Columbus City Council Approves Rental Registry, NWSL Stadium Deal in Heated Session

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus City Council voted 8-1 Monday to create a residential rental property registry, requiring annual registration, a $15 per unit fee capped at $1,500 per property, and triennial preventative education inspections of exteriors and common areas.

Council Member Remy cast the sole dissenting vote, arguing the ordinance places an administrative burden on responsible landlords.

The vote followed months of community engagement, according to council members. Properties with repeated code violations will receive conditional registration status, triggering mandatory inspections and penalties.

In a more contentious vote, the council approved a deal to bring a National Women’s Soccer League team to Columbus, passing 6-3. The ordinance authorizes a contribution agreement for the Gravity Project Phase 3, including $2 million in public funds for parking, infrastructure and affordable housing, and a separate agreement to use the McCoy Park site for a women’s soccer stadium.

Council Members Deakau, Dorans and Green voted no, criticizing a lack of transparency in the administration’s negotiations.

“Multiple council members expressed anger that the administration negotiated the stadium deal secretly for months without informing council or the community,” according to a summary of the meeting.

An amendment added a working group, timelines and a $3 million private contribution for a replacement park.

The council also approved two legal settlements totaling $786,000.

Ordinance 0987-2026 settles a lawsuit by former police sergeant Brook Wilson for $750,000. Wilson alleged discrimination after being demoted for using a racial slur. The city faced risk of a $3 million judgment if the case went to trial. Council Member Rosa de Padilla voted no, arguing the settlement rewards bad behavior and that the judge’s evidentiary ruling was an abuse of power.

Ordinance 1043-2026 settles a pre-lawsuit Ohio Civil Rights Commission claim for $36,000. The complainant alleged retaliation after complaining about a polygrapher’s conduct during a pre-employment test. The vote was unanimous.

City Auditor Megan Kilgore announced she will step down May 4, 2026. The council is accepting applications to fill the vacancy with a deadline of April 23 at noon.

Key moments

Contentious

Rental registry: Council Member Remy opposed, citing administrative burden on responsible landlords.

Contentious

NWSL stadium deal: Council members Deakau, Dorans, Green voted no, criticizing lack of transparency and impact on underserved community.

Contentious

Brook Wilson settlement: Council Member Rosa de Padilla voted no, arguing it rewards bad behavior and the judge's evidentiary ruling was an abuse of power.

Contentious

Process complaints: Multiple council members expressed anger that the administration negotiated the stadium deal secretly for months without informing council or the community.

Full analysis

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Meeting Analysis

City of Columbus — 2026-04-20

Meeting Information

Title: Columbus City Council Meeting (4/20/26)

Parish: City of Columbus

Date: 2026-04-20

Video: Recording

Transcript segments: 5883

Item	Description	Action	Vote Status
Rental Registry Ordinance	Ordinance 0923-2026 to create a residential rental property registry requiring annual registration, a $15 per unit fee (capped at $1,500 per property), and triennial preventative education inspections of exteriors and common areas. Properties with repeated code violations get conditional registration status triggering mandatory inspections and penalties.	Passed 8-1 (Council Member Remy voted no).	8-1
NWSL Stadium and McCoy Park Deal	Ordinance 1112-2026 authorizing a contribution agreement for the Gravity Project Phase 3, including $2 million in public funds for parking, infrastructure, and affordable housing, and a separate agreement to use McCoy Park site for a women's soccer stadium. An amendment added a working group, timelines, and a $3 million private contribution for a replacement park.	Passed 6-3 (Council Members Deakau, Dorans, Green voted no).	6-3
Legal Settlement - Brook Wilson	Ordinance 0987-2026 to settle a lawsuit by former police sergeant Brook Wilson for $750,000. Wilson alleged discrimination after being demoted for using a racial slur; the city faced risk of a $3 million judgment if the case went to trial.	Passed 8-1 (Council Member Rosa de Padilla voted no).	8-1
Legal Settlement - Hana O. Hassan	Ordinance 1043-2026 to settle a pre-lawsuit Ohio Civil Rights Commission claim for $36,000. The complainant alleged retaliation after complaining about a polygrapher's conduct during a pre-employment test.	Passed unanimously.	Unanimous
Auditor Vacancy and Transition	City Auditor Megan Kilgore announced she will step down on May 4, 2026. Council is accepting applications to fill the vacancy with a deadline of April 23 at noon.	Applications being accepted; appointment process underway.	No action needed

$6 million budgeted for legal settlements in 2026.
$750,000 settlement for Brook Wilson case.
$36,000 settlement for Hana O. Hassan claim.
$2 million capital contribution for Gravity Project Phase 3.
$3 million private contribution from NWSL ownership group for replacement park.

Tenant advocacy groups and Legal Aid supported rental registry as a tool to hold bad landlords accountable.
Southwest community residents opposed the loss of McCoy Park, an adaptive recreation park promised for years.
Immigrant advocates highlighted language barriers and exploitation by landlords, supporting the registry.
Some landlords opposed the registry as duplicative and burdensome.

Rental registry: Council Member Remy opposed, citing administrative burden on responsible landlords.
NWSL stadium deal: Council members Deakau, Dorans, Green voted no, criticizing lack of transparency and impact on underserved community.
Brook Wilson settlement: Council Member Rosa de Padilla voted no, arguing it rewards bad behavior and the judge's evidentiary ruling was an abuse of power.
Process complaints: Multiple council members expressed anger that the administration negotiated the stadium deal secretly for months without informing council or the community.

Department of Building and Zoning Services

Presented on rental registry implementation, fee structure ($15/unit), and partnership with Franklin County Auditor to share data.

Department of Development

Discussed how rental registry data will inform housing strategy and protect tenants from exploitation.

Department of Public Safety

Deputy Director Speaks explained risk management in settlements; noted 25 active cases at any time.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Director Ree confirmed design for McCoy Park was stopped in late 2025; specifications for adaptive features can be reused at a new site.

Council to accept applications for city auditor vacancy by April 23 at noon.
Working group to be formed within 15 days of NWSL team award to identify replacement park site; plan due in 60 days.
Department of Development and Building and Zoning to implement rental registry, including technology and staffing.
City Attorney's office to continue monitoring settlement budget and report to council.