What's next for the Big Darby Accord
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Facing pressure from environmental activists and local government partners, the City of Columbus will delay voting to overhaul the Big Darby Accord until later this year.
Why it matters: As Central Ohio growth pushes west, the accord shapes development around Big Darby Creek — one of the Midwest's most biologically diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Catch up quick: Columbus and several other local governments created the agreement in 2006, but they have never updated it.
- An amendment process started in early 2025 with help from local firm MKSK, resulting in a new draft released in March.
- Each government partner must separately ratify it, and Columbus City Council was expected to be the first to move forward this month.
Yes, but: The process has been tense. Groups like the Darby Creek Association say the proposal's environmental protections don't go far enough.
- The City of Hilliard, its school district and two townships also expressed concerns about allowing denser development where they provide services.
- It's possible a data center could be coming to the area, also fueling controversy.
Also a factor: An Ohio Department of Natural Resources watershed study is pending, with results expected this fall.
The bottom line: "Columbus is prepared to move forward with the draft amendment and continues to believe this is the right path. This pause simply creates space to review that additional information," the city said in a statement.
- Meanwhile, the city will seek "an independent, experienced science advisor" and will create a "stakeholder advisory committee" to gather feedback.