COLUMBUS, Ohio (Feb. 23, 2026) — The Columbus City Council voted unanimously Monday to certify a proposed charter amendment for the May primary ballot that would expand alternative crisis response programs, and approved a six-item legislative package restricting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Council President Shannon Harden praised the Columbus Safety Collective, the advocacy group behind the ballot initiative, for years of organizing to create a specialized response for mental health crises, overdoses and homelessness.
“A vision where if you call 911 to report a mental health crisis, an overdose, a homeless person in need, then you get the specialized response that you deserve from a social worker or a clinician,” Harden said.
City Clerk reports showed the group submitted 27,458 signatures, with 15,428 verified as valid — exceeding the 10% threshold of 12,533 needed to qualify.
Council members noted the initiative aligns with recommendations from an independent consultant’s review of existing programs completed three months ago. Harden said conversations are ongoing with the collective about potential language updates to add flexibility and incorporate new research.
“One way or another, voters are going to have their say,” Harden said.
Council also passed five ordinances and one resolution addressing immigration enforcement. The package bars the city from entering into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement without council approval, prohibits city employees from holding secondary employment with ICE or Customs and Border Protection, and creates misdemeanor penalties for harassment or obstruction at schools and daycares.
Additional measures require special use permits for detention facilities, restrict use of city property for federal immigration enforcement, and urge transparency standards for ICE agents.
All six items passed unanimously after public testimony. One speaker, Ella Moody, opposed the package, expressing support for ICE and criticizing sanctuary city policies.
In other business, the council recognized the Mary Makers Club Inc. on its 100th anniversary. The club, founded in 1926 at Columbus East High School as a Black men’s organization, was honored for its scholarship campaign.
Director of Columbus Water and Power announced that the Homeroad Water Plant, the city’s first new water plant in nearly 50 years, will advertise for construction this week. The $1.6 billion project will add 48 million gallons per day capacity, expandable to 80 million gallons per day, and is expected online in 2032.
Council authorized up to $237,516.58 from the streets and highways bond fund to purchase a multi-hog for snow and ice removal on restricted bike paths. The ordinance passed unanimously.