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Columbus officials report midyear grants, housing-study progress and rising social media reach
Summary
City staff gave a midyear “Columbus in Focus” briefing July 6 outlining four recently closed grants, progress on a housing study, upgrades to city communications and ongoing budget and TIF activity.
Columbus City staff presented midyear reports to the City Council on July 6 covering grants, a housing study, public communications and finance updates.
Betsy Eckhart, director of general services, said the department closed four grants this quarter totaling more than $408,000 and highlighted employee-recognition events and two recent retirements. “This is the 2nd quarter update of the general administration team,” Eckhart said in remarks to the council.
Jean Van Eypern, planning and economic development coordinator, said the city received a Columbus Visitors Bureau grant intended to broaden marketing citywide rather than focus solely on the Tracks/Trackside Creative District. Van Eypern reported total project costs for the four closed grants of $554,570 and said total grant funding was about $408,000, leaving an approximate 23.4% local match; she said roughly $16,000 came from community in-kind contributions. Van Eypern said housing-study stakeholder meetings are complete and a draft report is expected for council review in August. When asked how much the study cost, she estimated “around $40,000,” and noted she would confirm the exact figure.
Matt Lindbergh, public communications manager, reported the city’s social channels have a collective audience of more than 50,000 followers and that recently launched video content is averaging 10,000–15,000 plays in the week after release. He noted the “How City Government Works” video series has driven heavy engagement.
Finance director Chris Norquist told the council staff are finalizing the 2026–27 budget and working on CIP and personnel requests that will inform the property-tax levy. Norquist also said two TIF projects (Hobby Lobby and Ramada) paid off earlier than expected and that the city filed 10 notices to divide on active TIF projects this year.
City Clerk Shreya Shote provided transactional updates including 34 resolutions and seven ordinances filed in the past three months, sales of 15 cemetery spaces and issuance of a variety of permits and licenses.
Why it matters: the briefing consolidated several operational updates that will feed the budget process and upcoming council decisions — from marketing and grants to anticipated housing-study recommendations and TIF activity.
