Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther on Tuesday introduced his proposed $1.26 billion operating budget for 2026, a plan he describes as both cautious and ambitious as the city navigates economic uncertainty, rising costs, and growing resident needs.
“This budget makes every city dollar work harder than ever to keep Columbus residents safe, stable and thriving,” Ginther said while announcing the proposal. The plan focuses heavily on public safety, housing stability, and essential city services. City leaders say these three areas continue to feel the strongest pressure as Columbus grows.
Public Safety: The Budget’s Largest Investment
Public safety once again dominates the operating budget with $851.8 million, which is nearly two thirds of the entire proposal.
Key public safety investments include:
- Two new police recruit classes and one fire class. These will add as many as 120 new police officers and 45 firefighters.
- $16.7 million for youth safety and enrichment programs during summer months.
- $3.7 million aimed at reversing the rise in domestic violence, including funding for the Batterers Intervention Program, the Advocacy Crisis Team (ACT DV), and the City Attorney’s Domestic Violence and Stalking program.
- $5 million for community focused policing strategies, including Safe Streets and Operation Moonlight.
Although violent crime in Columbus continues to decline, with homicides down 35 percent compared to last year, city officials say domestic violence remains a troubling trend. This year, 35 percent of homicides have been linked to domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is something that is definitely concerning for all of us,” Police Chief Elaine Bryant told NBC4. “It is not just a police issue, it is a city issue.”
Bryant also said that recruitment has stabilized and that the division is now adding more officers than it loses.
Housing Stability: A First-Ever Investment in Homelessness Prevention
One of the most significant shifts in this year’s budget is the city’s new emphasis on preventing homelessness before it begins.
The proposal includes $6.5 million for the new Resilient Housing Initiative. This marks the first time Columbus will use city dollars directly for emergency rental assistance, legal counsel to prevent eviction, and homelessness prevention programs.
With federal pandemic related rental assistance now gone, Ginther said the city must step in.
“For every dollar our community invests in preventing homelessness, we will save up to six dollars in shelter emergency services and other economic impacts,” he said.
The proposal also includes:
- $1.2 million to administer the voter approved $500 million affordable housing bond.
- $9 million in human service grants for organizations supporting vulnerable residents and neighborhoods.
Ginther emphasized the urgency. He noted that more than 20 percent of Franklin County renters spend at least half their income on housing, which leaves many one unexpected bill away from crisis.
Basic City Services: Streets, Trash, Parks and Recreation
The budget maintains, and in some cases expands, funding for the core services residents interact with every day.
Key service investments include:
- $79.3 million for Columbus Recreation and Parks, including staffing and operations for the new Kilbourne Run Sports Park which is scheduled to open in early 2026.
- $20 million for street maintenance staff responsible for the city’s 4,600 lane miles. This includes snow removal, pothole repair, and general upkeep.
- $19.6 million for recycling services.
- $34.1 million for trash collection.
What Happens Next
The mayor’s proposal now moves to Columbus City Council for its annual budget review. The process includes several weeks of oversight hearings, public input sessions, and discussion of possible amendments.
During this review period, council typically evaluates how the budget addresses major city priorities such as housing and homelessness services, eviction prevention, public safety staffing and alternative crisis response programs, social services, public health, and long term financial planning.
A final vote on the 2026 operating budget is expected in early 2026.
Residents will have opportunities to weigh in during council’s hearing process. Adjustments are expected, particularly if the city ends the year with stronger revenue than anticipated. Ginther said this could allow the city to expand the Resilient Housing Initiative or possibly add a third police recruit class.
The full proposed 2026 operating budget is available on the city’s website.
