A 16‑year‑old speaker urged Columbus to terminate its contract with Flock Safety ALPR cameras and ban similar automatic license‑plate reader installations, citing alleged misuse, a recent reported hack and ongoing privacy risks.

After an annual report showing strong FY26 performance and an estimated $16 million city impact, council authorized awarding a design‑build contract for a roughly 500‑space Trace Center parking garage; further stakeholder engagement and design development were ordered.

Multiple residents urged the council to halt hyperscale data center approvals until PFAS‑free cooling solutions are proven at hyperscale, citing construction‑phase contamination risks and long timeframes for project build‑out; the council took comments and referred the matter to staff for future agenda consideration.

Council members advance three-year initiative for medically underserved care program administration.

United Way and partners told Columbus City Council a Georgia Tech–backed study shows a local housing mobility gap and recommended a redevelopment entity, a housing trust fund, zoning changes to allow duplexes/ADUs, and a coordinated homelessness continuum to add hundreds–thousands of units over five years.

Public commenters raised ownership, tax-exemption and environmental concerns about a proposed data-center overlay, asking for clearer records, independent environmental review, and full accounting of potential lost local tax revenue before council advances approvals.

Public commenters raised water, noise and landscape concerns about a proposed 900‑acre data‑center site; city economic development staff says the site is power‑ready, expects about 195 permanent jobs and will pursue an overlay zoning district and public review before council votes.

The council approved a technology overlay to the Unified Development Ordinance intended to structure review of future technology projects. Supporters called it a zoning and planning tool; residents and activists warned it clears an initial hurdle for projects they say include a proposed 'Project Ruby' data center.

Dozens of residents, civic leaders and technical speakers addressed council about a proposed technology/data-center overlay and Project Ruby. Speakers urged more transparency, independent review, and stronger protections on water, power, noise, and community benefits; supporters highlighted economic opportunity. Council noted the overlay had not been advertised for first reading and significant public concern remains.

Council approved acceptance of an FAA grant (~$793,000) for the airport master plan phase with a 5% local match, and unanimously passed a resolution to amend the Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority articles to eliminate dues, reduce representatives per county and expand participation to nearby counties and cities.

A disputed city letter ordering PAWS to remove a Georgetown community‑cat colony prompted extensive public comment and allegations that council action occurred outside public meetings. Advocates say the city's removal letter lacks the veterinarian finding required under city code; a resident group says nuisance and health concerns justify action.

Council authorized the city manager to execute a real-estate agreement for about 42.54 acres at Casita Road and 10th Avenue, approved purchases and lease arrangements for vehicles and equipment, agreed to apply for a large Bridging Cities Initiative grant, and later approved a $65,000 settlement for an accident claim.

Councilors discussed an ordinance to change pension contributions, DROP suspension rules and vesting. Councilor Davis secured an amendment to reduce certain employee contributions (8%→6%) effective Jan. 1, 2027 or earlier if the city manager approves; staff said actuarial reports show the pension plans are funded above 100% for FY27.

Council voted July 28 to approve intergovernmental agreements with the Columbus Airport Commission and Development Authority to fund airport economic development and operations; airport officials outlined plans for staffing, infrastructure improvements and requested a work session to discuss a 30/96/12‑month plan.

Dozens of residents pressed Columbus city leaders July 28 to halt negotiations over a proposed hyperscale data center (Project Ruby/RWBY), citing noise, water use, public‑health risks and potential conflicts of interest and asking for independent impact studies and a public moratorium.

After residents warned that a 287(g) task‑force agreement could lead to racial profiling and detentions, Sheriff Greg Countryman told council the county joined the model to improve intelligence on cartel activity and said the program is focused on jail‑based intelligence, not street sweeps.

Council approved the city’s 2026–2030 consolidated plan and the fiscal‑year 2026 annual action plan for HUD programs, committing CDBG and HOME dollars to housing, infrastructure and public‑service priorities and directing ESG funds to homeless response and HMIS.

An internal audit found aging buildings, storm damage cleanup still incomplete, manual financial and HR processes, and security/parking issues across the city's golf courses. Auditors recommended reclassifying an administrative position, staged renovations (Godwin Creek: ~$4M; Oxbow expansion: ~$13M), and improved records retention.

Emergency management director Greg Corbett briefed the council on siren modernization, mass‑notification tools, grant-funded generators for four shelters and a mobile command vehicle; he asked the council to consider funding a long‑term logistical facility to house equipment and disaster supplies.

City staff and consultants recommended changes to the pension plan — vesting from 10 to 5 years, a 1% multiplier for years 31–40, and lowering employee contributions for later hires from 8% to 6% — to be financed by extending the unfunded‑liability amortization from 5 to 10 years; the pension board voted to support the change.

Council kept a targeted Uptown curfew (9 p.m. start) on first reading and directed staff to return with a 2nd‑reading ordinance. Supporters said the curfew addresses late‑night disorder and weapons; opponents said selective enforcement risks disparate impacts and urged youth services, data reporting and citywide safeguards.

A proposed technology overlay to allow hyperscale data centers near Yupitoy/Layfield Road touched off hours of testimony. Columbus Water Works says the city has capacity but that $30M in pipe and pump upgrades would be needed and would be the developer’s responsibility; opponents demanded a 120‑day moratorium, stronger bond, PFAS bans and a binding river cap.

City leaders debated first reading of the FY27 budget (roughly $43.98 million) and approved several first‑reading amendments—including funding a third state court judge, a sheriff's chief‑deputy position, and a local supplement for the chief magistrate judge—while staff said final vote will be next week.

At a required taxpayer bill‑of‑rights hearing, Columbus officials and the county chief tax assessor explained the new notice layout and appeal rules under House Bill 566, emphasizing that homeowners with frozen homestead assessments should not see tax increases while the county digest rises.

After a multi‑week community process presented an overlay intended to set baseline standards for hyperscale data center campuses, the council heard technical recommendations and lengthy public comment about noise, water, transmission and enforcement, then voted to continue the first reading for one week and request utility briefings.