Columbus' latest push for pay transparency
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As the U.S. gender pay gap widens for the second year in a row, Columbus City Council is seeking a local solution: requiring pay ranges on all job postings.
Why it matters: Women, people of color and people with disabilities earn less than their peers, and pay secrecy helps those gaps persist.
- Advocates say transparency helps job seekers negotiate fairly and reduces inequities over time.
State of play: Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla tells Axios this is especially important as Columbus grows, attracting new businesses.
Catch up quick: She's pitching the legislation as part of a new Columbus Forward package featuring one policy proposal from each of nine councilmembers.
- Her initiative builds on a 2023 ordinance banning employers from asking applicants about their pay history — another practice that perpetuates inequity.
How it works: Like the previous ordinance, this change wouldn't take effect for a year if approved, allowing time for education and outreach before enforcement would begin.
- Employers would be required to include "clear and reasonable pay ranges" on all postings for jobs performed within city limits.
- Those that don't could face penalties, such as fines.
The big picture: Cleveland approved a similar measure, effective later this month, and Cincinnati and Toledo already have them.
What they're saying: A rising tide lifts all boats, says Barroso de Padilla, who believes the change will create a fairer, more efficient system for everyone.
- "If you're coming to Columbus to do business, you need to do the business of Columbus."
The other side: The Columbus Chamber of Commerce opposed the 2023 pay-history ban and also "expressed reservations" about this proposal to the Dispatch.
- Flexibility "is essential as employers work to design compensation approaches that attract and retain top talent," president and CEO Derrick Clay said.
What's next: A public hearing is scheduled for 3pm Oct. 23 at City Hall, 90 W. Broad St., and will be streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
- Two readings are required before council could vote, which Barroso de Padilla expects will happen next month.
Go deeper: Learn why the gender pay gap is getting wider and why mothers are leaving the workforce.
Other initiatives we're watching
The Columbus Forward package unveiled last month aims to ensure our city's rapid growth benefits everyone, according to councilmembers.
What else is in the pipeline:
🧒 A youth programming analysis to map out what's available and address funding gaps.
⛪ "Yes in God's Backyard," a policy change to make it easier for churches to build housing.
🏠 New zoning permitting accessory dwelling units like backyard apartments.
🚧 Small business support during local construction projects.
🏛️ Preservation policy updates to ensure historic structures don't get lost in the shuffle.
♻️ Recycling expansion to help extend the life of our landfill.
- This proposal has a hearing 3:30pm Tuesday at Rumpke, 1190 Joyce Ave.
🚓 A public safety package for "modernized crime reporting" and more oversight of short-term rentals and festivals.
💰 Funding for programs supporting housing stability, plus mental health and addiction treatment.