Politics
Our Voice, Our Choice Budget Opens Submissions for Columbus Infrastructure Projects
Columbus residents in all nine council districts can submit infrastructure ideas for $9 million in city funds through August 28.
How we reported this
Columbus launched the Our Voice, Our Choice Budget program on July 6, 2026, giving residents the opportunity to submit infrastructure project ideas for $9 million in allocated city funds. Submissions remain open until August 28. The initiative divides the total into $1 million shares for each of the city's nine council districts, with public voting on final proposals set to begin November 2.
Separate public engagement efforts are also underway. The Greater Columbus. Greater ART. project began its public engagement period in July 2026, including an in-person kickoff at the Columbus Metropolitan Main Library on July 12 and a virtual town hall on July 13. Columbus City Council is conducting a public hearing on Alternative Crisis Response programming that includes a presentation by consultant Mission Critical Partners on evaluation strategies and recommendations.
Zone In Columbus Growth Strategy Engagement
The Columbus Growth Strategy, part of the Zone In Columbus zoning update, has recorded over 3,200 survey responses and 26 pop-up events. These activities form part of the city's public engagement process for updating zoning rules that affect land use and development across Columbus neighborhoods.
These consultation channels allow residents to identify local infrastructure needs, review crisis response approaches, and comment on zoning changes that shape daily access to services and housing. Input from the nine council districts can influence how the $9 million is directed to projects within each area.
Next Steps for Residents
Residents can participate by submitting project ideas before the August 28 deadline or by attending the ongoing public hearing on Alternative Crisis Response programming. The Greater Columbus. Greater ART. project continues its engagement period, while the Zone In Columbus process incorporates the collected survey responses and event feedback. Voting on the participatory budget proposals is expected to begin November 2.