MAYOR'S OFFICE

In 2023, the City adopted its first-ever Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) — a long-term planning tool that helps us to identify and prioritize projects across the City. Each year, the CIP is updated to reflect the City’s current needs and future goals for capital investments.

The proposed 2026-2030 CIP was presented to City Council on Monday, September 22 and will be discussed at upcoming Council meetings over the next few weeks. Once finalized and adopted, the Plan will help to inform next year’s capital budget - specifically the parts of the budget focused on long-term investments in infrastructure, parks, utilities, and more. The CIP serves only as a guiding document - it does not allocate or commit funds.

So, what exactly is a Capital Improvement Plan? Think of it as a roadmap that helps us to carefully evaluate which projects the City should tackle, how they could be funded, and when the projects would be ready to move forward — all based on long-term planning and community priorities. From fixing roads to upgrading parks and trails, the CIP helps us to strategically plan for the future and ensure that we are investing your tax dollars wisely and effectively.

A big part of what makes this work possible is Issue 12, which voters approved in May 2019. This funding source has enabled us to make progress on overdue improvements and long-needed upgrades. Capital projects are also supported by other sources such as dollars generated from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects, special revenue and utility funds, grants, and other capital funds.

To view the initial presentation to Council and follow future discussions, visit the City's YouTube channel (@CityofGahanna) to learn more on what is being proposed for the years ahead.

CREEKSIDE REIMAGINED

Proposed plans to revitalize the Creekside District took another exciting step forward with several Creekside Reimagined community conversations. We were thrilled to see residents engaged in Gahanna’s future, passionate to learn more, and contribute to what comes next for our downtown area.

From an essential flood mitigation project that could bring new park features and improved accessibility, to a new private development project that would inject a significant investment of private dollars into the District, Creekside has the potential to evolve into a more vibrant and engaging destination for eating, shopping, and entertainment for residents and visitors.

Attendees at the discussions were able to share their thoughts on the exciting projects and hear from Mayor Jadwin, Director of Economic Development Jeff Gottke, and Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz, who shared conceptual renderings of the two potential projects.

The full conversation on September 24 can be watched online on the City’s YouTube channel (@CityofGahanna).

If you weren’t able to attend the conversations and are interested in hearing more, check the Latest Updates on Gahanna.gov for more ways to learn about the future of Creekside! In the meantime, questions about either project can be submitted to Creekside@Gahanna.gov.

OUR GAHANNA

Thank you to everyone who shared input as we worked together to form the draft of the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan over the past 18 months. A finalized plan will be presented to City Council for adoption on Monday, October 13 at 7 p.m. As always, you can attend in person or watch the meeting on the City’s YouTube Channel (@CityofGahanna) to learn more. Comments on the plan can be made during hearing of visitors at the Regular City Council meetings on Monday, October 20 and Monday, November 3, which begin at 7 p.m. You can also receive updates by visiting OurGahanna.com or by signing up for the newsletter at Gahanna.gov (click on “Subscribe”).

FINANCE

The 2026 Operating and Capital Budget process will kick off with a Budget Workshop on Thursday, October 23 at 4 p.m. at City Hall. This is the first step in planning how your tax dollars will be invested in city services, infrastructure, parks, public safety, and more.

Budget discussions will continue during all Regular City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings through Monday, December 15, 2025.

We also invite residents to share their thoughts during two public hearings:

• Monday, November 17
• Monday, December 1

Your voice matters! We invite all residents to take part in the budget process—join us to listen, share your input, and help shape our community’s future.

825 TECH CENTER DRIVE

Progress has been steady and fast at the new Gahanna Civic Center, where landscaping and site finishes are being installed at the future home of the Gahanna Division of Police, the Senior Center, and City Hall. In the coming weeks, vegetation will be planted with the stormwater detention facility, which will improve the stormwater discharge into tributaries that flow into the Big Walnut Creek. Solar arrays that will effectively provide 10-20% of the building’s electrical supply have been installed and are expected to be brought online in the next few weeks. Additionally, the stone facade, representative of the pillars of our government, are being placed, allowing the character of the design to be brought to life.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to opening a facility designed to better serve our community for years to come. You can view Council meetings on the City’s YouTube channel (@CityofGahanna), where updates on the new Civic Center are regularly provided. Detailed information on the project, including all prior presentations, budget discussions, construction updates, and more, can be found at Gahanna.gov/825/.

PUBLIC SAFETY

A familiar face is stepping into a new leadership role as we congratulate Ethan Moffitt, who was recently promoted to Deputy Chief of Police of the Gahanna Division of Police.

In his new role, Deputy Chief Moffitt oversees both Field Services and Support Services. His leadership plays a key role in shaping the day-to-day operations and long-term strategy for the Division.

Deputy Chief Moffitt began his career with the Division in 1998, after serving for four years with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. His dedication and forward-thinking leadership have guided his progression through the ranks, from Sergeant to Lieutenant, and now to Deputy Chief.

Throughout his career with our Division, Deputy Chief Moffitt has led numerous efforts to enhance public safety in Gahanna – including advancements in technology, policy implementation, community-based strategies for effective policing, embracing and embodying the tenets of 21st Century Policing within the Division’s ethos, and integrating performance data analysis. A key area of his focus has been traffic safety, where he has championed efforts to reduce the causes of traffic crashes and improve roadway safety for all.

This promotion reflects both Deputy Chief Moffitt’s personal accomplishments as well as the Division’s commitment to growing strong leaders from within. We’re proud to support the continued development of those who serve and protect our community every day.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Smart homes and connected devices make life easier, but they can also open the door to cyber risks if left unprotected. Here are a few simple steps you can take to protect your household:

• Secure Your Wi-Fi Router - Your router is the gateway to all your connected devices. Change the default administrator password, use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, and choose a strong Wi-Fi password that isn’t easy to guess.
• Set Up a Guest Network - Most modern routers let you create a separate Wi-Fi network for visitors. This keeps your personal devices, like laptops, smart speakers, and security cameras more secure, even if a guest’s device is infected.
• Keep Devices Updated - Software updates often include security patches. Make it a habit to regularly update your router’s firmware, smart TVs, doorbell cameras, and any other connected gadgets.
• Unplug What You Don’t Use – Do you have an old smart plug or camera sitting idle? Disconnect it from the network until you need it. Fewer connected devices means fewer targets for hackers.
• Consider Smart Device Placement - If you have smart cameras or microphones, avoid pointing them at sensitive areas inside the home. A little strategic placement can protect your privacy.

By treating your home network like you would your front door - locked, monitored, and well-maintained - you’ll make it much harder for cyber intruders to get in.

HUMAN RESOURCES

The City of Gahanna is hiring!

If you would like to join our team, visit GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/Gahanna for current job postings and future openings when they are posted.

PARKS & RECREATION

We’re excited to announce that construction has begun on the City’s new Outdoor Exploration Center! This project on Price Road will transform a vacant, former residential home into a vibrant program center designed to connect our community with nature, creativity, and wellness.

The Center will be located next to nearly 50 acres of scenic parkland and along the Big Walnut Creek and the Big Walnut Trail - making it a perfect setting for outdoor and educational activities. Once complete, the Center will host a variety of programs, outdoor education and nature programs, cultural arts and creativity workshops, youth day camps, health and wellness activities and more.

Construction is expected to continue through summer 2026. We look forward to welcoming residents of all ages to this new space and to the many opportunities it will offer for learning, exploration, and community connection.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, October 11

BIG WALNUT CREEK & ROCKY FORK CREEK CLEANUP
Friendship Park, 9 – 11 a.m.
VolunteerGahanna.org

Saturday, October 11

BASSETFEST
Pizzurro Dog Park, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Presented by Ohio Basset Hound Rescue
OhioBassetRescue.org

Saturday, October 18

CLEANER GREENER GAHANNA LITTER PICK-UP
Friendship Park, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Presented by Make Gahanna Yours
MakeGahannaYours.com

Friday, October 24

GREAT GAHANNA GOBLIN FEST
Academy Park, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union
Gahanna.gov

Saturday, October 25

FALL SHRED & E-RECYCLE DAY
Gahanna City Hall, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Gahanna.gov

Thursday, October 30

TRICK OR TREAT
6 – 8 p.m.

Tuesday, November 4

ELECTION DAY
Polls open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 11

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
Veterans Memorial Park, 11 a.m.
Presented by the Gahanna Veterans Memorial Committee
GahannaVets.org

Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22

HOLIDAY MOVIES
Gahanna Sanctuary, 7 p.m.
Presented by Make Gahanna Yours
MakeGahannaYours.com

Sunday, November 23

HOLIDAY LIGHTS CELEBRATION
Creekside District, 3 – 6:30 p.m.
Presented by Visit Gahanna
VisitGahanna.com

Monday, November 24 through Tuesday, January 6

HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAY
Creekside Park & Plaza
Sundays-Thursdays, 5 – 9 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, 5-10 p.m.
Gahanna.gov

For more information on upcoming programs and activities happening in the City, check out the latest addition of Uniquely Gahanna and the Fall/Winter Explore Guide from Gahanna Parks & Recreation.