COLUMBUS – Columbus City Council on Monday night approved a $1.26 billion capital improvements budget that pays for an expansion of affordable housing, as well as public safety enhancements and improvements to parks, streets, sidewalks and services.
The budget, introduced by Mayor Andrew Ginther and council leaders on Oct. 21, includes $35 million to for housing assistance and development and $125 million for street resurfacing and other improvements.
The spending plan includes $30 million for health and safety, including a new 911 call center, an addiction and mental health treatment facility, a ‘real-time crime center” in Linden, a new North Side fire station and a police substation on the Hilltop.
Twelve million dollars has been earmarked for new neighborhood safety facilities and more than $63 million for parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities.
The budget consists of $766.2 million in new funding and $494.7 million in carryover dollars.
Additionally, council passed a measure that is intended to serve as a guide to capital improvement spending through 2026.