Legislative Highlights

Bimonthly Updates: January-February 2025

In January and February, City Council passed several pieces of legislation, including resolutions, ordinances, and motions that support community priorities and improvements. The updates include the recent meeting held on:

Regular Meetings: January 2, January 21, February 3,
Committee of the Whole: January 13, January 27 (workshop), February 10, February 24
Special Meetings: January 2 (organizational meeting), January 21, February 10,

Closeup view of gavel on Council Chamber dais.

Highlights Include

Advocating for Local Rights:(RES-0004-2025): Gahanna City Council joined other Ohio municipalities in passing a resolution supporting the Ohio Municipal League's challenge to AT&T's tariff application at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Organized opposition led to the application's withdrawal. Council continues to monitor developments to protect local interests. January 13
Economic Development Agreement (ORD-0095-2024): Authorizing the Mayor to enter an agreement with the Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) to promote economic activity in 2025. January 2
Discussing Official Salaries for Future Terms: Council began preliminary discussions regarding salaries for elected officials, for future terms at the Committee meeting on February 24, 2025. Additional information is being gathered and subsequent discussions are expected later this year. February 24

For the most current legislative updates, visit the Council Member Updates page.

For complete agendas with legislative details and to sign up for agendas delivered to your inbox, visit our official portal on Legistar.

2025 Council Leadership

During Council’s annual organizational meeting, Council voted on various leadership and committee assignments. The 2025 selections are reflected in the chart below.

Organizational Meeting January 2

Recognitions

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day & National Day of Service RES-0001-2025
Cervical Health Awareness Month RES-0002-2025
Black History Month RES-0003-2025
School Resource Officers (SRO) recognition in honor of SRO Day - February 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes

Cervical Health Awareness Month

Black History Month

School Resource Officers Day

Resolution 0023-2024 was part of our recognition of National CPR and AED Awareness Week. This is a photo of city staff and leadership celebrating the Resolution.

Council honoring certified CPR staff of the Parks & Rec Department.

Member Spotlights

Councilmember Activities

Council Workshop - January 27, 2025

City Council Workshop - January 27, 2025

From the Archives

Ohio's Herb Capital

Mayor Leavitt (1972-1979) and Ruth Wilke. Per correspondence with the Columbus Citizen-Journal, it is inferred that this photo was taken at Herb Day events in 1974.

Meeting notes from the Council Public Affairs Committee, which planned the first Herb Queen pageant in 1974.

Community Highlights

Celebrating Service and Engagement in Gahanna

From community partnerships to acts of advocacy and celebration, Gahanna City Council continues to champion community involvement and civic pride.

Members of Council, the City attorney and local representatives at the Walk for Women.

City of Gahanna Councilmembers Bowers, Jones, Padova and Weaver, City of Gahanna Attorney Tamilarasan, State Representative Lawson-Rowe, Reynoldsburg Council President Strickland and Reynoldsburg School Board Member McKay, at the Walk for Women - February 2, 2025

Walk for Women Weekend

President Bowers led the Walk for Women Weekend, a series of events focused on empowering women and promoting safety, solidarity, and wellness. In partnership with the Gahanna Police Department and Visit Gahanna, the weekend featured a safety talk, community walk, and an open house at the Ohio Herb Center. The Runner and Walker Safety Talk, hosted by Second Sole, was led by Community Liaison Officer Blair Thomas and Lieutenant Matt Kissel. Several local representatives were also in attendance of weekend events. Bowers thanked approximately 100 attendees, event partners, Council Office staff, City administration, and Mifflin Township for their support in making the initiative a success.

Weekend events inspired a generous donation of $5000 from the White Castle Foundation and Second Sole to Girls on the Run! - February 1st and 2nd

Safety Talk

Community Walk

Self-Care Open House

More Connections

Championing Public Service

Vice President Weaver completed The Mount Vernon Project: School of Public Service training, ready to implement key governance principles and leadership in Gahanna.

Advancing Housing Solutions and Addressing Economic Challenges

President Bowers and Vice President Weaver explored legislative strategies to ensure housing affordability and accessibility in Gahanna. Councilmember Jones met with United Way’s Melanie Hill to discuss ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data and its impact on Gahanna families.

Aquatics Steering Committee

Councilwoman Padova attended the fifth Aquatics Steering Committee meeting. Final recommendations will be brought to Council. Recommendations are based on the feedback received from the aquatics survey and public engagement at events.

Mentoring Future Leaders

Councilmember Jones served as a panelist for LEAD Ohio, sharing insights with those considering a run for office.

Supporting Local Businesses

Councilwoman Jones and McGregor represented the City Council at the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.