City Council - Worthington, Ohio

Council approves the Boundless rezoning 7-0 after hours of public testimony, four charter questions head to the November ballot, and overnight waterline construction is coming to West Wilson Bridge Road.

Worthington City Council voted 7-0 to rezone 20.4 acres of the Boundless campus for Elford Development's 246-unit apartment project after a year of review and public debate.

City Council voted to place three Charter Review Commission recommendations and a resident-led petition on the November 3 ballot, including competing changes to zoning referendum rules.

Four charter questions are set for the November ballot, e-bike rules get a September timeline with the draft going public this week, and six verified aggressive-deer incidents prompt new warnings ahead of a larger winter removal.

Six verified aggressive-deer incidents this season — including a dog fatally injured and a resident hospitalized — as Worthington plans an earlier, larger deer removal program for winter 2026-27.

Worthington's draft e-bike and e-scooter ordinance goes public in the July 20 council packet, with community input through August and adoption targeted for September — after council debated whether to move faster.

Worthington voters will decide four charter questions on November 3 — a cleanup batch that merges three development boards, a shorter referendum window, and two competing proposals for how many signatures a referendum needs.

The Worthington Together draft plan reached council with guidance on building heights, housing options, five opportunity areas, and a newly promised section on West Worthington and Linworth. Public comment opens July 23.

Planners laid out height ranges up to 10 stories for the Wilson Bridge corridor, prompting council to ask whether design oversight should expand there — and a longer debate over what 'historic character' should mean outside Old Worthington.

Council gets its first full look at the Worthington Together comprehensive plan draft — building heights, new housing options, and a promised West Worthington section — plus four charter measures headed toward the November ballot.

The draft comprehensive plan had no section for West Worthington or Linworth. Colleagues largely agreed, city staff explained why it was left out, and a plan emerged to add it before adoption.

The Charter Review Commission is recommending a merged development-review board, a shorter referendum window, and 34 other changes — here's what they do and how to weigh in before the November ballot.

The Charter Review Commission wants to merge the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals into one body. Here's what each board does today, what would change, and the timeline.

Worthington City Council approved rules letting a valet operator use the city's curbs in Old Worthington, while questioning whether the $300 annual fee is too low and promising to revisit it.

Worthington City Council unanimously approved replacing the 28 aging benches on the Village Green, and agreed to revisit, at a later date, whether residents could sponsor them.

A valet parking program for Old Worthington, new benches for the Village Green, battery backups for 13 traffic signals, and a property tax rate holding steady at 5.94 mills.

Franklin County's 2026 triennial update raises Worthington-area values about 7 percent. How to check your tentative value, contest it, and why a higher value doesn't automatically mean a higher tax bill.

New property values are hitting mailboxes, council moves to bid curbside food-waste collection two different ways, and a push to revisit the city's Flock license-plate cameras.

City Council awarded its recycling-processing contract to Rumpke, the lone bidder, keeping costs roughly flat into 2027. A larger waste-collection rebid this year could add curbside food-waste pickup.

Recycling contract renewed with Rumpke, $1.4 million in COTA-funded sidewalks coming to Worthington, a last call for Worthington Together input, an outdoor pool cost clarification, and a slate of public hearings set for June 15.

A 20-year bond plan for the new outdoor pool and water and sewer line replacements, a recognition for the retiring IT director, two new businesses on High Street, and the Boundless rezoning headed to review.

Worthington City Council authorized a 20-year bond issuance to finish the new outdoor pool and replace aging water and sewer lines, with pricing set for June.

COTA's draft transit plan would reshape Worthington bus service starting in 2027 (comments due Friday). SWACO offered the city a curbside food-waste pilot. The Sharon Township fire levy passed.

COTA's draft 2027–2031 plan would retire the Line 102 express, run buses on High Street around the clock and twice as often on weekends, and add a new east-west route across Wilson Bridge Road. Worthington commuters worry their downtown trip could get longer.

SWACO has offered Worthington a pilot to add curbside food-waste pickup to every household starting in January 2027. The agency would fund the buckets and $100,000 of first-year cost. Council needs to decide by August.

Council unanimously approved the final design for the Wilson Hill Park playground replacement. The new $350,000 playground includes inclusivity features driven by community feedback, monkey bars added late in the process, and a hammock-swing conversion of the existing swing set planned for older kids.

Council members reported back on COTA's short-range transit plan after attending public meetings. Worthington gains overnight and weekend service, a new east-west Route 35 along Wilson Bridge Road, and a renamed 2N replacing the 102. Public comment closes May 15, 2026.

Council unanimously approved a venture grant for OPOC.us, a 25-year Worthington employer that has committed to keep its existing 200 jobs and add up to 375 more over the next seven years. The grant is structured to pay only as the company hires.

OPOC commits to 375 new jobs in exchange for up to $750,000; Wilson Hill playground design approved with inclusive features; COTA's short-range transit plan ahead of the May 15 deadline; Walnut Grove Cemetery earns a rare Underground Railroad designation.

City staff presented first-year results of Worthington's targeted deer removal program to City Council, who heard praise for the execution alongside public-comment criticism of notification practices.

First-year deer management report, Linworth/Snouffer arterial paving contract, and a new golf-simulator restaurant.

City Council passed three resolutions recognizing Bob Alkire, Will Pearce, and Collin Chase as recipients of the Community Relations Commission's 2025 Good Neighbor Awards.

The comprehensive planning process enters its third and final engagement round, with an in-person open house May 13, a virtual meeting May 20, and an online survey open through June 3.

Worthington City Council heard working group recommendations for new ordinances covering e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar devices, including a sidewalk speed cap, helmet requirements for minors, and education-first enforcement.

Council gave staff direction on new e-bike and e-scooter rules, set final public input dates for the Worthington Together comprehensive plan, and honored Bob Alkire, Will Pearce, and Collin Chase with 2025 Good Neighbor Awards.

Council adopted the 2026–2028 policy agenda, heard updates on new businesses coming to Old Worthington, and previewed upcoming resident engagement opportunities for the Worthington Together comp plan.

Four infrastructure projects move forward for construction season and a farewell to 25-year Communications Director Ann Brown.

Worthington City Council approved three construction contracts and authorized bidding on a fourth at its March 16 meeting, queuing up street paving, a major arterial repaving, a waterline replacement, and the long-delayed Griswold Center elevator modernization for the 2026 season.

Officer Early's retirement recognition, comprehensive plan contract expansion, and community updates from Worthington City Council

City Council unanimously approves contract amendment to fund expanded community engagement for the comprehensive plan update, despite opposition from some residents

City Council reports cover support for Haitian community members, historic Gardner House designation, Boundless development update, and discussion of public comment guidelines

Worthington City Council distributes grants to local organizations, approves design funding for West Wilson Bridge Road project, and explores new civility and immigrant support initiatives

Worthington City Council passes welcoming environment resolution, receives major bike and pedestrian infrastructure plans, and addresses deer management program concerns.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board presented their 2026 work plan to leverage nearly $4.5 million in funding from COTA's LinkUS program through three major initiatives.

City Council affirmed the city's commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment for all people, with support from Police Chief Stephen Mylett.

Worthington City Council unanimously approved an $80,000 appropriation for engineering design services to resurface West Wilson Bridge Road from High Street to Olentangy River Road. The project will coordinate with a planned water main replacement to minimize disruption to residents and commuters.

Worthington City Council is drafting a new civility statement for public meetings and directing the Community Relations Commission to identify vetted support resources for the immigrant community.

Worthington City Council approves 2026 Community Grant Program with significantly increased funding to support local nonprofits serving basic human needs

Worthington's deer management program is moving forward with the installation of signage in city parks. Council discussed support, opposition, and history of the issue.

Four council members take the oath of office including Joycelyn Dong and Maria Ramirez, marking a milestone in Worthington's history

Historic organizational meeting swears in first council members of color, plus immigration resolution proposal

New council members Joycelyn Dong and Maria Ramirez propose formal resolution affirming Worthington's commitment to immigrant residents amid ICE presence in Central Ohio

Council honors Brewer for initiating vision implementation teams and championing diversity and equity initiatives

City Council bids farewell to departing members Katy Brewer, David Robinson, and Beth Kowalczyk

Council recognizes Robinson's legacy of sustainability advocacy, electric aggregation program, and citizen-centered governance

Worthington adopts new incentive program to encourage affordable housing development with 60-80% AMI targets and payroll requirements

City Manager presents comprehensive update on two-year policy agenda achievements including pool, housing initiatives, and SAFER program

Pool lease approved, workforce housing program adopted, and council reflects on two years of accomplishments

Worthington City Council approves lease agreement for the new outdoor pool facility, with Swim Inc. to continue operations under a three-tiered rate structure

Pool project approved with all upgrades, field hockey team makes history, and new housing incentives advance

Proposed operating arrangement maintains nonprofit management while establishing city oversight and protections

City Council moves forward with new incentive program combining affordable housing with income tax revenue generation

City Council honors TWHS field hockey team for unprecedented achievement in Ohio high school athletics

Worthington moves forward with full pool construction including splash pad, second water slide, and other amenities

Covering the 2026 budget review, Wolf's Ridge Brewing reopening the Worthington Inn, comprehensive planning process concerns, and key community updates.

Five nonprofit organizations shared their accomplishments and funding requests at the November 10th City Council meeting

Council discusses proposed budget priorities including pool construction, deer management, housing initiatives, and America 250 celebration

New program would encourage mixed-use development with affordable housing units through property tax incentives

Consultant presents comprehensive analysis showing how different types of development affect Worthington's budget

Council reviews fiscal impact analysis, 2026 budget priorities, and new workforce housing program

Worthington City Council reviews proposed five-year Capital Improvements Program featuring major infrastructure projects, new fire equipment, and facilities upgrades

City Council reviews $70 million capital plan, appoints first Poet Laureate, and approves recycling center grant

Budget preview, parks foundation launch, and policy updates from Monday's City Council meeting.

The newly formed nonprofit foundation begins fundraising efforts to enhance city parks programs and facilities, with focus on scholarships and capital improvements.

Proposed 2026 operating budget prioritizes existing services, transfers funds to capital projects, and responds to potential revenue challenges.

Council explores COTA Plus transit expansion and approves deer management program to begin in early 2026

City Council authorizes staff to submit expression of interest for expanded on-demand transit service that could connect residents to jobs, services, and fixed bus routes

City Council approves contracts and authorizes targeted deer removal operations on city properties with focus on public safety and venison donation to food pantries

Comprehensive plan update presentation and community feedback at the September 15, 2025 City Council meeting

Planning consultants provide detailed update on comprehensive plan progress, revealing 800 participants and key community priorities

Feedback on the Worthington Together comprehensive planning process from citizens.

The candidate forum for Worthington City Council at the McConnell Arts Center, hosted in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus

The candidates for Worthington City Council give their introduction statements.

City Council reviews detailed renovation plans for Selby Park shelter, including costs ranging from $250,000 to $850,000

Council discussed Selby Shelter renovation options, policy progress, and recycling consortium consideration

Chamber of commerce updates (including the departure of president and CEO Matt Lofy), council member updates, and routine appropriations.

Topics covered included lead water line regulations, intersection study approval, parking study, and outdoor pool land purchase

Worthington City Council approves comprehensive parking feasibility study with Kimley-Horn to analyze parking needs while preserving downtown charm

Worthington City Council approves real estate purchase agreement to acquire 2.94 acres from Worthington Schools for new outdoor pool reconstruction

EPA's new Lead and Copper Improvements Rule requires replacement of all lead and galvanized water service lines in Worthington by 2037

Worthington City Council approves $275,000 study to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety at one of the region's busiest intersections

Worthington City Council unanimously approves full pool renovation despite $2-2.5 million budget increase, preserving three-pool design without raising taxes.

Worthington maintains AAA credit rating and strong financial health while facing challenges from major employer departure and rising costs in 2026 budget planning.

Worthington City Council develops residential tax abatement program and explores housing fund to encourage diverse housing options while maintaining community character.

Comprehensive update on Worthington's two-year policy agenda progress including Worthington Together planning, deer management, and upcoming sustainability initiatives.

Topics covered include pool project approval, housing strategies, financial health, and multiple community initiatives

Topics covered include pool budget challenges and community updates from Worthington City Council

Worthington outdoor pool renovation costs rise due to inflation and construction market pressures