Columbus, OH
Municipality in Ohio
United States
Columbus, OH boosts resiliency of its water supply with solar-powered microgrid pilot
The city's Climate Action Plan calls for five microgrid pilots at water stations by 2030. The first microgrid at Tussing Water Booster Station generates 100 kilowatts from three rows of solar panels. An on-site battery keeps the station's three pumps operational during main grid outages. This system replaces the emissions and costs of diesel-powered generators. City officials and utility AEP Ohio split the $1 million cost for microgrid development.
Columbus, OH
United States
Columbus, OH City Council considers an ordinance to demilitarize the local police and rebuild trust
The Columbus City Council is considering an ordinance to demilitarize the local police to help rebuild public trust in law enforcement. The ordinance involves restrictions on the use of military tools and tactics including tanks, tear gas, rubber bullets, and explosives with an exception for tactical teams in certain situations. The Columbus City Council is also considering a requirement that all local police officers display their names and badge numbers while on duty.
Columbus, OH
United States
Columbus, OH added police bike patrols to city parks and community centers to improve public safety
The Columbus Police Department added new police bike patrols to city parks to improve public safety for summer visitors. The bike patrols focus on 21 parks and community centers where the police receive a higher number of service calls. The bike patrols operate between 2 and 10 p.m. when the parks are open and active. The primary function of the bike patrols is to increase police visibility in the area and therefore deter gun violence.
Columbus, OH
United States
Columbus, OH is establishing a Crime Gun Intelligence Center dedicated to reducing gun violence
The City of Columbus is partnering with the Columbus Division of Police, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to establish a Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) to reduce gun violence. The CGIC will use gunshot detection systems to collect, analyze, and distribute information regarding gun-related crimes to better identify, apprehend, and prosecute perpetrators of gun violence.
Columbus, OH
United States
Columbus, OH expands last-mile wireless access to underserved homes and offers basic tech training
The City of Columbus is a finalist in the 2021 Global Mayors Challenge for expanding last-mile wireless access to homes that are currently underserved by installing base stations on city buildings. As part of the "Every Citizen Online" initiative the city is partnering with 21 local libraries to offer free basic technology training classes. The city hopes to address the growing digital divide by integrating digital literacy support and increasing affordability of at-home Wi-Fi for residents.
Columbus, OH
United States
Columbus, OH redefines its approach to mental health crises with Alternative Response Pilot Program
A social worker and a paramedic embedded with the 911 dispatch center evaluate calls for mental health situations. The Alternative Response team leads responses in non-emergency situations rather than police officers. City officials will evaluate the six-week pilot for dual impacts on non-emergency and violent crime responses. Columbus hopes to better allocate resources for the 22,000 911 calls per year dealing with behavioral health.
Columbus, OH
United States
Columbus, OH develops neighborhood autonomous shuttle route following successful downtown pilot
Two autonomous shuttles served four stops in the Linden neighborhood. The route took 24 minutes to complete at a top speed of 15 miles per hour. Commuters rode for free with service seven days a week. The 12-seat Linden LEAP shuttles used sensors, GPS tracking, and cameras to navigate neighborhood streets. An operator rode on each shuttle to monitor vehicle performance and troubleshoot issues. Columbus adopted Linden LEAP based on data from its riverfront shuttle trial.
Columbus, OH
United States