COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther unveiled his proposed general fund budget for 2025.
On Wednesday, he and other city leaders presented a budget totaling $1.23 billion that they say is designed to foster equitable prosperity and safety for residents.
This is Ginther’s ninth budget proposal as mayor. Part of the investments proposed in the budget include:
- $774 million for neighborhood safety, including three new police classes and one fire recruit class, which will add up to 180 new officers to the Division of Police as well as 45 new firefighters.
- $4.3 million to fund the staff who will administer the allocation of $83 million in affordable housing bonds, grants and federal housing dollars.
- $26.8 million for summer, after-school and job-readiness programming to keep Columbus youth safe, active and engaged.
- $10 million in Human Services grants for social services organizations that support vulnerable residents and neighborhoods.
- $1.6 million for additional full-time employees in the Department of Technology to strengthen IT infrastructure and data management.
- Expected balance of $105 million in the city’s “Rainy Day” Fund by the end of 2025.
The proposed funding for the city’s technology department comes after the city experienced a cyberattack over the summer. Documents containing sensitive information about residents and from city departments were exposed on the dark web.
As the city continues to work to fully restore its system, Ginther has said the city would make additional investments in its cybersecurity efforts.
Columbus City Council will deliberate and hold public hearings on the budget. Councilmembers are expected to approve an amended budget early next year.