MAYOR'S OFFICE

We’re excited to introduce Our Gahanna, a new podcast created to keep residents, businesses, and community partners connected and informed. It’s another way for us to meet you where you are and keep you informed about what’s happening across the City.

Each episode dives into important projects and issues impacting our community, as well as the people, places, and stories that make Gahanna a great place to call home. Episodes are free on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Deezer, and Amazon Music.

Our first episode begins a two-part conversation on the future of Creekside, featuring local business owners discussing what potential redevelopment means for them.

Between these two episodes, we’ve shared conversations with Community Liaison Officers Blair Thomas and Ann Jodon, who share insights on their roles in the Gahanna Division of Police and how they support mental health in our community.

In addition to the podcast, there are many ways to stay connected. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates and highlights, or visit Gahanna.gov for news, resources, and city information. You can also subscribe to our City, Parks & Recreation, and Senior Newsletters to receive updates directly to your inbox.

All public meetings — including City Council sessions, board and commission meetings, and town hall conversations — are available anytime on the City’s YouTube channel (@CityofGahanna), making it easier than ever to stay informed and engaged with your local government.

As we enter the new year, we hope you continue to stay engaged, stay informed, and stay connected!

CREEKSIDE REIMAGINED

On Monday, November 17, City Council approved a private development agreement with Connect Realty, Benson Capital, and the Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation, following the project’s initial presentation on Monday, September 22.

This decision comes after two months of extensive community engagement. The City hosted a community conversation, held focus groups with Creekside residents and businesses, met with neighborhood and business organizations, and conducted one-on-one discussions. We also gathered ongoing email feedback, held seven weeks of public discussion at Council and Committee of the Whole meetings, and conducted a formal public hearing to provide an opportunity for the public to provide input. Questions and concerns conveyed through our dedicated email address (Creekside@Gahanna.gov) continue to inform the FAQs at CreeksideReimagined.com, where residents can also find project documents and background materials.

While recent conversations have been active and thoughtful, the work to reimagine Creekside began many years ago. Since the opening of the Creekside development in 2007, residents and business owners have consistently expressed a desire for a more vibrant, active district. Community input from a 2009 survey, the Olde Gahanna Vision Plan, the 2019 Land Use Plan, and several other studies helped shape a shared vision for Creekside’s future. These efforts guided the Creekside Redevelopment Strategy, which launched in 2021, was introduced publicly in 2022, and was the subject of a live-streamed Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall discussion can be viewed on the City’s YouTube page (@CityofGahanna).

The proposal approved last month reflects that long-standing vision – a balance of community priorities and private-sector investment aimed at supporting a thriving Creekside District. The agreement represents approximately $100 million in private investment into the District – a significant commitment by the development partners to help bring the community’s vision to life. It also aligns with Our Gahanna, the City’s recently adopted Strategic Plan and Economic Development Strategy, which identifies Creekside as a top community priority.

Approval of this agreement is just the first step in a long process. The next phase includes extensive planning work, beginning with the developer’s due diligence on the property. This will be followed by the submission of detailed development plans, review by City departments, and consideration by the Planning Commission, which offers additional opportunities for public input. Project milestones and updates will continue to be shared at CreeksideReimagined.com.

FINANCE

Following two months of discussions, including two Public Hearings, City Council will vote on the Administration’s proposed 2025 budget at the Regular Council Meeting to be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 15. Residents and members of the public can weigh in on the budget and other topics during the Hearing of Visitors portion of the meeting, which will be held prior to the vote. Livestreams of all previous budget discussions (which began on Thursday, October 23 and were held every Monday thereafter) can be found on the City’s YouTube channel (@CityofGahanna).

825 TECH CENTER DRIVE

As construction progresses at the new Gahanna Civic Center - the future home of the Gahanna Division of Police, the Senior Center, and City Hall - students from the Eastland-Fairfield Architecture & Construction Management Program at Gahanna Lincoln High School had an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the building.

Through this partnership between the City and School District, students were able to see key classroom concepts, such as site planning, construction management, and architectural design, come to life on an active job site. Experiences like this provide students valuable hands-on insight into how large-scale public projects are planned, developed and managed, directly connecting their education to potential careers in construction, design, and architecture.

The City of Gahanna is proud to partner with our local schools to create meaningful, real-world learning opportunities that inspire the next generation of professionals who will help shape our community’s future. Be sure to watch City Council meetings on our YouTube channel (@CityofGahanna), where regular project updates are shared. Additional information on the project, including prior presentations, budget discussions, construction updates, and more, can be found at Gahanna.gov/825/.

PUBLIC SAFETY

We’re proud to share exciting news! The Gahanna Division of Police has officially earned its first-ever Advanced Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) — with no conditions. This recognition represents the international ‘gold standard’ in modern, professional policing.

Last month, Mayor Jadwin, Chief Jeff Spence, Safety Director Tim Becker, Deputy Chief Jeff Lawless, and Compliance & Program Manager Stacey Morris traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, where the team appeared before a panel of CALEA Commissioners to answer questions derived from a previous week-long virtual assessment as well as a three-day on-site audit and inspection that was held in August of this year.

Following the panel interview, the full 21-member CALEA Commission voted to award the Division its inaugural Advanced Accreditation.

While many agencies received corrective mandates, our Division received no conditions — a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of every member of the Gahanna Division of Police.

PUBLIC SERVICE

2026 Gahanna Utility Rate Update

Because the City of Gahanna receives its water supply from the City of Columbus and sends its sanitary waste to Columbus for treatment, our utility rates are largely driven by the rates set by Columbus. Based upon recent rate increase announcements by Columbus, Gahanna residents will see an overall 6.14% rate increase across water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater services. A full breakdown of the rate changes can be found at Gahanna.gov.

To help with the above costs, eligible residents and families can apply for low-income and/or senior discounts offered by the City of Columbus to reduce their water or sewer charges. To apply for a low-income/senior discount, fill out this form and return it to the City of Gahanna’s Utility Billing Division by email at WaterDepartment@Gahanna.gov, in person at Gahanna City Hall (200 S. Hamilton Road), or by mail.

Residents over the age of 60 who are the head of the household also may receive senior discounts on their refuse charges from the City of Gahanna. Eligible residents can sign up by bringing their driver’s license or other official ID to the Utility Billing Division, Department of Public Service, at Gahanna City Hall (200 S. Hamilton Road).

For questions regarding either program, please contact Gahanna’s Utility Billing Division at (614) 342-4440 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or visit us on the web at Gahanna.gov/228/Utility-Billing.

Yard Waste

As Gahanna’s trees finish shedding their leaves, here’s a quick reminder for residents: Raking leaves is optional, but if you’re setting out yard waste, please place it at the curb no earlier than 5 p.m. the day before your scheduled collection day, along with your regular trash and recycling.

To keep our streets safe and prevent flooding, please do not blow or rake leaves into the street. Property owners are responsible for keeping the curbs and gutters in front of their home clear. For more information about proper yard waste disposal, click HERE.

Winter Preparedness

There’s still time to get your home ready for winter! The Department of Public Service encourages residents to take the following steps to prepare for the coming winter months:

• Clean your gutters of leaves and debris.
• Seal cracks in your home’s walls, windows and doors.
• Protect your pipes when we experience freezing temperatures by letting your faucets drip, opening cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, and draining your pipes prior to traveling.
• Clean your chimney.

Christmas Tree Disposal

You may be enjoying your Christmas tree now, but it’s not too early to think ahead. After the holidays, once all decorations have been removed, place your tree at your curb on your regular trash collection day for pickup by Local Waste. Please note that trees taller than 5 feet must be cut in half to ensure safe and efficient collection.

FREE Residential Services

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) offers home energy efficiency (weatherization) and safety services at no cost to income-eligible residents to help keep them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. These programs are available year-round to Franklin County residents. The following are examples of services offered at no cost:

• Repair or replacement of furnaces and water heaters
• Attic and sidewall insulation
• Air sealing
• A full home energy inspection
• Safety checks on appliances

If you’re interested in applying, or to learn more, please visit
MORPC.org/Programs-Services/Residential-Services/.

MAYOR'S COURT

Due to the New Year’s holiday, Mayor’s Court will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, instead of Thursday, January 1.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

As you shop for gifts this season, remember to stay alert for online scams.

Stick with trusted retailers, avoid clicking on suspicious “delivery failed” texts or emails, and consider using a credit card instead of a debit card for better fraud protection. When shopping or checking accounts, try to avoid public Wi-Fi, and keep an eye on your statements for any unusual activity.

A little extra caution can help keep your holidays merry - and your money safe!

HUMAN RESOURCES

It may be chilly outside, but summer is already on our minds! We’ve officially kicked off recruitment for our seasonal positions, including lifeguards, camp counselors, concession workers, paddleboat staff, and more.

If you’re interested in working for the City — or know someone who’d love a fun and rewarding summer job while giving back to the community — go to GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/Gahanna to learn more and apply.

DOG LICENSE RENEWAL

Our partners with the Franklin County Auditor’s Office have asked us to share that dog owners can purchase their 2026 licenses without penalty now through Saturday, February 28. Dog licenses are available to purchase online at DogLicense.FranklinCountyOhio.gov/ or at the Auditor’s Office license counter at 373 S. High St., 21st Floor, in downtown Columbus. The counter is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to being required by state law, dog licensing ensures that a dog has been vaccinated against rabies, which is required in Franklin County. It also ensures that any lost dog is quickly returned to their owners. License fees help support the Franklin County Dog Shelter.

PARKS & RECREATION

We’re excited to share that the Gahanna Mountain Bike Trail at Academy Park won Second Place in the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) Awards of Excellence under the Capital Improvements category for projects under $500,000. The nearly three-mile trail - complete with humps, hills, and banked turns – is designed for riders of all skill levels and offers a fun new outdoor adventure for our community.

What began as a grassroots idea from passionate residents grew into a true community collaboration, involving local riders, Parks & Recreation staff, and multiple partners who helped bring the trail to life. This project is a testament to what our community can accomplish together.

2026 Pool Memberships and Daily Admission Rates

Thanks to your support, we are thrilled to announce that we have been able to reduce our membership and daily entry rates starting in 2026!

Pool memberships go on sale on Thursday, January 1. Early bird rates are available through Tuesday, March 31. Pool members receive unlimited access to the Gahanna Swimming Pool, Gahanna Splashpad, and the Hunters Ridge Pool. Members also receive discounted program registration/participation fees, free admission to pool events, discounted shelter rentals, and access to exclusive members-only hours. Memberships can be purchased online at Gahanna.gov or in-person at Gahanna City Hall. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Be one of the first 100 to purchase a 2026 pool membership to receive five free entry passes!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Now through Tuesday, January 6

HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAY
Creekside Park & Plaza
Sundays - Thursdays, 5 – 9 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, 5 - 10 p.m.
Gahanna.gov

Now through Thursday, December 25

SANTA HOTLINE – (614) 478-1061
Presented by Visit Gahanna and FutureCom Technologies
VisitGahanna.com

For more information on upcoming programs and activities happening in the City, check out the latest addition of Uniquely Gahanna and the Fall/Winter Explore Guide from Gahanna Parks & Recreation.