Kristen Atha

Key discussions included an update on Mobile Food Vending License Statistics, noting 489 issued licenses with 64 Public Right of Ways, and 31 pending applications. The Board discussed the evaluation of Short North vending spots, resulting in a recommendation to add new spots. Updates were provided regarding the finalization of the 311 website for complaints and the ongoing discussion about opening more current spots for daylight hours. New business focused on the enforcement of required hood inspections for upcoming fire inspections and a new 2025 State Fire Marshal Fire Code requirement for fire suppression systems in newer food trucks/trailers. Other topics included a review of the current Reservation System and the possibility of a Public Right of Way Mobile Food Vending Food Court. A motion was passed to allow pushcarts to set up along parade routes. A pushcart owner provided feedback suggesting the deletion of low-traffic spots.

This strategic plan outlines the vision, priorities, and policies for the City of Columbus, led by the Office of the Mayor. It aims to achieve a Columbus where equitable opportunities foster prosperity for all residents by strategically investing resources across four core areas: Communications, External Affairs, Policy, and Strategy & Operations. The plan seeks to improve residents' quality of life, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure sustainable growth for future generations through inclusive, innovative public service.

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department's strategic priorities for 2026 aim to connect the community through nature, wellness, and creativity, fostering a socially equitable city. Key focus areas include expanding wellness and fitness programs, addressing health vulnerabilities, increasing sports opportunities, and prioritizing social and emotional well-being. The plan also emphasizes developing adaptive recreation spaces, exploring community safety partnerships, improving ecological health and biodiversity, and growing the urban forest. Furthermore, it focuses on connecting people to nature, encouraging community stewardship, creating welcoming and inclusive parks and facilities, centering cultural experiences, and leading innovation in operations and growth management, while developing a world-class network of greenway trails and waterways.

The strategic plan for the Civil Service Commission aims to ensure the City of Columbus maintains a qualified and merit-based workforce dedicated to serving its citizens. Key priorities for 2026 include certifying Police and Fire sworn job classes to maintain an elite safety workforce, establishing rules for the selection and management of classified employees, administering the city's class plan and payroll, and ensuring equitable, merit-based opportunities for employees through non-uniformed testing programs.

The Office of CelebrateOne outlines strategic priorities for 2026, focusing on ensuring every child in Columbus has the opportunity to thrive. This plan aims to eliminate preventable sleep-related deaths, reduce preterm births, and improve service delivery for those impacted by health disparities. Key initiatives include providing car seats and installation training, offering early pregnancy detection and prenatal care connections, deepening efforts to address racial disparities in infant mortality, accelerating work on Social Determinants of Health, and strengthening the coordination between health and social service systems.