Mayor delivers midyear 'Rising Together' update, cites public-safety gains and housing work

The mayor delivered a midyear "Rising Together" update to Lima City Council, describing progress across public safety, housing, parks and economic development as the city prepares for the year ahead.

The presentation outlined the administration's vision, noted external recognition for Lima and framed the report as a snapshot of municipal efforts. "Lima was named the fifth best place to live in Ohio," the mayor said, adding that the city is balancing day-to-day operations while pursuing a longer-term vision.

The mayor cited public-safety improvements and staffing changes: total crime was down about 4% and violent crime down about 3% from the previous year, she said, and the Lima Police Department added 11 officers in 2024 and four more so far in 2025, bringing the force to 82 sworn officers. The mayor also flagged higher demand for fire and EMS services — EMS calls up 6% and fire calls up 23% this year — and said the city has completed a feasibility study with the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association and issued an RFQ for a modern fire station. To support that work, the administration said it is generating funds through an EMS reserve expected to produce more than $800,000 annually.

On housing and neighborhood repair, the mayor said the utilities department has replaced 992 service lines since 2024, the city partnered with West Ohio Community Action Partnership and HUD to abate 13 homes for lead hazards, and the rapid rental repair program has returned 13 vacant units to the market while completing six emergency repairs and issuing five home loans in 2025.

The mayor highlighted capital and placemaking projects including a $2,000,000 renovation of the Miss Paul Cheryl Allen Center, installation of 22 new lights at MLK Park, a planned shelter and ADA-access improvements at South Jackson Community Gardens, upgrades at Simmons Fields and a Veterans Memorial Grove planned to break ground Aug. 4. The mayor said the Lima Community Aquatic Park is scheduled to open in August and that the city is working with a management company to hire residents to operate the facility.

On downtown work, the mayor said a U.S. Department of Transportation grant is helping a Central Avenue streetscape project and that wayfinding signage across city parks will expand (17 new signs by December), including a revamped Town Square kiosk.

The mayor pointed to public-private partnerships as well: a Mercy Health partnership will open Mercy Tots childcare this fall with capacity for 118 children, and the Better Blocks for Business program has upgraded five storefronts so far in 2025.

Facing budget pressures, the mayor noted a 3% drop in income tax revenue and warned of potential Medicaid-related declines; she said healthcare employment contributes roughly $4.9 million in local income-tax revenue. Departments received July 15 guidance as 2026 budget planning begins, prioritizing public safety, housing and infrastructure.

Councilors responded with praise for staff and volunteers and recognized the work summarized in the mayor's presentation. The administration said additional public engagement on traffic calming and fire station planning will follow later this year.