MAYOR'S OFFICE

As we welcome the New Year, we do so at a remarkable moment – one filled with progress, possibility, and promise for our city.

In the opening days of 2026, Gahanna will celebrate the opening of the new Gahanna Lincoln High School, welcoming students to a modern learning environment. This investment by Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools and our community is a meaningful milestone, reflecting a long-term commitment to education and to the future of our young people.

Then, in a few short months, we’ll gather again to celebrate the opening of the new Gahanna Civic Center, enhancing accessibility to services for residents. Three years in the making, this project brings several important services together in one convenient location:

• A new home for the Gahanna Division of Police, equipping our public safety professionals with improved training and operational space that reflects and supports modern policing practices;
• An expanded Senior Center, offering 116% more programmable space for programs and activities, along with flexible space for community meetings and gatherings; and,
• City Hall operations, designed with upgraded technology and workspaces to help City staff better serve our residents.

2026 also marks an important shift from planning to action. With the launch of Our Gahanna, the City’s new Strategic Plan and Economic Development Strategy, we’ll begin putting the community’s ideas into motion. Shaped by more than 9,000 pieces of feedback from residents and local partners, the plan reflects what matters most to the people who call Gahanna home.

For the first half of the year, work will continue on reimaging the future for our downtown, as a private development team completes their due diligence on properties in the Creekside District. This $100 million proposed mixed-use development represents a private investment in our community that will add housing, restaurant and retail space, a boutique hotel, and supportive parking to Creekside – generating needed foot traffic, energy, and vibrancy to strengthen our community core.

At the same time, we remain focused on investing in the things that you, our residents, rely on every day. This includes a $5 million street program, major infrastructure improvements such as the Taylor Road waterline replacement, and continued improvements to parks and public spaces – highlighted by a $6 million investment at Academy Park that will enhance recreational opportunities for all ages, and the anticipated summer opening of the new Outdoor Exploration Center on Price Road that will offer expanded programming, hands-on learning experiences, and flexible meeting space for the community.

Of course, we’ll also continue to welcome you to a full lineup of events and activities that you’ve come to love—like the Eggs-Hilarating Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28; the Spring Shred and E-Recycle Event on Saturday, April 25; and the return of Creekside Live, kicking off Friday, May 29.

Together, these projects and services reflect our shared commitment to keeping Gahanna a great place to live, work, and play. We’re excited about the year ahead and hope you’ll join us in all that 2026 has to offer.

FINANCE

As tax season approaches, please remember that the City of Gahanna has a mandatory municipal income tax filing requirement. All residents and individuals with earned income in Gahanna are required to file a 2025 income tax return.

If you believe you qualify for an exemption, be sure to complete and submit the appropriate exemption form by the required deadline. A link to the exemption form can be found at Gahanna.gov/163/Income-Tax.

The City of Gahanna’s local income tax is administered by the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA). Tax forms, helpful resources, and additional information are available at RITAOhio.com. You may also contact RITA directly at 1-800-860-7482 for assistance.

825 TECH CENTER DRIVE

Construction is moving along at 825 Tech Center Drive, the future home of Gahanna’s new Civic Center – bringing together police headquarters, the Senior Center, and City Hall operations all under one roof. The project is now about 88% complete, and the changes are easy to see for anyone passing by.

Major elements of the exterior are now in place. Solar arrays and parking lot lights are in place, parking areas have been paved, and safety features have been installed throughout the site. The multi-use trail in front of the building is complete, and landscaping is nearly finished, helping the area take on its final look. Stonework on the exterior is still underway and will wrap up in the coming weeks.

Inside, work on the third floor has entered the “punch list” phase, where final quality checks are made and minor items are addressed before completion. Exterior doors have been installed, and furniture installation will begin in early January.

It’s exciting to see this important community project coming together. We’ll continue to share updates as we get closer to opening. You can watch City Council meetings on our YouTube channel (@CityofGahanna) for regular project updates, and find more information – including presentations, budget details, and prior updates – at Gahanna.gov/825/.

PUBLIC SAFETY

This holiday season, the Gahanna Division of Police embraced the spirit of giving through several meaningful community initiatives. On Monday, December 8, officers hosted a second Mental Health Matters resource fair at the Gahanna Library. While the holidays can bring joy, they can also bring stress, loneliness, and financial uncertainty for many. 15 community vendors were on hand to share tools and resources with residents. Mental health remains an ongoing priority in 2026, and planning is already underway for another event in the spring. In the meantime, links to resources can be found on our website at Gahanna.gov/526/Community.

On Wednesday, December 10, officers again partnered with Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools to host the 10th Annual Shop with a Cop. The evening began with a shared meal at Roosters, followed by a shopping experience at Meijer for nine families and their 22 children. Those children selected gifts and essentials, while building positive connections with officers and educators. The night was filled with smiles and lasting memories.

Officers also supported the 8th Annual Starfish Assignment Coat Drive, sponsored by American Electric Power (AEP) Ohio. A total of 400 brand-new winter coats were sorted and delivered across Central Ohio, including to Gahanna students in need.

PUBLIC SERVICE

Our crews have already responded to multiple winter weather events this season, and they remain committed to improving our road conditions as safely and quickly as possible.

When snow is in the forecast, please move your vehicles off the street whenever possible. Clear streets allow plow trucks to safely and efficiently clear snow, helping to improve road conditions for the entire community. To learn more about how the City handles snow and ice removal, visit Gahanna.gov/220/Snow-Removal.

Christmas Tree Disposal

With the holidays behind us, it’s time to think about disposing of your Christmas tree. After removing all decorations, simply place your tree at the curb on your regular trash collection day for pickup by Local Waste. To help ensure safe and efficient collection, please remember that trees taller than five feet must be cut in half.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Card skimmers are hidden devices criminals attach to ATMs, gas pumps, or payment terminals to steal card information. Before using a machine, check for anything loose, crooked, or unusual. If it looks tampered with, choose another location. When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your hand to block hidden cameras. Use credit cards instead of debit cards when possible, as they offer better fraud protection. Finally, monitor your bank statements regularly and report suspicious charges right away - early action makes all the difference.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Recruitment is already underway for our 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 and rewarding summer job while giving back to the community — go to GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/Gahanna to learn more and apply.

DOG LICENSE RENEWAL

Our partners with the Franklin County Auditor’s Office have asked us to share that dog owners can purchase their 2026 licenses without penalty now through Saturday, February 28. Dog licenses are available to purchase online at DogLicense.FranklinCountyOhio.gov/ or at the Auditor’s Office license counter at 373 S. High St., 21st Floor, in downtown Columbus. The counter is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to being required by state law, dog licensing ensures that a dog has been vaccinated against rabies, which is required in Franklin County. It also ensures that any lost dog is quickly returned to their owners. License fees help support the Franklin County Dog Shelter.

PARKS & RECREATION

2026 Summer Camp Registration

Despite the cold temperatures, summer camp season will be here quickly!

Registration for our summer camps opens on Thursday, February 26 for Gahanna residents, with non-resident registration beginning on Monday, March 2. To help ensure a smooth process, please verify that your WebTrac account username and password are working before registration opens. Camp details and additional information will be available soon, so keep an eye on Gahanna.gov and the City’s social media channels for updates.

Register early to secure your spot!

2026 Pool Memberships and Daily Admission Rates

Thanks to your support, we have been able to reduce our pool membership and daily entry rates starting this year!

Pool memberships are now on sale, and early bird rates are available through Tuesday, March 31. Pool members receive unlimited access to the Gahanna Swimming Pool, Gahanna Splashpad, and the Hunters Ridge Pool. Members also receive discounted program registration/participation fees, free admission to all pool events, and discounted shelter rentals.

Memberships can be purchased online at Gahanna.gov or in person at Gahanna City Hall. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The first 100 to purchase a 2026 pool membership will receive five (5) free daily entry passes!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, February 15

2026 GAHANNA CHOCOLATE WALK
Creekside District, 1 – 5 p.m.
Presented by Give to Gahanna
Tickets: tinyurl.com/2026GahannaChocolateWalk

Saturday, March 28

EGGS-HILARATING EGG HUNT
Hannah Park, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Sensory-friendly timeslot: 10:30 a.m.)
Gahanna.gov

Saturday, April 18

GAHANNA BIKE RODEO
Location TBD, 9 – 11 a.m.
Gahanna.gov

Saturday, April 18 – Saturday, April 25

FREE TREE GIVEAWAY
Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN) – 161 Granville Street
Gahanna.gov

Saturday, April 25

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

Saturday, May 2

HERB DAY
Creekside Plaza, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Presented by Visit Gahanna
VisitGahanna.com