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
Legacies United Gets $50K Grant Published on May 12, 2026 Franklin County approved a $50,000 grant to Legacies United Foundation to support the Beyond the Game Youth Initiative. The investment funds intergenerational youth leadership programming, including the Recess All Stars pilot, at the Linden Community Center and Columbus City School sites. Dennis Gullick IV, president of Legacies United Foundation, was present at the May 12 session. Tagged as: , County News
County Commits $3 Million To New Westerville Development Published on May 12, 2026 Franklin County approved a $3 million grant to ensure 74 of 247 units in a new Westerville development are income-restricted for at least 18 years. Income-restricted units will include free broadband and one parking space for the full affordability period. The project is a mixed-use development by CAG Westerville Uptown Acquisitions LLC, a Continental Ventures entity. Tagged as: , County News
Franklin County's Mental Health Resources Are Free and Ready Published on May 12, 2026 Franklin County offers two free mental health resources for residents: the printed wellness guide, available through any commissioner's office, and the CredibleMind platform at FranklinCountyOhio.CredibleMind.com. Commissioners are calling on community organizations to request and distribute copies. Clinicians not yet listed in the guide can apply for inclusion at no cost. Tagged as: , County News
County Funds Summer Work & Training for 373 Youth Through Ready 2 Earn Published on May 12, 2026 The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved $1,534,712.83 in subaward agreements with three community partners for the Ready 2 Earn summer youth employment program. Godman Guild Association, Lead the Way Learning Academy, and St. Stephen's Community House will serve 373 youth through work-based learning, pre-apprenticeship training, and credential programs. Tagged as: , County News
County Invests $160K into Ohio Futures Youth Media Production Training Published on May 12, 2026 Franklin County approved a $160,000 grant to Ohio Film Futures Inc. to deliver a two-phase Media Production Camp for county youth ages 14 to 18. The program runs May through October 2026 and provides more than 280 hours of training in script writing, filming, editing, podcasting, and media production, along with professional portfolio development. Tagged as: , County News
Franklin County's Office on Aging Is Open to Every Older Resident Published on May 05, 2026 The Board opened its May 5 General Session recognizing Older Americans Month and this year’s theme, “Champion Your Health.” Commissioners highlighted the Office on Aging’s universal service model. They also connected aging to Mental Health Awareness Month, addressing isolation and substance use. Administrator Wilson announced Senior Options Day at Huntington Park on May 21 for residents age 60 and Tagged as: , County News
Franklin County Commits $500K to Transitional Housing for Youth Published on May 05, 2026 The Board approved $500,000 for the Kaleidoscope Youth Center's Transitional Housing Supportive Services program, supporting Franklin County residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The contract runs January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027 and funds supportive services connecting individuals to community resources. Tagged as: , County News
Franklin County Funds Design Program for Teens Published on May 05, 2026 The Board approved $150,000 to expand the Neighborhood Design Center’s Youth CoLab, a paid internship program connecting teens from Linden, the South Side, and Eastland to architecture and design careers. Since 2023, 42 youth have participated, three community projects have been completed, and several alumni are now studying at The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture. Tagged as: , County News
One Platform to Connect Small Businesses to Capital and Contracts Published on May 05, 2026 The Board approved a $1.55 million contract amendment with Freedom Equity Inc. to expand Build Grow Go, a digital hub connecting small businesses to capital, technical assistance, and county contracts through an AI-powered assessment. Since receiving county support in 2024, Freedom Equity has deployed more than $972,000 in loans and supported 200+ businesses. The pilot launches May 27. Tagged as: , County News