The Funding Review Advisory Committee Releases Report
Published on March 12, 2026
COLUMBUS, Ohio –The Funding Review Advisory Committee today released a thorough, community-driven examination of how local government funds essential community services and how public, private and philanthropic partners can work together to address growing needs amid rising costs, economic uncertainty and evolving state and federal support.
The Committee was composed of a diverse group of community leaders to evaluate public funding practices, assess existing and potential revenue streams and develop recommendations to support the local human services, cultural arts and travel and tourism sectors now and into the future. Over the course of nine public meetings and extensive stakeholder engagement, the Committee conducted a rigorous and deliberative review of community priorities, fiscal realities and long-term sustainability.
The Committee’s work unfolded during a period of extraordinary economic and political change, marked by shifting state and federal funding landscapes and growing pressure on local systems. Against this backdrop, the report emphasizes that Central Ohio must increasingly rely on local leadership, regional collaboration and shared responsibility across sectors to meet community needs.
“This was a rigorous, community-driven process grounded in thoughtful analysis and open dialogue,” said Committee Chair Sandy Doyle-Ahern. “While there are no easy solutions, the Committee approached this work with seriousness and care, and we believe the report offers a valuable framework to help our community align around shared priorities and practical pathways forward.”
Rather than prescribing a single course of action, the report presents a menu of revenue options for consideration by local policymakers, alongside strategies that can be pursued immediately to improve coordination, efficiency and the impact of existing investments. The Committee emphasizes that public revenue tools are only part of the solution and that meaningful progress depends on cross-sector collaboration among government, businesses, philanthropy, nonprofits and residents.
“Given the challenges facing our community, regional and cross-sector collaboration is more important than ever to ensure we are meeting the needs of our residents,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “The City will carefully review the Committee’s findings and recommendations, and we look forward to continuing this work with Franklin County and our community partners. I want to thank the members of the Funding Review Advisory Committee for their time, leadership and commitment to this important work.”
Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin emphasized the importance of the Committee’s work, stating: “The report lays out a forward-looking and ambitious roadmap that challenges us to think bigger about how we support our community and invest in Central Ohio’s future. I’m grateful to the members of this committee for the care, imagination, and commitment they brought to this work.”
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners expressed appreciation for the Committee’s thoughtful analysis, stating: “The Franklin County Board of Commissioners wants to thank the Funding Review Advisory Committee for their diligent and thoughtful work creating this report. We look forward to our review of the recommendations made by the committee.”
City and County leaders will determine next steps for reviewing and considering the report’s recommendations.
The full Funding Review Advisory Committee Report is available here.(PDF, 92MB)