Summer of service

Welcome to the summer edition of the Gahanna City Council newsletter. Dive into a season of service and civic engagement as we share updates on recent legislation, community initiatives, and the work your Council is doing to support Gahanna families and businesses. 

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

Highlights:

Advocating for local control & fiscal responsibility

Council adopted the 2026 Tax Budget (RES-0026-2025) and opposed state-level efforts to limit municipalities' financial tools through inside millage restrictions (RES-0030-2025), advocating to protect our local control over public resources.

Design, develop, deliver: infrastructure in action

Key contracts were approved to support sanitary sewer improvements, sidewalk repairs, and utility oversight, ensuring our sidewalks will be safer and our infrastructure stronger.

• West Gahanna Sanitary Relief Sewer design (ORD-0022-2025)
• 2025 Sidewalk Maintenance Lookback Program (ORD-0024-2025)
• Utility coordination and inspection services (ORD-0023-2025)

Protecting local interests & the environment

Council voted to join an Ohio Supreme Court case supporting taxpayers’ right to challenge how public funds are used (RES-0029-2025). This helps strengthen local voices in decisions that affect our community. Council also approved applying for Ohio’s Urban Forestry Grant Program to plant approximately 200 street trees near the I-270 outer belt (RES-0028-2025) promoting cleaner air, shade, and more vibrant neighborhoods.

We are here for you:

Honoring our heroes

Councilmembers attended Gahanna’s Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, honoring brave citizens who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our homes and families in the United States.

• Contact for more information: Councilmembers Bowers, McGregor, Schnetzer, and Weaver
• Dates: May 26, 2025

Lifting local businesses

Councilmember Padova joined city staff, the Chamber of Commerce, and local entrepreneurs in celebrating the grand opening of Performance Health Institute (located at 788 Morrison Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230). They recently relocated from another Gahanna location, expanding their services. In addition to traditional gym amenities, they arguably have the best sunset view of any gym in Central Ohio.

• Contact for more information: Councilmember Padova
• Dates: May 22, 2025

Celebrating culture, savoring connections 

Councilmembers joined neighbors for a month of music, art, food, friends and honoring our collective history. Councilmembers volunteered at the annual Pride Festival, and at the Blues and Jazz Festival, which hosted Gahanna's inaugural Juneteenth Celebration. The Juneteenth celebration was led by the Gahanna Juneteenth Committee, spearheaded by Councilmember Jones. 

• Contact for more information: Councilmembers Bowers, Jones, Schnetzer, Weaver
• Dates: June 13-15, & 26, 2025

Supporting initiatives like:

Our Gahanna: Vision Festival

In May, Councilmembers joined neighbors like you for Our Gahanna Vision Festival events, including Taco Tuesday and a Small Business networking meet-up. They spoke with fellow families and professionals from across Gahanna, sharing their hopes for Gahanna’s strategic future.

• Contact for more information: Councilmembers Bowers and Schnetzer
• Event Dates: May 6 & 7, 2025

Coming Soon  Our Gahanna: A Sweet Celebration

Now, it is time to see how your feedback has come to life!  Join us as the city unveils the Our Gahanna Draft Strategic Plan, a vision shaped by your voice and ideas. This special event is a celebration of our community’s collaboration and shared hopes for the future of Gahanna. 

Enjoy light refreshments, connect with neighbors, and be among the first to explore the draft plan that will help shape Gahanna’s future. Whether you were involved from the start or are just curious about what is next, everyone is invited.

Can’t make it? No worries! The Our Gahanna Roadshow will be popping up at locations across the city throughout September. More details, and an online survey, will be available soon. Please visit OurGahanna.com for more information.

• Details: 
  • Date: August 26, 2025
  • Time: 4:00–7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Creekside Plaza

Our Gahanna Vision Festival May Events

Citizens Academy

Councilmembers joined the second annual Citizens Academy Graduation, connecting with participants and enjoying a fun game that tested local government knowledge. Councilmembers praised the program and the dedication of participants and organizers. We hope participants consider applying for future volunteer opportunities on our boards and commissions! 

• Contact for more information: Councilmembers McGregor and Padova
• Dates: May 13, 2025

Citizens Academy 2025

School visits

Councilmember Renner joined Mayor Jadwin and staff in welcoming Middle School West students to City Hall for a lesson on civic engagement and local government. Students were delighted when Mr. Renner shared that our residents are the ultimate “bosses” of City leadership, including Council. We can not wait to see how these future leaders help shape Gahanna's future!

• Contact for more information: Councilmember Renner
• Dates: May 6, 2025

Thank you to all partners and volunteers for their continued dedication to making Gahanna a thriving and inclusive community!

Your Council has been hard at work:

Speaking from the heart

Councilmember Renner spoke passionately with neighbors about the importance of community engagement and support for the Feed the Kids - Columbus during the BAPS Charities Spirit of Service Walk in Gahanna.

• Contact for More Information: Councilmember Renner
• Dates: May 7, 2025

Sowing seeds of service

President Bowers hosted the Rathburn Woods Planting and Cleanup event, where she and Councilmember Padova joined neighbors in distributing supplies, picking up litter, and planting flowers at the neighborhood entrance. Padova also participated in the Make Gahanna Yours planting event. It was a busy and rewarding weekend, and a great way to jump into summer.

• Contact for More Information: Councilmembers Bowers and Padova
• Dates: May 10 & 11, 2025

Standing in the gap

Councilmember Jones was honored by the Women's Center for Economic Opportunity and Aspire Women’s Book of Business for her inspirational work bridging pathways of opportunity for women business owners.

• Contact for More Information: Councilmember Jones
• Dates: May 10, 2025

In 1922, just two years after the 19th Amendment secured women the right to vote, Laura M. Fisher made local history as the first woman elected to the Gahanna Village Council! During her tenure, Fisher played a key role in making critical decisions about establishing the Village’s first electrical system!

Connect with your local Councilmember

Gahanna has four Council wards. For those unsure of which ward they live in, the Council Office is happy to share an easy-to-use ward map, to help residents connect with their representatives. This tool is all about making local government more accessible. Plug in your address to find your Councilmember here!

Your Representatives

• Stephen Renner - Ward 1

• Michael Schnetzer - Ward 2

• Kaylee Padova - Ward 3

• Trenton Weaver - Ward 4

• Jamille Jones - Member at Large

• Merisa Bowers - Member at Large

• Nancy McGregor - Member at Large