Plus a zoo bus and a summer reading challenge.
 
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🗣️ Speaking of Columbus...

Mayor Ginther delivers the 2024 State of the City address
Mayor Andrew Ginther stands in front of an image of Columbus Police Officers while delivering the state of the city address.
Mayor Andrew Ginther discussing safety efforts during the 2024 State of the City address at Lincoln Theatre on Tuesday, May 21. | Screenshot via City of Columbus
Mayor Andrew Ginther recently took the stage at Lincoln Theatre to deliver the 2024 State of the City address. This annual speech discussed many of Columbus’ achievements, but it also highlighted areas where the city aims to improve.

Ginther spoke about topics he believes will impact Columbus for the next 10-15 years and described this period as a “decade of action.” Specifically, he emphasized three key areas.

Safety

This year, Columbus allocated $750 million to public safety efforts, as it remains an ongoing priority. With this investment, the city has increased the number of police recruits and improved its ability to track weapons associated with crimes.

To further its investment, the city is working to build new police and crime-solving facilities in Hilltop and North Linden, though those complexes are expected to require three years to complete.

Transit

There could be as many as one million new residents in the Columbus area in the next 25 years, and that could mean many new cars on the road. To help prepare for this, the LinkUS plan is proposing mobility solutions.

Ginther emphasized the Bus Rapid Transit plan, which could bring five transit lines to Central Ohio — the first line could open in Columbus in late 2027. The city is also pedaling forward with plans to add up to 500 miles of bikeways, sidewalks, and trails throughout Central Ohio.

Housing

With the expected rise in population, Columbus also anticipates the housing demand will rise. To address this, the city is revising its zoning guidance for the first time in 70 years, with the goal of building 200,000 new housing units over the next 10 years. This ongoing effort — known as Zone In — could divide the city into six zoning districts, allow for taller developments, and incentivize construction that incorporates affordable housing.
 
Events
Thursday, May 23
  • Word: Live Lit & True Tales | Thursday, May 23 | 7:30 p.m. | The Nest Theatre, 2643 N. High St., Columbus | $10 | This storytelling event features four scheduled performers and a chance to write your own tale.
  • Steve Hofstetter | Thursday, May 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Columbus Funny Bone, 145 Easton Town Center, Easton | $37-$160 | The YouTuber, author, podcaster, and former Sports Illustrated columnist has one goal: make you laugh.
Friday, May 24
  • Fountain Fest | Friday, May 24-Saturday, May 25 | Times vary | Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr., Downtown | Free | Celebrate the reopening of the Scioto Mile Fountain after $15 million renovations with music, ice cream, food trucks, games, and more.
  • Margs & Margs Polaris | Friday, May 24 | 6-7 p.m. | Maggie’s Farm & Aromatics, 1500 Polaris Parkway, Ste. 1074, Polaris | $40 | Sip on frozen margaritas and pour your own margarita candle.
Saturday, May 25
  • Asian Festival | Saturday, May 25-Sunday, May 26 | Times vary | Franklin Park Conservatory, 1755 E. Broad St., Downtown | Free | The cultural event returns for its 30th year with live performances, vendors, food, and family-friendly fun.
  • Columbus Crew Night | Saturday, May 25 | 6:30 p.m. | The Sanctuary, 618 Neil Ave., Columbus | Free | Cheer for the Black and Gold at this watch party as they face Orlando City SC in Florida.
  • Hurling Habaneros | Saturday, May 25 | 7 p.m. | Woodlands Tavern, 1200 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus | $15 | The local Americana band takes the stage to perform fan-favorite tunes.
Calendar events here
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News Notes
Civic
  • A sales tax levy is heading to the general election ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The proposal would raise sales taxes 0.5%-1.0% in areas serviced by the Central Ohio Transit Authority. The increased revenue is designed to help the rapid transit corridors, part of the LinkUS Mobility Initiative. (NBC4)
Development
  • The Ohio Housing Finance Agency approved $16.3 million to help develop and restore 200+ affordable housing units in Central Ohio. The funding will support two complexes in Columbus — Granville Woods Lofts in Driving Park and downtown’s Elevate 340 — in addition to buildings in Lancaster and Marion. (Columbus Business First)
Transit
  • The Columbus Zoo Bus is rolling back to town this summer. Operations start this Saturday, May 25 and will make five daily trips through Labor Day. The fare is $2 for adults — $1 for kids — and includes discounted admission to the zoo and Zoombezi Bay.
Coming Soon
  • The clucks are true — the wings + beer restaurant Roosters will be coming to 4850 Morse Rd. near Gahanna. The eatery will work to redevelop a 7,400-sqft space that was previously home to an O’Charley’s, and aims to open by late summer or early fall. (Columbus Business First)
Announced
  • York Steak House announced a rare opportunity: It’s looking for a buyer to take over the longstanding restaurant on West Broad Street — the last remaining location of the once-national chain. Current owner Jay Bettin plans to retire, but the steak house will remain operational during the search. (ABC6 On Your Side)
State
  • Governor Mike DeWine met with the Ohio Department of Development on Tuesday, May 21 for the state’s annual tourism day. The organization worked with 120 tourism partners to create a list of 400+ events happening this summer in Ohio — including multiple celebrations in CBUS. (NBC4)
Try This
  • Ready for your summer reading assignment? Prologue Bookshop’s Summer Read-a-Thon has returned. To participate, you need to buy four books from the store, write book reports, and return them by Monday, Sept. 2. If you complete the assignment, you’ll be rewarded with $15 to Yellow Brick Pizza.
Sports
  • Take a look at the Blue Jackets’ NHL Entry Draft prospects. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Columbus Blue Jackets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Shop
  • Stanley is having a Memorial Day sale. Get your summer drinkware, camp mugs, coolers, and tumblers 25% off with code MEMORIAL DAY.*
Finance
  • Need a new couch thanks to your dogs? Had an unexpected spring cleaning injury? Said “drinks on me” too loudly in The Walrus? These four credit cards offer 0% intro APR for up to 18 months — aka nearly two years of no interest charges for when life piles up.*
 
The Buy
Drunk Girl Art Prints. Celebrate National Wine Day with a new piece of wall art for your bar cart.
 
The Wrap
 
Michael Beausoleil

Today’s edition by:
Michael
From the editor
Hi Columbus, I’m a national content editor, meaning I will pop into your newsletters every so often.

I love seeing Columbus represented on a national — even global — scale. Season nine of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars” on Paramount Plus features local contestant Nina West. On episode two, while in the workroom, she can be seen wearing a “Columbus Crew” T-shirt with “614" proudly on display.
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