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[COLUMBUS, OH] -- On Monday, Council will consider $13 million in amendments to the Mayor’s proposed budget.
One key amendment allocates an additional $5 million to the Community Shelter Board to sustain the shelter system, a need that has been emphasized in past budget hearings. This brings the total General Fund support for shelters to $10.7 million, up from the initially proposed $5.7 million.
"Columbus increasingly has big-city problems, which means we need big-city solutions. Council was able to allocate additional funds to help shelters stay operational for now. But we need to continue to work to find long-term solutions for increased housing instability and homelessness," said Council President and Housing, Homelessness & Building Chair Shannon G. Hardin.
“We thank Mayor Ginther and Columbus City Council for recognizing the urgent need to sustain our city’s shelter system. This additional funding is a critical investment in the health and stability of our community, ensuring that people experiencing homelessness have a safe place to turn. While this funding helps us meet the immediate need, we must continue working together on long-term solutions that address housing instability at its root.” – CSB President + CEO, Shannon T.L. Isom.
This was a tight budget year, requiring tough decisions to balance immediate needs with long-term financial responsibility.
“I am proud to have led a process in partnership with the Administration that found creative ways to fund this city’s most pressing needs despite this budget’s austere nature” said Councilmember Nick Bankston. Funding our shelter system will always be a priority and is vital health of our city,” said Councilmember and Finance and Governance Chair Nick Bankston.
In addition to shelter funding, these amendments will support a range of other priorities, including:
- $2 million for the Columbus Promise program
- Housing initiatives related to eviction prevention and transit-oriented development
- Workforce development initiatives
- Human services partnerships, including nutrition programs, emergency shelters, extreme weather response, and support for veterans and seniors
- Support for small and minority businesses, including the Urban Business Connection Program and the Experience Columbus Minority Business Program
- Continuation of longstanding Council programs, such as Cleaner Columbus and Project Taillight
- Initiatives to support immigrants and refugee resettlement organizations
- A study on City historic preservation
Finally, these amendments will address a $1.5 million budget shortfall for 2025, caused by a slight revenue shortfall and a slight over-expenditure. This gap will be closed through reallocating dormant restricted-use funds, adjusting the Building & Zoning Services fund, restructuring a Department of Technology grant agreement, and reducing funding for economic development incentive payments.
Councilmembers remain committed to working in partnership with the Mayor to fund the Access to Counsel program and other critical initiatives to support Columbus residents.
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