News

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced yesterday that Franklin County is one of 12 additional jurisdictions joining the Safety and Justice Challenge, a national $148 million initiative to reduce over-incarceration by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails. Franklin County and the other jurisdictions will design and test innovative local justice reforms designed to safely drive down jail usage and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in their local justice systems.

The work force in Central Ohio will grow today with 17 new building trade apprentices, thanks to a continuing partnership between Franklin County and the Central Ohio building trades that prepares low-income workers for careers in the skilled trades where workers are in demand.

This morning, the Franklin County Commissioners and Coroner, Dr. Anahi Ortiz, broke ground on a new Forensic Science Center at 2090 Frank Road in the southwestern part of the county.  The new facility will replace the current morgue on King Avenue, which has been used since 1975, and represents a significant upgrade in both the size and capabilities of the coroner’s office.

Franklin County Commissioners’ Statement on Labor Day 
 

Franklin County Commissioners’ Statement on the Announcement of Direct Flights to Seattle

The Franklin County commissioners have announced a new director to oversee the county’s Animal Care and Control Department, which includes the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.  Kaye Dickson will take over the position beginning on Monday, August 6th.  In addition, the commissioners have hired an assistant director, Dwayne Young, who will begin next month.

All three Franklin County Commissioners have been named to leadership roles with the National Association of Counties (NACo), policy steering committees, ad hoc and standing committees, and various caucuses and task forces.

To help end youth homelessness, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding $43 million to 11 local communities across the country, including nearly $6.1 million to the Community Shelter Board in Columbus through its Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). This HUD program supports a wide range of housing interventions including rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and host homes. The Community Shelter Board leads a coordinated, community effort to make sure everyone has a place to call home in Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio.

Franklin County Commissioners’ Statement on Independence Day

The Franklin County Commissioners and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) today announced the findings of a new Franklin County Energy Study which was commissioned by the county and conducted by MORPC.  The study explores how energy is produced and used in Franklin County, and the impact it has on local communities and residents.