It took a once-in-a-century pandemic to halt the population boom in Franklin County, if only briefly.

• New U.S. Census data shows the county lost population between April 2020 and July 2021.

Context: The latest data shows growth throughout Central Ohio outside of the metro center of Columbus.

By the numbers: Franklin County's population decreased 0.2%, or roughly 2,600 residents.

• Every other neighboring county gained population during that time period.
• The biggest gainers? Union and Delaware counties, which grew 3.5% and 3.1%, respectively.

State of play: Franklin County still recorded thousands of new residents moving in, but its year-to-year population loss came from a larger number of people moving out during the pandemic.

• The county also recorded nearly 1,500 coronavirus deaths during that period, though it was still among the few Ohio counties that saw more births than deaths.

Yes, but: This is almost certainly a blip amid the long-term growth in the 15-county Central Ohio region, which is still expected to reach a population of 3 million people by 2050, according to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.

• Franklin County hadn't seen a population decline in the last decade, Census data dating back to 2010 shows.

The big picture: Other major cities such as Nashville and Chicago also saw population declines between 2020-21 as workers took advantage of work-from-home arrangements and cheaper communities.

What they're saying: Franklin County should return to a net positive of population gain this year, says Michael Wilkos, a senior vice president of the United Way of Ohio who studies population and demographic trends.

• "This is a huge shift," he tells Axios. "But I am certain it is temporary and entirely (due) to the events of the past two years."

Explore the interactive state map.

We wrote about the national Ohio is for Leaders ad campaign last week and asked for your thoughts on the state trying to lure in new residents from the coasts.

👏 As always, you delivered — we received dozens of responses, each with a different (and stronger) opinion than the last.

Here are a few highlights, edited for length and clarity:

• Bob Peterseim: "Even though there are plenty of the hipster types you allude to in the area already, we welcome everyone, always. That's just how we are over here in the state that's round on the ends and high in the middle."
• Charleta B. Tavares: "We do not need to recruit more people to our state as the growth in Columbus (my home and Capitol) is outpacing many east, west and southwest cities."
• "We cannot currently keep up with the housing demands of our existing residents — let alone after the new Intel company relocates to Central Ohio."
• Adam W: "I applaud the effort by JobsOhio to draw people to the state. I have seen the majority of my college-educated friends leave Ohio for opportunities elsewhere (myself included for a time), so an effort to draw people from other states is important to stop the brain drain."
• "I think politics also plays a role. Ohio has gone from purple to red in the last 8 years. Drawing people from the coasts where there are typically more blue residents could be a way to rebalance the state."
• Baker C. Blanding: "As an Atlantan who relocated to Columbus in August 2021, I can say that one thing Ohio could definitely use is some increased diversity of thoughts and ideas. ... If the JobsOhio ads can convince people to move to Ohio and bring their style, nightlife, and energy with them to come and shake up some of this Midwest stagnation, then the more the merrier!"
• Jennifer Johnson: "Ohio is the center of the universe. That's it, the end."

Read more responses.

💰 Columbus City Council will vote this evening on a $19 million funding proposal for human services organizations addressing homelessness, infant mortality and workforce preparation. (City of Columbus)

📍 The Ohio Redistricting Commission has until 9am today to explain why it shouldn't be held in contempt of court for the state's ongoing voting map delays. (WOSU)

⛪ The Diocese of Columbus' new bishop, Earl Fernandes, will become the first Indian-American bishop in the entire Catholic Church when installed May 31. (Columbus Dispatch)

🌎 U.S. citizens will be able to select a third, gender-neutral option for passports beginning April 11. (Axios)

🏫 Pickerington North High School's principal resigned last week after failing to ensure supervision of a teen who returned to school after sexually assaulting two students. (WBNS)

😴 Don’t sleep on these new roles on our Local Job Board.

1. Communications Manager at First Congregational United Church of Christ.

2. Marketing Automation Technical Architect - Tech Consulting Manager at EY.

3. Media & Publications Marketing Manager at Covetrus.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a Job.

Sorry, Chicago. And move over, New York City.

A study by loan company Anytime Estimate confirms the obvious: though it's the subject of plenty of national debate, you just can't beat Columbus style pizza.

• OK, technically No. 1 Detroit and No. 2 Cleveland beat us. But third place isn't too shabby, right?

What they found: Columbus ranks third among the 50 largest U.S. cities for our pizza prowess, using totally scientific criteria like number of restaurants, affordability and Google search trends.

• Toppings-to-pizza ratio wasn't considered — obviously because nobody can compete with us.

📬 The intrigue: The study suggests visiting Columbus to try an "Ohio Valley-style pizza," with cold cheese and toppings.

• … is that seriously a thing? Hit reply if you've tried it.

We're always beaming with state pride in the Buckeye State … and it's good to know some things just never change.

🤔 We recently stumbled upon these postcards from the 1930s and '40s. Recognize any of these landmarks?