohio.
Planning and development
- Worthington Together comprehensive plan. The city's long-running comprehensive plan is nearing the end of its approval path. The Municipal Planning Commission is set to review it on September 24 and is expected to forward a recommendation, which would put it before City Council around October 19. The Pulse's Worthington Together coverage tracks the process.
- Regional growth. Reporting from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), a council member said updated projections point to continued population growth across central Ohio, driven largely by international migration, and that the regional refrain remains the need for "more housing at all price points."
- East-west transit study. City staff met with COTA and its consultants on a feasibility study looking at possible transit connections between Dublin and New Albany, with Worthington in the middle. Staff described it as early and high-level, with any actual investment likely several years off.
- Joya's expansion. The Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission reviewed plans for the restaurant Joya's to expand into the space next door, adding seating and kitchen capacity.
City projects
- Outdoor pool. Construction hit some permitting and weather delays, but staff said crews have been shifted to the site and the pools themselves are now being installed, with the goal of getting them in before winter to stay on schedule. The Pulse's outdoor pool coverage has the background.
- Gardner House. The Franklin County engineer granted a variance for site access that had been the last hurdle for the new cemetery offices at the historic Gardner House, a documented Underground Railroad site near Flint Cemetery. The work is expected to proceed before winter.
Money and recognition
- Financial reports. Council accepted the July and August financial reports. The finance director noted that income tax collections grew less than half a percent (0.40%) from 2024 to 2025, and that 2026 collections have leveled off to roughly even with last year, something the city will keep watching, even without the loss of any major employer.
- State audit award. The Auditor of State's office presented Worthington with its Auditor of State Award with Distinction, along with a separate award for the Worthington Community Improvement Corporation. The recognition goes to governments that file clean, on-time audits with no significant findings; the city was described as landing in the top 4% of roughly 4,200 audits the office conducts each year.
- Storm mutual aid. After severe storms struck Upper Arlington on August 11, Worthington sent service-department crews to help with cleanup. Upper Arlington's City Council passed a resolution of appreciation thanking Worthington along with several other central Ohio communities.
Upcoming Dates
- September 24 and 26, 9 to 11 a.m. — Flow's Native Tree Giveaway at the tree nursery near the dog park in Linworth. Residents in the Olentangy watershed can pick up two free native plants.
- Monday, September 21, 7 p.m. — Next regular City Council meeting at the Municipal Building, 6550 N. High St.
- Thursday, September 24 — Municipal Planning Commission reviews the Worthington Together comprehensive plan.
- Monday, September 28, 6:30 p.m. — Worthington Board of Education meeting, presenting 2025-26 student achievement results.
- Monday, September 28 — Worthington Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board meeting.
- Tuesday, September 29 — CRC Big Table: Coffee Conversation, a Community Relations Commission event for facilitated small-group conversation over coffee.
- Saturday, October 3 — Old Worthington Market Day fills historic downtown with vendors, food, and activities.
- Monday, October 5, 7 p.m. — City Council public hearing on the proposed e-bike, e-scooter, and traffic-code rules.
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Thanks for reading this summary of the City Council meeting, you can watch the original full video here