Spring into Community!

Welcome to the Spring edition of the Gahanna City Council newsletter. As the days grow longer and the weather warms, your City Council remains hard at work, moving our community forward. In this edition, learn about updates on recent legislation, how it impacts you and your neighbors, as well as ways to get involved.

In this edition, you will find:

1. Legislative Highlights – Summaries of recent legislation 
2. Community Highlights – Local initiatives
3. From the Archives – Local history 
4. Member Spotlights – Updates on Councilmember activities
5. In the Know – Contact information & constituent hours
6. Want to Know More? – Helpful resource links

Gahanna City Council

Legislative Highlights

Bimonthly Updates: March - April 2025

Your Council has been busy supporting community priorities, paving the way for needed improvements. If you missed a meeting, here is a quick overview:

• Regular Meetings: March 3, March 17, April 7, April 21
• Committee of the Whole: March 10, March 24, April 14, April 28

Community Representation

Council made several board appointments and legislative updates to strengthen community engagement and board governance: 

• New Community Authority – Council appointed Alan Ohman and Ross Goldsmith as citizen trustees to the NCA and confirmed the process for future board appointments (MT-0003-2025, MT-0004-2025, RES-0005-2025).
• Grants & Appeals Panels – Council named Travis Polk and Nancy Gurwin to the 2025 Community Grants Review Panel and appointed Holly Haines to fill a vacancy on the Property Appeals Board (MT-0005-2025, MT-0006-2025, MT-0007-2025.
• Ordinance Update – Council amended the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, Property Appeals Board procedures, simplifying steps and promoting consistency (ORD-0009-2025).

Meet Our New Intern!

The Council Office is happy to renew its partnership with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) internship program. Following the successful completion of the 2024 program with student Charlie Schneider, Council approved the seasonal employment of Gahanna native Nathan Graves through the 2025 program (RES-0006-2025).

Visit Legistar for complete agendas with legislative details, or sign up for agendas delivered directly to your inbox.

Community Highlights

Celebrating Service and Engagement in Gahanna. From community partnerships to acts of advocacy and celebration, Gahanna City Council continues to champion community involvement and civic pride.

Connecting Compassionate Communities

Affordable Housing remains a top priority for our community members and for Council. Councilmembers participated in the quarterly Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio (AHACO) meeting, a statewide working group facilitated by the Greater Ohio Policy Center. Elected leaders and housing advocates came together to address affordability with urgency, humility, creativity, and hope.

President Bowers also enjoyed attending Gahanna's Giving Local 1OO+ Women (GLOW) Spring Gather to Give, as a guest, congratulating the Central Ohio Beekeepers Charitable Foundation (COBCF), Dreams on Horseback, and the Gahanna Community Chorus on their thoughtful and compelling presentations.

Contact for More Information: Councilmembers Bowers and Jones
Dates: April 9, and April 23, 2025

Galvanizing Gahanna

At the annual State of the City Open House, Councilmembers enjoyed meaningful conversations with community members, celebrating Gahanna’s many achievements and sharing updates and insights on Council priorities.

Contact for More Information: Council Office
Date: March 27, 2025

From the Archives

Diamonds & Diplomacy - by Sophia McGuire 

Member Spotlights

Councilmember Activities

Councilmembers Contribute to Community Cleanup

This April, Councilmembers joined the Make Gahanna Yours community litter cleanup, jumping in across the city. With support from Councilmember Jones, Vice President Weaver and Councilmember Renner tackled sections along Route 62, while Councilmember Schnetzer and his sons worked near Café Creekside. President Bowers is joining her neighbors for a cleanup and beautification event this May.

Date: April 19, 2025

Guiding Governance

Councilmember Renner heartily accepted an invitation to join the advisory board of Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, welcoming another opportunity to support civic leadership.

Date: March 21, 2025

Advocates in Action

Councilmember Jones met with Kiwanis K. Kids at Royal Manor Elementary, offering insight into public service as an elected official and encouraging young students to envision themselves as future leaders.

Councilmember Schnetzer joined the Gahanna Football Coaches Clinic, where coaches from all levels united to strengthen the program and celebrate shared values. Coach Bruce Ward highlighted the culture-driven success of Gahanna’s high school team, with 27 players advancing to college football in just three years!

President Bowers (quarter marathon runner) joined Gahanna Police Department Sgt. Kaylea Pertz (half marathon runner) at the Cap City Half & Quarter Marathon, passing along her congratulations to all runners and walkers! This event celebrates healthy lifestyles and raises funds for the OhioHealth Foundation.

Dates: April 8, 24 and 26, 2025

Policy Pulse

Vice President Weaver deepened his understanding of emerging policy trends and development insights, participating in several key forums, including:

• Hot Topics for Ohio Political Subdivisions: Housing Development – March 6, 2025
• The Business Journals’ Downtowns Redefined – March 17, 2025
• Ohio Municipal League’s Statehouse Update – April 24, 2025

Honoring Our Heroes

President Bowers joined city staff and administration in celebrating the retirement of Officer Sherman Buck, who faithfully served the Gahanna Division of Police for 25 years. At a heartfelt ceremony outside police headquarters, attendees honored Officer Buck’s dedication to public safety and his lasting impact on the community. Gratitude was extended to his family for their support throughout his years of service.

Vice President Weaver joined neighbors at Gahanna’s third annual Walk in Our Boots 5K, hosted by the American Legion Post 797 at the Veterans Memorial Park at Creekside. This community-driven event honors Columbus area veterans and raises funds to support veterans’ journey in overcoming challenges, including homelessness.

Date: March 10, and May 3, 2025                                                   

In the Know

Stay Connected with Your City Council!

We would love to hear from you! Stay engaged by reaching out to your Councilmembers, attending meetings, or joining a community event. Contact information for Councilmembers is included below.

Meet the Council Office

Council Office Staff

councilstaff@gahanna.gov

Want to Know More?

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