About Councilmember Dorans

On Council, Rob Dorans seeks to be a voice for working families and an advocate for increased economic opportunity for all residents of Columbus.

Rob is the Chair the Building & Zoning Policy, Public Utilities, Workforce Development, and Zoning committees on Council. In addition to serving on City Council, Dorans is the Chief Legal Counsel for ACT Ohio, a labor-affiliated non-profit that advocates on behalf of workers in the construction industry. His work at ACT Ohio has led to the return of hundreds of thousands of dollars in back wages to workers defrauded by their employers. He is a proud third-generation union member. 

Council Member Dorans was elected to a four year term on November 5, 2019. Prior to joining Council, he served as a Commissioner with the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. As a Commissioner, he worked as the public’s voice helping to shape the programs offered by the Department. 

Dorans has been an active volunteer in the Columbus community. He routinely volunteers with the Columbus Legal Aid Society providing pro bono legal advice to those in need. He is a mentor through Columbus Big Brothers and Big Sisters for nearly a decade. Dorans has also served on the Executive Board of the Columbus Chapter of the American Constitution Society, a progressive legal advocacy group. 

Dorans graduated with honors from Ohio University and received his law degree from the University of Toledo. He and his wife, Dr. Lauren Elliott-Dorans, live in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus with their son, and rescue dog Captain.