Columbus plays host to mayors' conference

Why it matters: The gathering is a unique opportunity to show off our fair city to hundreds of local dignitaries.

• Plus, many of our civic concerns — such as public safety, tech growth and climate action — match the priority issues of the four-day convention.

State of play: Around 200 mayors of cities with over 30,000 residents are registered to attend, representing dozens of states.

• The Ohio delegation includes 18 such leaders, including New Albany's Sloan Spalding and Columbus' Andrew Ginther.

Zoom in: Panel topics include managing the influx of migrants, supporting startups, "tapping the power of DEI and accessibility," electric vehicles, developing passenger rail and promoting tourism.

• An "armchair discussion" this morning will highlight Columbus as a "model for public-private partnership."

What he's saying: Ginther tells Axios he is "really excited" for Columbus to host the meeting for the first time.

• He credits the organization for being one of the few bipartisan groups remaining in government.
• Ginther is the group's second vice president and is in line to serve as president starting in 2024.

The intrigue: The event's opening coincides with Gun Violence Awareness Day and is centered in a busy commercial district that has suffered from high-profile shootings this year.

• As mayors enjoy a trip to the art museum tonight, Ginther will attend a gun violence vigil at City Hall.
• Attendees passed a resolution last year urging Congress to enact universal background checks on all gun sales, red flag laws and a ban on 3D-printed "ghost guns."

Meanwhile, leaders will share complaints this weekend over state preemption — legislative efforts to curb their municipal authority to regulate guns, abortion and other issues.

• Ginther and City Attorney Zach Klein continue to battle state GOP officials in an effort to enact local gun safety laws.