September 17, 2025
When you hear talk about introducing more housing in Worthington, the debate has been reduced to a choice between apartments or parks. Or it turns into a numbers game about how many residents favor one option and how many do not. But comprehensive planning is not a popularity contest. It is about preparing for the future: our kids who want a first apartment, our parents who want to stay near family as they age, and the people who hope to make Worthington their home if we let them. Read more...
September 1, 2025
Politics in Worthington can get noisy fast, especially when it comes to important issues like development, housing, and community character. We’re heading into Election Season, what some call "Silly Season", and that can mean bold claims, anonymous mailers, and terms like “resident-focused” being used while minimizing real concerns and solutions. Read more...
July 21, 2025
Michael Wilkos, a respected voice in community and regional development, will be speaking in Worthington on June 23 as part of our Worthington Together speaker series. His insight at a recent Columbus Metropolitan Club panel struck a chord with me — and I believe it should resonate with all of us who care about Worthington’s future. Read more...
At our July 7 City Council meeting, we reviewed updated cost estimates for the outdoor pools project. Due to construction market conditions, we’re facing some tough decisions to keep the project moving forward. Read more...
As we shape Worthington’s future together, our comprehensive plan update—Worthington Together—is an opportunity for the entire community to think big about what comes next. One of the important conversations we are having is about how to thoughtfully balance our love of parks with the need for housing, economic vitality, and long-term sustainability. Read more...
June 20, 2025
As we engage in conversations about Worthington’s future and housing options, one topic that always sparks strong opinions is the idea of adding apartments or denser housing types. One concern that comes up again and again is the fear that apartment complexes or affordable housing will lead to more crime. That’s a serious worry for some residents, but it’s important that we address it with facts, empathy, and common sense. Read more...
Last night’s City Council meeting was a reminder of how important it is that we model respect—not just for one another, but for the public process itself and the many volunteers, public servants, and professionals who support it. Read more...
Worthington is beginning a major update to our Comprehensive Plan—a roadmap for how our city will grow, adapt, and stay true to our values in the years ahead. This should be a moment of collaboration, bold ideas, and forward-thinking solutions that reflect both our local priorities and our role in a changing Central Ohio region. Unfortunately, some are already working to cast doubt on the process before it’s even started. Read more...
Why Should You Care About the City's Comprehensive Plan?
Because it affects who can afford to live here—your kids, your neighbors, our teachers and first responders. And it affects our local businesses. Many restaurants and shops have shared how hard it is to stay open without enough nearby residents. More people living and working here means more customers and a stronger, more vibrant community. Read more...
Thinking big isn’t about tossing ideas into the wind. It’s about setting a strategic vision, and the Worthington Together Comprehensive Plan will give us a path to implement bold, community-driven solutions. Read more...
Some may want quick action now, but the path to thoughtful growth means engaging our residents, hearing diverse voices, and aligning around a shared vision. That’s exactly what our community-led planning committee is doing, and their first public input session is coming June 11. Read more...
In 2024, we took a major step forward as a community. After months of thoughtful input and engagement from residents, we transformed the results of our community-wide Visioning Process into a bold, two-year Strategic Plan. This ambitious plan is not only guiding the work of City Council and staff—it’s actively shaping the future of Worthington. Read more...
It’s been an incredible honor to serve this community. I’ve learned so much about the importance—and impact—of local government, and I’ve been fortunate to meet so many passionate, thoughtful people along the way. Read more...
Copyright Beth Kowalczyk 2025 All rights reserved.