MAYOR'S OFFICE

Staying connected is what keeps Gahanna strong, informed, and thriving. There are so many ways to get involved and stay up to date with what's happening across our community. 

We're active on Facebook, lnstagram, and Linkedln, so you can follow along wherever you're most comfortable. You can also visit Gahanna.gov for news, resources, and city updates, or subscribe to our City, Parks & Recreation, and Senior Newsletters to have information delivered straight to your inbox. 

All of our public meetings—including City Council sessions, board and commission meetings, and town hall conversations—are available to view anytime on the City's YouTube page, making it easier than ever to stay informed about your local government in action. 

I'm also excited to share the launch of our new podcast, Our Gahanna—a fresh way to hear stories, updates, and conversations about the people and projects shaping our city. And of course, our print newsletter—delivered with every water bill—remains a reliable source for important city news and updates. 

From budget discussions and capital projects to new businesses and community events, there's always something happening in Gahanna, and we're committed to helping you stay informed every step of the way. If you ever have a question or concern, please reach out. I'm in the office daily throughout the week and at community events, because connecting with residents is one of the most meaningful parts of this role. 

If you send an email and don't receive a reply, it may be due to security filters with the City's network. In that case, please give us a call directly—we're always happy to help. 

Let's keep the conversation going, Gahanna. Stay engaged, stay informed, and stay connected.

CREEKSIDE REIMAGINED

Creekside represents more than just a place—it's the heart of Gahanna, where people come together to live, work, and play. Through surveys, event participation, and everyday conversations, residents have voiced their desire to see Creekside continue to grow into a lively and vibrant destination for all who call Gahanna home.

To bring that vision to life, two separate and distinct projects are being proposed—one a public improvement project for the Creekside Plaza and garage, and the other a private investment project that would add housing, restaurants, a boutique hotel, and a supporting parking garage to the area. Together, these efforts aim to reimagine the Creekside District as a dynamic space that supports our community's future while celebrating its unique character.

In addition to many public conversations on these projects, we've launched CreeksideReimagined.com, where you can find detailed information on both projects, including links to past presentations and community discussions. Questions can also be directed to Creekside@Gahanna.gov, a dedicated email address monitored daily by city staff.

On Monday, November 17, during its Regular Meeting, City Council is expected to vote on the development agreement for the private investment proposal. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, and all are welcome to attend. If you're unable to join in person, the meeting will be livestreamed on the City's YouTube channel (@CityofGahanna).

We look forward to continuing this important conversation and engaging with you as, together, we reimagine the future of Creekside.

OUR GAHANNA

Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas, perspectives, and feedback as we worked together to shape the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan & Economic Development Strategy. On Monday, November 3, City Council unanimously adopted the Plan, marking an important milestone for our city's future.

The process to create a new plan was truly a community-driven effort, developed through a year of conversations, workshops, surveys, and collaboration among residents, elected officials, business leaders, and city staff. The result is a shared vision and a practical roadmap to guide decisions and investments that will help Gahanna continue to thrive, succeed, and prosper for years to come.

Our Gahanna is more than just a document—it reflects the values, priorities, and aspirations of the people who call Gahanna home. Together, we’ve created a plan by the community and for the community, ensuring that our growth and progress continue to reflect what matters most to our residents.

To view the Strategic Plan and Economic Development Strategy, go to Gahanna.gov (under "Our Government").

FINANCE

The 2026 Operating and Capital Budget process is underway, with conversations ongoing as to how your tax dollars will be invested in city services, infrastructure, parks, public safety, and more in the coming year.

Budget discussions will continue every Monday through December 15, at Finance Committee meetings held immediately following Regular Council or Committee of the Whole meetings.

We also invite you to share your thoughts on the proposed budget at two public hearings, which will occur during Regular Council Meetings, beginning at 7 p.m., on the following dates:

• Monday, November 17
• Monday, December 1

Your voice matters! Join us to listen, share your input, and help shape our community's future. To view the proposed budget, go to the link under Latest Updates at Gahanna.gov.

825 TECH CENTER DRIVE

Construction is moving right along at 825 Tech Center Drive—the future home of the Gahanna Division of Police, the Senior Center, and City Hall!

Check out the latest edition of Uniquely Gahanna, which highlights what you can look forward to when the new Civic Center opens in early 2026. If you haven't received your copy yet, you can read it anytime by visiting Gahanna.gov.

We'll continue to share updates as we get closer to opening this new space—designed to make it easier than ever to connect with City services and support our growing community for years to come.

You can also watch City Council meetings on our YouTube channel (@CityofGahanna), where regular project updates are shared. Additional information on the project, including all prior presentations, budget discussions, construction updates, and more, can be found at Gahanna.gov/825/.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Planning a winter getaway or spending the holidays with loved ones? The Gahanna Division of Police offers a House Watch Program to help give you peace of mind while you're away. Officers will periodically check your residence, helping to ensure your home stays safe in your absence.

To submit a House Watch request:

• Visit Gahanna.gov
• Click on "Police" under the "Departments" tab
• Click the "File Reports & Requests" button on the home screen
• Select the OpenGov link to access the House Watch Request Form

Please note: All requests must be submitted online. Paper and fax submissions are no longer accepted. If you need assistance, contact us at (614) 342-4460.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Kids grow up surrounded by technology, so teaching online safety is as essential as teaching them to cross the street. We urge you to talk with your kids early and often about what’s appropriate to share and remind them that what goes online can stay there. Consider setting family rules for screen time and creating device-free zones like bedrooms or the dinner table. You can also use parental controls and review app permissions to help protect your child’s privacy. Most importantly, keep communication open. If something online feels “off,” kids should know they can come to you first.

FOOD COMPOSTING

Good news, Gahanna—we are expanding opportunities to reduce waste in our community! Thanks to a grant from SWACO, composting is now available at Woodside Green Park, in addition to the compost bins located at Friendship Park.

For guidelines on composting, please click HERE.

EV CHARGING STATIONS

Charge your electric vehicle (EV) faster, thanks to new improvements that have been made to Gahanna's EV charging network! The City has installed or upgraded EV hardware and software at six locations throughout the community—Friendship Park, Hannah Park, the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course, Gahanna City Hall, the Creekside Parking Garage, and the High Street municipal parking lot.

These updates will enhance reliability, improve charging speed, and provide a smoother experience for EV drivers.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Winter may be on the way, but we're already planning for warmer days ahead. Beginning Monday, December 1, the City will start recruiting for seasonal positions—including lifeguards, camp counselors, concession workers, paddleboat staff, and more!

If you're interested in working for the City—or know someone who'd love a fun, rewarding summer job while giving back to our community—click HERE to learn more and apply once the positions are posted.

PUBLIC SERVICE

We are again excited to provide residents with an opportunity to dispose of pumpkins in an environmentally-friendly way! Now through Tuesday, December 9, a special composting bin will be in place at Lower McCorkle Park (425 Olde Ridenour Road) for residents to use to drop off their pumpkins. This composting option is being offered in partnership with Local Waste.

For more details, please go to Gahanna.gov.

Yard Waste

Fall is here, and our beautiful Gahanna trees are shedding their leaves. While leaf raking isn't required, please remember that yard waste should be set out with your trash and recycling no earlier than 5 p.m. on the day before your collection day.

We want to keep our community looking its best, so do not blow or rake leaves into the street as this can block storm drains and cause flooding. Property owners are responsible for keeping the curbs and gutters in front of their home clear. For more information about proper yard waste disposal, click HERE.

PARKS & RECREATION

Get ready to shine bright at the Holiday Lights Celebration, presented by Visit Gahanna, on Sunday, November 23, from 3 - 6:30 p.m. in the Creekside District! This beloved community tradition marks the start of the holiday season with fun, family-friendly festivities for all ages.

After enjoying the celebration, don't miss the chance to explore the breathtaking Holiday Lights Display. Stroll through Creekside Park & Plaza, where more than 300,000 sparkling lights will illuminate the trail for a magical holiday experience. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or enjoy dinner at one of Creekside's great local restaurants as you take in the sights.

The lights will glow throughout the season—from Monday, November 24 through Tuesday, January 6. Viewing hours are 5 – 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 5 – 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, November 11

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
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

Monday, December 1 through Thursday, December 25

SANTA HOTLINE – (614) 478-1061
Presented by Visit Gahanna and FutureCom Technologies
VisitGahanna.com

Beginning Tuesday, December 2

GIVE TO GAHANNA
Presented by a committee of the Gahanna Area Arts Council
GivetoGahanna.org

Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6

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

Saturday, December 6

THE SANTA RACE 5K AND LITTLE REINDEER DASH
Academy Park, 9 a.m.
Presented by Visit Gahanna
TheSantaRace.com

Saturday, December 6

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Gahanna Historical Settlement, 12 – 3 p.m.
Presented by the Gahanna Historical Society
GahannaHistory.com

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.