COLUMBUS, Ohio, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther delivered his 2026 State of the City address Tuesday, highlighting falling violent crime rates, record housing construction and plans to grow women’s professional sports in the city.
Ginther gave the speech at the Franklin County Harmony Center in the Northland area. The event was also streamed live on the mayor’s official YouTube channel. The annual address comes as Columbus leaders continue discussions over the city’s 2026 budget and as Ginther prepares for another mayoral campaign.
The mayor said violent crime declined in 2025, with Columbus recording its lowest homicide total since 2007.
Ginther also pointed to a new pilot program in the Linden neighborhood focused on solving non-fatal shooting cases. In an interview with WBNS-TV before the speech, the mayor said the program achieved a 95% clearance rate, compared with about 51% across the city.
City leaders said several types of crime declined last year, including homicides, car thefts and non-fatal shootings. However, officials noted that domestic violence remains a major concern because many homicide cases involve domestic disputes.
Housing development was another major focus of the address.
Ginther said the city issued about 9,100 homebuilding permits in 2025, the highest number in roughly 25 years. Columbus leaders are working toward a long-term goal of building 100,000 new homes over the next decade as the region’s population continues to grow.
Columbus voters approved a $500 million housing bond in November 2025. City officials say the funding will support affordable housing projects and new residential development across the city.
The mayor also spoke about plans to expand women’s professional sports in Columbus.
Ginther highlighted the IgniteHER Columbus initiative, a partnership with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission designed to attract women’s sporting events and increase opportunities for female athletes.
City leaders are also exploring the possibility of bringing a future expansion team from the National Women’s Soccer League to Columbus, though the mayor said any public investment would need to provide clear benefits for residents.
Transportation planning was another topic during the speech.
Ginther said the Central Ohio Transit Authority board is expected to place a transit funding proposal on the November ballot. The measure is connected to the LinkUS mobility plan, which would expand bus rapid transit lines and improve sidewalks, bikeways and transit connections across central Ohio.
The speech comes as Columbus City Council and the mayor’s office continue negotiating the city’s proposed $1.26 billion operating budget for 2026.
Council members have suggested changes that would increase funding for courts, homeless shelters, health programs and the Columbus Promise college tuition program.
When asked about the budget during a recent interview with 10TV Investigates reporter Rochelle Alleyne, Ginther said he plans to continue discussions with council members before making a final decision.
The speech was held at the Harmony Center at 4411 Tamarack Blvd., home to the nonprofit Harmony Project, which provides music education and youth programs in the Northland neighborhood.
Ginther is currently serving his third term as Columbus mayor. Before becoming mayor, he served on Columbus City Council, including five years as council president.
Sources: City of Columbus Mayor’s Office, Axios