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How Columbus City Council could change after Election Day

The difference between Issues 8 and 9 and how we got here.

News

Columbus voters will decide two overlapping, yet different proposed charter amendments on Tuesday&#x27;s ballot.Why it matters: City council will function differently if either — or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="both" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/20/columbus-city-council-reform-november-election" data-vars-content-id="b8f04ce5-c8a8-4c78-9927-a944847c4740" data-vars-headline="How Columbus City Council could change after Election Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/20/columbus-city-council-reform-november-election" target="_self">both</a> — of the proposals are passed by residents.<ul><li>The change would move Council toward direct &quot;ward&quot; style representation after years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/10/27/columbus-city-council-district-7-tiara-ross-jesse-vogel" data-vars-content-id="b8f04ce5-c8a8-4c78-9927-a944847c4740" data-vars-headline="How Columbus City Council could change after Election Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/10/27/columbus-city-council-district-7-tiara-ross-jesse-vogel" target="_self">increasing</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="criticism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2024/11/14/columbus-city-council-accepting-applicants-for-upcoming-vacancy-shayla-favor-district-7/76293529007/" data-vars-content-id="b8f04ce5-c8a8-4c78-9927-a944847c4740" data-vars-headline="How Columbus City Council could change after Election Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2024/11/14/columbus-city-council-accepting-applicants-for-upcoming-vacancy-shayla-favor-district-7/76293529007/" target="_blank">criticism</a>.</li></ul>

Weekend picks: Halloween parties around Columbus 

Parties for ravers, stargazers, kids and fashionistas.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s the last weekend of October — spend it in a costume.Our pick: Find a Halloween party.

Is this Columbus' nicest October in recorded history?

We attempted to define how many nice days we've had — it might be a record.

Columbus is in the midst of a beautiful stretch of weather — and by our calculations, it might be the nicest October we&#x27;ve ever had.Why it matters: It&#x27;s your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="favorite month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/06/13/october-best-month-ohio-survey" data-vars-content-id="f79aba3d-b8b3-4a9e-912e-7b6ab0d0b128" data-vars-headline="Is this Columbus&#x27; nicest October in recorded history?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/06/13/october-best-month-ohio-survey" target="_self">favorite month</a>, with Central Ohioans trick-or-treating, visiting pumpkin patches and attending football games and festivals.<ul><li>The near-perfect weather has enhanced all of it.</li></ul>

Child poverty falls nationwide but increases in Columbus

Columbus was one of just two large U.S. metro areas to see an increase between 2024 and 2025.

Columbus was one of just two major metros to see a notable increase in child poverty between 2024 and 2025, per new U.S. Census Bureau data. Why it matters: Columbus is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" data-vars-content-id="4879379b-5761-44ea-9d95-babfc7054f2b" data-vars-headline="Child poverty falls nationwide but increases in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" target="_self">growing</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="developing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/19/downtown-parking-lot-project-redevelopment" data-vars-content-id="4879379b-5761-44ea-9d95-babfc7054f2b" data-vars-headline="Child poverty falls nationwide but increases in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/19/downtown-parking-lot-project-redevelopment" target="_self">developing</a> and getting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more expensive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/07/home-prices-mortgage-rates-affordability-ohio" data-vars-content-id="4879379b-5761-44ea-9d95-babfc7054f2b" data-vars-headline="Child poverty falls nationwide but increases in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/07/home-prices-mortgage-rates-affordability-ohio" target="_self">more expensive</a>, all while tens of thousands of children and families grapple with life below the poverty line.

Why Columbus' first direct flight to Europe "raises the bar"

Lufthansa's Columbus-Frankfurt route will start flying in May 2027.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport is getting its first direct flight to Europe next year, with nonstop service to Frankfurt, Germany.Why it matters: The route will connect Columbus residents and businesses directly to Europe (and vice versa) — a new channel that leaders expect to bolster our economy and global reputation.

Downtown Columbus' shift from parking lots to projects

The city is seeing a trend of surface lot redevelopment — can it reinvigorate downtown?

Surface parking lots have become a target for major redevelopment projects, a shift matching a national trend that is reshaping the look and feel of downtown Columbus.Why it matters: Columbus has been striving for years to reinvigorate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/30/study-workers-residents-downtown-2026" data-vars-content-id="8f09bab8-6f3b-4832-9ef5-12f33d9d26aa" data-vars-headline="Downtown Columbus&#x27; shift from parking lots to projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/30/study-workers-residents-downtown-2026" target="_self">downtown</a>. Turning a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bevy of surface lots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/04/13/map-downtown-columbus-25-percent-parking-ohio" data-vars-content-id="8f09bab8-6f3b-4832-9ef5-12f33d9d26aa" data-vars-headline="Downtown Columbus&#x27; shift from parking lots to projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/04/13/map-downtown-columbus-25-percent-parking-ohio" target="_self">bevy of surface lots</a> into housing, retail and amenities can help create a neighborhood that stays beyond the workday.

Ridership steadies as Columbus fine-tunes micromobility deal

After a drop in year one, Veo and Spin ridership is stabilizing for scooters and bikes.

Usage of rentable scooters and bikes is stabilizing in Columbus, but the city and its partners are still trying to make their presence on streets and sidewalks less disruptive.Why it matters: Cities like Columbus encourage the alternatives to car travel, but are still grappling with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/03/e-scooters-injuries-kids" data-vars-content-id="383346cb-794d-46d5-9829-8e951e2c886b" data-vars-headline="Ridership steadies as Columbus fine-tunes micromobility deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/03/e-scooters-injuries-kids" target="_self">safety</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="logistics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/2026/08/02/which-columbus-area-cities-have-e-bike-scooter-restrictions/90973878007/" data-vars-content-id="383346cb-794d-46d5-9829-8e951e2c886b" data-vars-headline="Ridership steadies as Columbus fine-tunes micromobility deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/2026/08/02/which-columbus-area-cities-have-e-bike-scooter-restrictions/90973878007/" target="_blank">logistics</a>.

Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway

While some suburbs score well, Columbus lags behind most of Ohio in new study.

Columbus&#x27; biking infrastructure is average at best and below average in Ohio, per a bicycle advocacy group&#x27;s new study.Why it matters: The city and region are at a mobility inflection point — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spending tens of millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/22/ohio-linkus-walkability-bikeability-proposal" data-vars-content-id="f2d9c777-0531-45af-9976-d0fe13e7ed3c" data-vars-headline="Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/22/ohio-linkus-walkability-bikeability-proposal" target="_self">spending tens of millions</a> to improve and expand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="paths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/07/01/ohio-state-capital-budget-projects-statehouse" data-vars-content-id="f2d9c777-0531-45af-9976-d0fe13e7ed3c" data-vars-headline="Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/07/01/ohio-state-capital-budget-projects-statehouse" target="_self">paths</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="changing bike-share vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/19/veo-spin-ohio-report-bike-scooter" data-vars-content-id="f2d9c777-0531-45af-9976-d0fe13e7ed3c" data-vars-headline="Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/19/veo-spin-ohio-report-bike-scooter" target="_self">changing bike-share vendors</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trying to incentivize" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/14/ebike-rebate-program-subsidy-ohio-2024-bicycle" data-vars-content-id="f2d9c777-0531-45af-9976-d0fe13e7ed3c" data-vars-headline="Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/14/ebike-rebate-program-subsidy-ohio-2024-bicycle" target="_self">trying to incentivize</a> ridership.

Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians

Its fatality rate is nearly unchanged from a 2024 study.

Columbus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/12/street-safety-ohio-report-pedestrian" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/12/street-safety-ohio-report-pedestrian" target="_self">continues</a> to be one of the safer cities for pedestrians, though not as safe as its Ohio peers, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/12/pedestrian-safety-report-walkability-ohio" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/12/pedestrian-safety-report-walkability-ohio" target="_self">report</a> from Smart Growth America.Why it matters: Making our region more walkable has remained a top priority for local leaders, from improving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sidewalks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/22/ohio-linkus-walkability-bikeability-proposal" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/22/ohio-linkus-walkability-bikeability-proposal" target="_self">sidewalks</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic signals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/02/safer-left-turn-signals-pilot" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/02/safer-left-turn-signals-pilot" target="_self">traffic signals</a> to reducing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="speed limits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/07/19/columbus-ohio-speed-limits-pedestrian-safety" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/07/19/columbus-ohio-speed-limits-pedestrian-safety" target="_self">speed limits</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redesigning roads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/livingston-avenue-safety-improvements-speeding-concerns/530-9edb9657-88ee-4076-9022-a78a4a9b0d73" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/livingston-avenue-safety-improvements-speeding-concerns/530-9edb9657-88ee-4076-9022-a78a4a9b0d73" target="_blank">redesigning roads</a>.

What's next for Columbus' old Greyhound station

The wheels keep turning, but redevelopment is slow going.

This month marks four years since Columbus&#x27; old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greyhound" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/18/ohio-greyhound-bus-stop-controversy" data-vars-content-id="40fd3441-c0fe-4d64-92c2-3f88948b4bc5" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for Columbus&#x27; old Greyhound station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/18/ohio-greyhound-bus-stop-controversy" target="_self">Greyhound</a> bus station shut down, and the wheels keep turning behind the scenes on its potential redevelopment.Why it matters: The site sits on 2.6 acres of prime real estate in the heart of downtown, but it was plagued with crime and violence in its final years as a transit terminal.

After vendor shakeup, micromobility use dips

A report shows trips fell 19% as Columbus enforces parking and ADA rules for rented scooters and bikes.

A year after launching new bike and scooter share partnerships, Columbus is seeing a decrease in riders as the city continues to try to rid sidewalks of obstructive and annoying devices.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deals with Veo and Spin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/27/veo-scooter-bike-vendor-rental-ohio" data-vars-content-id="7b16f20e-6f58-4460-99e8-f3d35d26dcd3" data-vars-headline="After vendor shakeup, micromobility use dips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/27/veo-scooter-bike-vendor-rental-ohio" target="_self">Deals with Veo and Spin</a> shifted the city&#x27;s micromobility paradigm by limiting the number of companies operating scooters, bringing in revenue and formalizing standards and fines.

Ohio's funny highway signs aren't going anywhere

New federal rules urge simpler signs, but aren't a ban on humor.

Holiday travelers probably saw highway signs declaring &quot;Santa sees you when you&#x27;re speeding&quot; and &quot;only the menorah should be lit — drive sober.&quot;Why it matters: Two years ago, reports warned of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a federal &quot;ban&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/01/17/federal-highway-administration-ban-funny-electronic-signs/72253799007/" data-vars-content-id="f686986f-4f9d-47f5-bdc4-fa3d552e3391" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s funny highway signs aren&#x27;t going anywhere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/01/17/federal-highway-administration-ban-funny-electronic-signs/72253799007/" target="_blank">a federal &quot;ban&quot;</a> on humorous digital highway signs taking effect this past weekend.<ul><li>But like a tire, it seems the warnings were a bit … inflated.</li></ul>

Why it's hard to get your joke on an Ohio highway sign

ODOT accepts sign ideas from the public, but few make the cut.

Coming up with those clever safety messages <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="you see on highways" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/20/ohio-funny-highway-signs-federal-guidelines" data-vars-content-id="87015fae-8d2f-4d6d-b3fc-bacabb6d049d" data-vars-headline="Why it&#x27;s hard to get your joke on an Ohio highway sign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/20/ohio-funny-highway-signs-federal-guidelines" target="_self">you see on highways</a> is a surprisingly thorough process, with a state transportation officials planning the schedule weeks in advance.The intrigue: Drivers can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="submit their own ideas" data-vars-click-url="https://zerodeaths.transportation.ohio.gov/create-your-message.aspx" data-vars-content-id="87015fae-8d2f-4d6d-b3fc-bacabb6d049d" data-vars-headline="Why it&#x27;s hard to get your joke on an Ohio highway sign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://zerodeaths.transportation.ohio.gov/create-your-message.aspx" target="_blank">submit their own ideas</a> — nearly 400 did last year, public records show.

Columbus gas prices hit 3-year low

Drivers are paying around $2.60 a gallon — 60 cents cheaper than last year.

Central Ohio gas prices kicked off 2026 at their lowest point in at least three years, per GasBuddy data.By the numbers: Local prices have been hovered around $2.60 per gallon over the past week — around 60 cents cheaper than this time last year.

Transit 🚗

Why Columbus' first direct flight to Europe "raises the bar"

Downtown Columbus' shift from parking lots to projects

Ridership steadies as Columbus fine-tunes micromobility deal

Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway

Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians