Sawyer Towers Demolition: A Community Commemoration Published on May 21, 2026 On Christmas Day 2022, a pipe failure and elevator collapse at Sawyer Towers displaced 309 families on Columbus's near east side. Franklin County and the City of Columbus mounted an immediate emergency response. Three years later, demolition has begun on a site that will become 380 affordable apartments, the largest affordable housing investment in the history of Columbus and Franklin County. Tagged as: , County News
Team Franklin County Wants More Professional Development Published on April 28, 2026 Franklin County approved a $75,000 contract with Dr. Leo Taylor for 30 virtual professional development workshops. Over 700 employees completed sessions in 2025, and 94% expressed interest in attending more. Topics include workplace communication, difficult conversations, and practicing allyship. Tagged as: , County News
New Role for Digital Accessibility Published on April 28, 2026 The Board of Commissioners approved a new position at the Franklin County Data Center to build a countywide digital accessibility program. The role will work with agencies, courts, and boards to ensure websites, mobile apps, documents, and social media meet federal ADA compliance mandates for all residents. Tagged as: , County News
6th Racial Equity Council Cohort Welcomed Published on April 28, 2026 The Board of Commissioners welcomed the sixth Racial Equity Council cohort at the April 28 General Session. Commissioner Boyce challenged members to carry equity work beyond their departments and into their communities, calling it real leadership at a time of accelerating growth in Central Ohio. Tagged as: , County News
77K Free Books for County Children Published on April 28, 2026 Franklin County renewed its partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio and Nationwide Children's Hospital to provide free monthly books to children from birth to age five. The renewed agreement is expected to deliver over 77,000 books this cycle. Tagged as: , County News
Free Mental Health Site Hits 44K Users Published on April 28, 2026 Franklin County extended its agreement with CredibleMind, a free digital behavioral health platform that has reached more than 44,000 visitors since 2021. Nearly 24,000 residents have completed the online assessment. The platform covers over 230 wellness topics and is available at franklincountyohio.crediblemind.com. Tagged as: , County News
Aging: $10M Extends Senior Home Services Published on April 28, 2026 The Office on Aging secured a two-year, $10 million contract extension for adult day services and senior home support. The extension includes a 1.5% rate increase to reflect current costs and runs through April 2028. Services include homemaker assistance, personal care, respite care, and adult day programs. Tagged as: , County News
Easements Donated for Trail Project Published on April 28, 2026 The Board of Commissioners donated permanent and temporary construction easements on county property in Blendon Township to the City of Columbus. The easements support construction of a portion of the Big Walnut Trail, a public trail running along Big Walnut Creek that will be open to all residents. Tagged as: , County News
County Invests $1.4M in Fashion Alliance Workforce Program Published on April 21, 2026 The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a $1.4 million grant to the Columbus Fashion Alliance on April 21 to fund the Ready to Work 2026 workforce development program, which serves approximately 100 Franklin County residents annually and carries an 80 percent employment placement rate. Tagged as: , County News
Franklin Soil and Water Makes Every Day Earth Day Published on April 21, 2026 Representatives from the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District presented at the April 21, 2026 General Session ahead of Earth Day, highlighting nearly $355,000 in 2025 community grants, ongoing conservation projects across Franklin County, and upcoming Earth Day events including Clinton Township's celebration on April 26. Tagged as: , County News