Mayor Ginther Sends 2023 Capital Budget to Columbus City Council
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has proposed a $1.74
billion investment in public safety and critical neighborhood infrastructure.
The 2023 Capital Budget includes $1.1
billion in new funding dedicated to building safe, resilient communities and to
promoting the health, well-being and economic stability of Columbus residents –
the pillars of the mayor’s equity agenda: Opportunity Rising.
“Our capital budget reflects our top
priorities – public safety, affordability and the neighborhood infrastructure
that is the backbone of our community,” said Mayor Ginther. “This includes new
crime-fighting tools and technology, a new police substation, a new fire
station and fire apparatus, affordable housing units, historic street
resurfacing and more.”
Highlights of the 2023 Capital Budget include:
- $5 million in ATF safety funding to track illegal crime guns
- $10 million for fire apparatus
- $23 million for a new Hilltop police substation and Northside fire
station
- $50 million to increase the number of new and rehabbed affordable
housing units
- $37 million in street resurfacing
- $25 million in roadway and intersection improvements
- $14 million for pedestrian safety and bikeway projects
“The size and scope of our capital budget
reflects the strength of our financial position, our fiscal discipline, and our
stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said Kathy Owens, director of finance and management.
“Through careful planning, maintaining proper reserves and through our focused
efforts to create jobs that produce income tax revenue, we’ve maintained the
highest credit rating possible. That means we can invest more in neighborhoods
at a lower cost to taxpayers.”
The capital budget was submitted via ordinance
for consideration by Columbus City Council who will hold the following public
hearings to discuss the mayor’s proposal:
Today, June 6, at
6 p.m.
Scioto Southland Community Center
3901 Parsons Avenue
Wednesday, June
7, at 6 p.m.Howard Community Center
2505 North Cassady Avenue
A virtual public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, at 4 p.m.
The
2023 Capital Budget is established based on funds from bond sales and loans,
through the Special Income Tax (SIT) and by the Department of Public Utilities
(or Enterprise Fund).