Franklin County Board of Commissioners met Nov. 10, 2026. The board recognized America 250 student essay winners, approved multiple county resolutions including a $2 million home loan for a 75‑unit affordable housing project in Dublin, accepted several grants (VOCA, COSAP), held a public hearing and approved elected‑representative signoff for up to $1.4 billion in Michigan Finance Authority bonds for Trinity Health, and adopted multiple infrastructure and contract approvals.
Discussion Points
•City requested use of permissive MVLF funds for resurfacing, signals and signage; county engineer confirmed statutory compliance.
•Counsel explained IRC §147(f) requirement and the split between new money and refunding components of the bond package.
•County committed $2 million in HOME funds to the All in Dublin project; gap financing covers nine units.
•Developer stated all 75 units will have at least 15 years, with an additional 15 years commitment for a general 30‑year affordability period; nine units guaranteed for 40 years.
•Free Wi‑Fi pledged for residents by developer and county support.
•Public hearing held; no public speakers.
•Purpose and structure of the America 250 essay contest (students from 12 schools, ~27 essays).
•Recognition of winners and presentation of certificates.
•Staff and counsel clarified county has no debt obligation under the issuance.
•Upcoming America 250 events and county participation.
Decisions
•Approved Resolution 737-26 authorizing the HOME loan and related agreements.
•Board adopted Resolution 746-26 granting the elected‑representative approval required under federal law.
•Recognized essay winners and paused for photographs.
•Resolutions approved to allow City of Columbus to encumber funds for specified projects.
Directions
•Staff to confirm affordability periods for non-gap-financed units and finalize loan documents.
Worthington City Council heard presentations from four community groups about the proposed 2027 operating budget, accepted the October financial report, and received policy updates on composting, e-bike/e-scooter implementation, pool construction and a planning/code review process; council recessed into an executive session on appointments and compensation before adjourning.
Discussion Points
•$9,000 Ohio History Fund grant covered 60% of a structural support project at the Old Rectory
•Alliance achieved 501(c)(3) status this year
•Collections growth: >21,000 items; ~900 catalogued this year
•Compost pilot requires sign-up and will include buckets with educational materials; SWACO to assist with outreach and direct mailers (late Nov/Dec)
•E-bike/e-scooter regulations are being operationalized for a Feb. 1 effective date with staff training
•Harvesting Innovation Fund will target emerging producers, piloting with the Bhutanese community
•MAC operating budget approx. $1.3 million; building is 110 years old with 13 rooftop HVAC units
•MAC recorded >27,000 visits; Arts Festival >33,000 visitors and 125 artists
•Need to diversify funding beyond hotel-bed tax revenue and city grants
•Partnership conducts merchant meetings and event evaluations over 2–3 years before pivoting
•Planning/zoning code review: seven proposals received; staff to shortlist for interviews
•Pool construction on schedule and on budget; walls/floors/liners installed for adult and 50m pools
•Programs include Memorial Day parade, Patriot Day, Honors and Honor Flight support
•Significant unplanned building repair costs (subfloor/gravel, roofing) used prior funding
•Staff noted roof replacement and HVAC were scheduled in proposed CIP
•Visitor and school program growth (approx. 1,100 students annually)
Directions
•Staff to circulate SWACO materials and sign-up details to council when available
•Staff to return consultant shortlist and recommendations for code review
Commissioner Boyce speaks about Relationship Soul Talk on NBC4
A recorded interview promoting the "Soul Talks" men's mental health event on Nov. 13 featuring Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce and Pastor Michael Young of City of Grace Church; the conversation outlined the event's focus on relationships, clinical panelists, audience Q&A and registration details at franklincountyohio.gov.
Discussion Points
•Audience engagement and take-home materials
•Barriers men face seeking help and the social norms that discourage openness
•Event format and how it differs from podcasts/social clips
•Event format: panelists, clinicians, audience Q&A, and take-home materials
•Inclusion of clinicians and national panelists
•Purpose and goals of Soul Talks as a platform for mental-health conversations
Directions
•Register at franklincountyohio.gov for more details
•Register for the event via franklincountyohio.gov
TOTC: A Mission of Empowering Women with Dr. Sallie Gibson
A Franklin County podcast episode in which County Administrator Kenneth Wilson interviews Dr. Sally Gibson, CEO of nonprofit Woman to Woman, about the organization’s recent “Women to Women” conference, its focus on housing and support services, survivor stories and local partnership with county agencies.
Discussion Points
•Author series included multiple survivor speakers who shared personal narratives and recovery paths.
•County mobile unit parked at the conference provided direct access to services; monthly workshops teach necessary paperwork and life skills.
•Gibson emphasized that programs require active civic participation and that residents should vote to sustain services.
•Gibson urged support for public servants and provided contact information for Woman to Woman.
•Housing identified as the primary concern at the conference; targeted outreach to ZIP codes named in the county RISE plan; county partnership provided on-site services.
•Speakers included nationally engaged advocates such as Dr. Marlene Carson.
Directions
•Continue monthly workshops and coordinate county outreach units.
•Organizers will publish follow-up housing resources on the conference website.
John O'Grady Opens Up General Session Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and Reflecting on 9/11
Opening remarks acknowledged National Hispanic Heritage Month and reflected on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, highlighting a county volunteer effort that packed more than 113,000 meals.
Discussion Points
•Chair announced National Hispanic Heritage Month and invited participation during general session.
•Chair reflected on 9/11 and highlighted local volunteer efforts.
Commissioners Urge Voters to Make a Plan Ahead of 2026 Election Day
Franklin County officials opened the meeting with an announcement reminding residents about early voting for the Nov. 3 election, including early-vote hours and an absentee-ballot receipt deadline, and several officials shared personal Election Day voting traditions to encourage turnout.
Discussion Points
•Announcement of early voting schedule and encouragement to make a voting plan.
•Officials described personal Election Day traditions to encourage turnout and volunteering.
•Practical voting tips (IDs, transit, caregiving) were emphasized to reduce obstacles to voting.
•Reminder that absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on election day under Ohio law.
County Funds Youth Fellowship in Linden, Hilltop, Franklinton
Franklin County commissioners adopted Resolution 359-26 authorizing a $115,000 grant agreement with Think Make Live Youth to run an eight-month Workforce and Social Justice Alumni Fellowship serving up to 20 residents aged 16–24 from May–December 2026.
Discussion Points
•Presenter described fellowship structure, target participants (up to 20 youth ages 16–24), program dates (May–December 2026) and support services (mentorship, job coaching, transportation).
Decisions
•Resolution 359-26 adopted; county authorized to enter grant agreement with Think Make Live Youth.
Board Starts $3 Million Pilot to Cover Early Costs of Affordable Housing Projects
Franklin County commissioners adopted Resolution 68026 to create a $3 million pilot Affordable Housing Pre-Development Incentive Fund to help cover developers' pre-development costs; awards capped at $1 million and the board will decide administration and evaluation during the pilot.
Discussion Points
•A commissioner said $3M is likely insufficient to move the county's housing metrics and expressed reluctance.
•Attorney summarized fund purpose and guidelines; allows up to $3M total and $1M per award.
•Commissioners requested a feedback loop and year-one data to evaluate effectiveness.
•Concerns that $3 million is insufficient to substantially address local housing needs.
•Request for a data-driven review of the pilot after one year, including units created and impact measures.
Decisions
•Board adopted the pilot but did not increase funding; will reevaluate after year-one data.
•Resolution 68026 adopted establishing the pilot Affordable Housing Pre-Development Incentive Fund ($3M total; $1M per award).
Directions
•Board to consider administrative contract after review.
•County administrator to provide notice of any proposed changes to program guidelines to the board at least ten days prior to changes becoming effective (per resolution).
•Staff to collect data during year one and report back to the board.
•Staff to return separate contract for board consideration to select external CDFI administrator or internal administration.
County Approves $225K for Substance Abuse Treatment
Franklin County commissioners unanimously adopted two resolutions approving FY2022 and FY2023 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) grants to fund case management, cognitive behavioral treatment, housing linkages and related services for justice-involved residents recently released from Franklin County correctional centers.
Discussion Points
•Staff described program scope and eligibility: residents identified high-risk for opioid use disorder screened medium/high for recidivism and recently released from Franklin County Correctional Centers.
•Staff described use of funds for male and female pathways, transitional housing and a contracted peer-support/case-management position for female pathways.
•Staff tied award to Rise Together blueprint goal nine to reduce poverty.
•Staff tied the award to Rise Together blueprint goal nine.
Decisions
•Adopt Resolution 362-26 to accept FY2022 RSAT grant and authorize signature authority.
•Adopt Resolution 363-26 to accept FY2023 RSAT grant and authorize signature authority.
Directions
•County administrator authorized to sign all acceptance documents and waivers; staff to proceed with contracting and onboarding of peer-support services.
•County administrator authorized to sign all grant acceptance documents and waivers.
County Invests $30K in Leadership Program for Youth in Linden, Hilltop, and Franklinton
Franklin County commissioners approved Resolution 36426 to award a $30,000 FY2024 Title II Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention subgrant to Clean Enterprises to run the CLEAN (Choices Leadership Energy Attitude Now) youth program serving adolescents in several neighborhoods.
Discussion Points
•Staff described program design, target ages, neighborhoods to be served, curriculum topics, partner coordination and follow-up supports.
Decisions
•Resolution No. 36426 adopted to award $30,000 to Clean Enterprises
County Funds Caregiver Support for 250,000 Residents
Franklin County commissioners adopted Resolution 354-26 approving a $191,891 grant contract from the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging to the Franklin County Office on Aging to fund services under the National Family Caregiver Support Program for calendar year 2026.
Discussion Points
•Shonda Wingo summarized ARP 2025 study findings (24% of adults serve as caregivers, ~2.2 million Ohioans) and local estimate (~250,000 Franklin County caregivers), noted 72 families served in 2025 (3% increase from 2024), and explained the grant will fund services for unpaid and kinship caregivers.
Decisions
•Adoption of Resolution 354-26 authorizing acceptance of $191,891 grant for caregiver services for calendar year 2026.
County Commits $500K to Minority Business and Women Entrepreneurs
Franklin County commissioners approved Resolution No. 35626, authorizing a $500,000 grant agreement with the Columbus Urban League to fund the Minority Business Assistance Center and the IncubateHer entrepreneurship program; one commissioner recorded an abstention and staff will follow up on questions about overlap with other small-business supports.
Discussion Points
•Commissioner Crawley asked how the proposed grant differs from a previously funded certification assistance program and whether the county is streamlining similar initiatives.
•Commissioner Crawley raised concerns about potential overlap with a recently funded program that helps small and emerging businesses with certification applications.
•Short discussion and questions about program overlap preceded the vote.
•Staff described MBAC program deliverables and numerical targets (120 engaged entrepreneurs; 40 certification‑readiness supports; 25 businesses pursuing certification).
•Stephanie Hightower described program outcomes from IncubateHer and MBAC and explained partnerships for capital access (Chase; Freedom Equity).
Decisions
•Adopt Resolution No. 35626; grant agreement authorized for $500,000; implementation assigned to Office of Economic Development and Planning.
•No change to the grant action; staff follow‑up requested.
•Resolution No. 35626 adopted; implementation assigned to Office of Economic Development and Planning.
Directions
•Director to research and report back distinctions between the programs.
•Director to research distinctions between this program and the previously funded program and report back to commissioners.
•Staff to research distinctions between this grant and a previous program and report back.
Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Faber presented her office's first annual report at the meeting, highlighting case data, community engagement, victim services and resources, and saying printed copies are available and the report is on the office website.
Discussion Points
•Faber described the scope of the prosecutor's office beyond criminal prosecutions, including victim support, consumer protection, advising county agencies and civil actions.
Franklin County Expands Housing Support for Mental Health Court Participants
Franklin County commissioners adopted Resolution 395-26 to increase a contract with ARCH for RISE Mental Health Court support services from $175,000 to $275,000 to expand housing services for program participants.
Discussion Points
•Presenter noted original agreement was $175,000 and will be increased to $275,000; all other terms unchanged.
•Presenter stated the modification reallocates grant resources to essential needs and to expand housing services for RISE participants.
Decisions
•Adopted Resolution 395-26 to modify the ARCH contract, increasing the total to $275,000.
County Funds Youth Exchange Across 12 School Districts
Franklin County commissioners unanimously approved Resolution No. 357-26, authorizing a $50,000 grant to Erase the Space to support youth civic leadership, cross-district educational exchanges and workforce-readiness programming serving about 1,500 students.
Discussion Points
•Grantee Derek Birch described recent exchanges and organizational growth and invited questions.
•None beyond staff presentation and grantee remarks
•Staff described program scale (1,500 students; 60 educators; 12–14 partnerships) and alignment with Arise Together Poverty Blueprint goals.
Decisions
•Resolution No. 357-26 adopted
•Resolution No. 357-26 adopted; $50,000 grant approved
Directions
•Authorize grant agreement and proceed with execution of contract and program recruitment.
County Funds Aviation Career Program for Franklin County Youth
Franklin County commissioners approved Resolution 42726, a $40,250 grant to Buckeye Tigers Aviation to support a week-long aviation career-exploration program for about 25–30 local youth ages 12–18.
Discussion Points
•Staff described a week-long aviation career-exploration and mentoring program serving approximately 25–30 youth ages 12–18, including facility visits and an introductory flight.
•Staff said the initiative aligns with the county's Rise Together Property Blueprint goals numbers nine, eleven and thirteen.
Decisions
•Resolution 42726 adopted; $40,250 awarded to Buckeye Tigers Aviation.
Directions
•Staff to proceed with executing the grant agreement and to coordinate with Buckeye Tigers Aviation and listed partners.
County Invests $975K to Prepare Poll Workers for November Election
County commissioners adopted two resolutions: a $75,750 capital appropriation to buy 25 refurbished DS-200 ballot scanners for training, and a $975,000 supplemental election appropriation to cover poll worker pay, a training center lease extension and expenses for a Whitehall special election.
Discussion Points
•Request for $75,750 to purchase 25 refurbished DS-200 scanners for training raised by Anton White.
•Use of funds for poll worker compensation and training center lease extension.
•Whitehall reimbursement arrangement and prepayment of estimated costs.
Decisions
•Resolution 401-26 adopted by unanimous recorded vote.
•Resolution 402-26 adopted by unanimous recorded vote.
Directions
•Staff to reconcile expenses after the Whitehall special election and provide final billing to Whitehall.
Probate Court Updates Online Case Search to Meet 2027 Federal ADA Deadline
Franklin County commissioners approved Resolution 396-26 to contract with MAPSIS for updates to the Probate Court online case and marriage search pages for ADA compliance, authorizing up to $35,100; the contract is to be completed before the April 2027 federal deadline.
Discussion Points
•Clerk read the resolution; motion moved and seconded; clerk announced adoption.
•Clerk read the resolution text and asked for adoption; no public comments were recorded.
•Kelly Green explained that MAPSIS will update public case and marriage search webpages and the software connecting the case management system to those webpages to meet ADA standards and to finish before April 2027.
Decisions
•Resolution 396-26 adopted authorizing contract with MAPSIS not to exceed $35,100.
Board Invests $215,000 to Expand College Readiness for First-Generation Students
Franklin County commissioners adopted Resolution 42926 authorizing a $215,000 grant to the Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation to expand college-readiness, leadership and youth empowerment programming across Franklin County.
Discussion Points
•Staff described foundation history and program components, and said demand now exceeds capacity for college-readiness coaching and financial-aid literacy.
•Staff stated the grant aligns with the county's Rise Together Poverty Blueprint and Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development priorities.
Decisions
•Adopted Resolution 42926 authorizing $215,000 grant to Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation.
STEP Program Extended Through December to Serve Opioid-Affected Residents
County commissioners approved Resolution 43026, authorizing a no-cost extension through Dec. 31, 2026 to a subgrant with The Ohio State University for the STEP program funded by the FY 2024 local opioid settlement government fund.
Discussion Points
•Ernest Stockton explained the program purpose, award amount ($199,942), populations served and performance metrics (over 150 residents served, 100% attendance, decline in positive opioid tests).
Decisions
•Resolution 43026 approved to extend the subgrant agreement through Dec. 31, 2026; Commissioner Boyce recorded an abstention.
