Mayor Ginther Releases $1.23 Billion 2025 General Fund Budget Proposal

Mayor Ginther Releases $1.23 Billion 2025 General Fund Budget Proposal

Published on November 13, 2024

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today released his proposed 2025 General Fund budget. Through sound fiscal management focused on strategic, thoughtful investments in safety, housing, transportation and core services, the city is presenting a balanced budget totaling $1.23 billion designed to foster equitable prosperity and safety for Columbus residents as the city continues to experience rapid growth.

"Investments we've made in past years, particularly in safety and housing, are proving their value, with Columbus leading the nation in homicide reduction and housing starts up 21% in 2024," said Mayor Ginther. "We will continue these proven investments that are impacting safety and affordability for all residents, while embracing opportunities to innovate and strengthen our support for every family in every Columbus neighborhood."

Mayor Ginther highlighted the following investments in his ninth Operating Budget proposal:

• $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 City Charter requires the mayor to present a balanced budget proposal to City Council on or before November 15 annually. Columbus City Council will begin budget deliberations, including public hearings, and is expected to approve an amended budget in early 2025.

The full budget can be viewed online at: https://columbus.gov/2025budget/.

• Media Releases