Franklin County Board of Commissioners
2025 State of the County Report

Good Stewardship of Natural Resources, Environmental Sustainability, & Civic Engagement

Preserving the natural resources that make our community vibrant is just as vital as fostering economic growth and maintaining an effective local government. The commissioners are dedicated to responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable management practices to ensure our community remains beautiful and thriving for generations to come.

Agency Partner: Public Facilities Management

Public Facilities Management (PFM) is dedicated to managing and caring for 40 county buildings, from correctional facilities and the dog shelter to administrative offices. PFM plays an essential role in supporting the daily functions of all Franklin County offices, agencies, and the public they serve.

PFM’s operations division provides top-notch services that positively impact county staff and visitors every day. The division includes a hardworking team of AFSCME trades staff, such as Custodial Workers, Maintenance Workers, Electricians, Painters, Carpenters, Safety and Security Technicians, Landscapers, and Environmental Technicians, who respond to important work requests and maintain county properties. PFM’s construction division also handles new construction, renovations, and facility preservation projects.

PFM’s mission is to offer centralized, cost-effective, efficient, and professional building services, ensuring county employees and visitors enjoy a safe, comfortable, functional, and environmentally friendly space. The agency is committed to outstanding customer service and responsiveness in fulfilling its mission.

Program Highlight: Construction Completion / Support Projects

  • Facility Expansion and Renovation for the Franklin County Board of Elections: Includes the development of the Early Vote Center.
  • James A. Karnes Corrections Center – Continuation Phase: This 167,000-square-foot expansion focuses on female inmates, featuring gender-responsive, trauma-informed design with flexible housing units, group therapy spaces, and personalized details such as hair-washing sinks and larger mirrors. The design incorporates murals and calming colors to create a supportive environment.
  • One Door Space Renovation: A meeting room in the Michael J. Dorrian Building was renovated to create a One Door location for easier access to county services, with Public Facilities Management overseeing planning, design, and renovation in collaboration with Health and Human Servic.
  • Support for ADAMH’s New Crisis Care Center: Ongoing assistance in the construction of the new Franklin County Crisis Care Center, slated for completion in 2025.
  • New Franklin County Downtown Development: Initial work has begun on the design, engineering, and construction management for the new Early Learning Center and other Master Plan projects, set to advance.
Construction Completion / Support Projects Construction Completion / Support Projects

Agency Partner: Public Facilities Management

Five county buildings are LEED certified, which is a recognition that they were constructed using methods and materials that help save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and create healthier places for people to live and work.

The county has two LEED Gold-certified buildings and three LEED Silver-certified buildings, including the two most recently constructed buildings, our stateof- the-art Forensic Science Center and the new James A. Karnes Corrections Center.

LEED Certified
  • Countywide Property Management: Public Facilities Management (PFM) oversees approximately 4 million square feet of space, managing facilities located throughout Franklin County.
  • Workforce Presence: PFM employs the largest number of AFSCME-represented staff and has team members working in nearly every county facility.
  • Sustainability Leadership: Franklin County boasts five LEED-certified buildings, including two at the Gold level and three at the Silver level, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable design and operations.
  • Franklin County Office Tower Stats: The Office Tower features 25,000 cubic yards of concrete, over 6,000 tons of steel, nearly 200,000 square feet of granite chipped precast, and 47,000 additional square feet of conventional granite—highlighting the scale and strength of county infrastructure.
Public Facilities Management
Franklin County Department of Sanitary Engineering

Agency Partner: Franklin County Department of Sanitary Engineering

The Franklin County Department of Sanitary Engineering plays a crucial role in providing clean water and wastewater services to residents in unincorporated areas of Franklin County. By ensuring safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible water management, the department helps protect public health, support economic growth, and preserve natural resources.

The department is responsible for delivering clean drinking water, maintaining wastewater systems, and overseeing infrastructure improvements to enhance service efficiency. It also provides guidance on sewage alternatives, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas, while ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.

Through its efforts, the department protects the county’s water quality, reduces the risk of waterborne diseases, and supports sustainable community development, working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to implement best practices in water management and environmental stewardship.

Reliable water and wastewater services are the foundation of a healthy, thriving community. At the Franklin County Department of Sanitary Engineering, we are committed to delivering sustainable, resilient, and equitable infrastructure that protects public health, supports economic growth, and safeguards our environment. Through smart governance and forward-thinking solutions, we ensure that our water systems remain strong, adaptive, and prepared for the challenges of the future.

~ Director Stephen Renner

Agency Partner: Fleet Management

From the moment the Fleet Management agency opens at 5 AM until it closes at 4 PM, its team is focused on keeping Franklin County moving. The agency’s mission is to ensure county employees who serve on the front lines daily have safe, reliable vehicles to perform their essential work. It supports 34 county departments, from Adult Probation to Weights & Measures, each with unique vehicle needs.

With a fleet of 600 vehicles and numerous pieces of equipment to manage, the agency is responsible for procurement, maintenance, fueling, and disposal to keep these employees on the road. Whether it’s law enforcement patrol cars, Board of Commissioners’ mobile units, or Public Facilities Management work trucks, Fleet Management plays a critical role in sustaining the services that directly impact the residents of Franklin County.

2024 Fleet Management Stats:

600

vehicles in the Fleet.

5,099,203

miles driven by county vehicles.

344,465

gallons of fuel.

1,022

oil changes.

481

tires replaced.

36

alternative fuel stations.

Utilizing Alternative Energy – a look at the county’s fleet:

83 - Flex fuel or E85
3 - All electric
78 - Hybrid
3 - Biodiesel
20 - Plug in Hybrid
2 - Propane

Agency Partner: Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), one of Ohio’s 52 solid waste districts, serves all of Franklin County and uniquely operates its own landfill as a public service. Beyond managing the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill, SWACO partners with 41 local communities to boost recycling and reduce landfill reliance. Funded primarily through disposal fees, it also offers educational programs and landfill tours to promote sustainability.

In 2024, SWACO expanded its impact by opening a 41,700 sq. ft. Operations Building, sealing off an old landfill section, and welcoming nearly 9,000 visitors for tours. It introduced prescription pill bottle recycling, extended hazardous waste drop-off hours, and supported composting pilots in schools and businesses. With over $240,000 in grants awarded and 54 illegal dumping cases investigated, SWACO continues to drive community engagement. Looking ahead, plans include a new education center, the Fresh Takes food waste campaign, and expanded recycling and composting initiatives – all working toward a greener, more sustainable Franklin County.

Metro Parks
Metro Parks

Agency Partner: Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is Central Ohio’s go-to resource for regional planning and community growth. With 90 local governments and partners, MORPC helps shape the future by providing data, resources, and long-term planning for transportation, housing, sustainability, and land use. A big part of its work is ensuring Central Ohio’s transportation network runs smoothly while also supporting smart development and environmental efforts that improve everyday life.

Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission

At its core, MORPC is about building a stronger, more connected, and more sustainable region. Whether it’s guiding investments in roads and infrastructure or ensuring people have access to jobs, healthcare, education, and recreation, MORPC works to make Central Ohio a great place to live. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, MORPC strives to create opportunities for everyone, making sure its plans and programs benefit the entire community fairly and effectively.

  • Franklin County Programs for Housing: Provided home repairs and lead mitigation services for a total of 63 homes across the county.
  • Home Repair Program: Allocated $481,500 to support home repairs, benefiting 31 homes in Franklin County.
  • Ohio LEAD Safe Program: Invested $686,000 to mitigate lead hazards, serving 32 homes in Franklin County.
  • Weatherization Program with Columbia Gas: Implemented energy efficiency measures in 300 homes across the county, helping residents save energy and reduce utility costs.

Program Highlight: Board of Commissioners’ Mobile Units

The Franklin County Commissioners’ Mobile Units, unveiled in July 2024, bring essential health and human services directly to residents across the county. Developed from a partnership between Franklin County Fleet Management and the Health and Human Services, these units include two 38-foot mobile offices and a Sprinter van for locations with limited access. Hosting 10 to 20 events per month, they provide vital services such as food and housing assistance, job training, legal aid, and healthcare. More than just offices on wheels, they create a welcoming space, remove barriers to access, and quickly respond to evolving community needs. Their mobility and adaptability also support broader efforts to improve social equity and accessibility, aligning with the goals outlined in the Poverty Blueprint, known as the People’s Plan.

Board of Commissioners’ Mobile Units

Community Partner: Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District

The Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, founded in 1946, helps residents protect local natural resources by promoting responsible land use and preventing water pollution. Instead of pollution coming from a single source, everyday activities like construction, lawn care, and fallen leaves can wash into storm drains, affecting water quality and wildlife. The District educates over 20,000 students each year, inspects construction sites, and maps stormwater systems to keep pollution out of rivers and streams. It also provides funding for projects like rain gardens, native plants, and compost bins, helping communities improve soil, water, and the environment for everyone.

Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Conservation Efforts: Franklin Soil and Water manages 34 conservation easements and one fee simple conservation area (Hellbranch Meadows), protecting more than 750 acres of riparian corridor throughout Franklin County.
  • Environmental Education: Franklin Soil and Water manages 34 conservation easements and one fee simple conservation area (Hellbranch Meadows), protecting more than 750 acres of riparian corridor throughout Franklin County.
  • Community Backyards Program: Issued 1,991 rebates totaling over $113,000 in 2024 for rain barrels, compost bins, and native plants, an increase from 1,238 rebates in 2019.
  • Stormwater Compliance: 1,685 stormwater compliance inspections performed. In 2019 we performed 823 inspections.
  • Conservation Efforts: Conducted 1,685 inspections in 2024, more than doubling the 823 inspections completed in 2019.
  • Tree and Plant Sale: Sold 10,360 native trees and shrubs in 2024, a slight decrease from 10,467 sold in 2019.
  • Community Engagement: Participated in 75 community events across Franklin County in 2024, up from 45 events in 2019.

Program Highlight: LinkUs

With Central Ohio expected to grow to 3.15 million residents by 2050, nearly a million more people in the next 25 years, strong partnerships are key to planning for the future. COTA, alongside the City of Columbus, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), and the Columbus Partnership, is leading the way through LinkUS. This collaborative initiative will expand transit services and invest in sidewalks, bikeways, and trails, ensuring the region remains connected, accessible, and ready for growth. By working together, these partners are shaping a more walkable, inclusive, and opportunity-rich future for all Central Ohio residents.

NEXT CORE PRINCIPLE

Job Creation, Strategic Economic Development, & Fiscal Security