💸 Inside Columbus’ Biggest Budget Ever

Plus: 🎄 It's Tree Lighting Time, Columbus!

Author

Chelsea Wiley
November 14, 2025

In partnership with

Sponsored by North Market 🍴
North Market is calling your name! Whether you're exploring the original downtown location for its classic market charm or the Bridge Park spot in Dublin for a modern twist, there's no better place to eat, shop, and discover the best of Columbus. For more info, head over to northmarket.org.

Hello, Friday! Chelsea here.

The weekend is so close, people! And this one is pretty exciting because tomorrow marks the start of our annual Holiday Newsletters. 🎉🎄 These Saturday editions will feature all of the holiday happenings and events around the city from now through the New Year.

Speaking of things happening in Columbus in the New Year, The city just rolled out its proposed 2026 operating budget, and it is a big one. The plan aims to tackle several major challenges the city is facing right now, with some notable shifts in spending priorities. Over the next few months, City Council will dig into the details and hear from residents before anything becomes final. We took a closer look at what’s in the proposal and what it could mean for Columbus in the year ahead. Catch the full breakdown below.

🎄 Brighten Up Your Holiday Season At These Columbus Christmas Tree Lightings
The holiday season is officially here! From Easton’s Grand Illumination to neighborhood tree lightings across the region, there are plenty of festive events to enjoy with family and friends.

⚽️ MLS To Switch To Summer-To-Spring Schedule, What It Means For The Columbus Crew
Big changes are coming for the Columbus Crew. MLS will shift to a summer-to-spring calendar in 2027, meaning mid-July season starts, a winter break, and May playoffs.

🌊 Six Orphaned Manatees Make the Journey From Columbus To Florida
Big news for manatee fans! Six orphaned manatees flew from Ohio to Florida to complete rehab, while six more arrived in Ohio for care.

Headlines 📰 

📉 Columbus City Schools could cut nearly 450 jobs as part of $50 million in proposed budget reductions. Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman says tough choices are needed to protect classroom resources, with a board vote set for Dec. 2. (NBC4)

💵 Zora’s House, a co-working and community space for women of color, recently closed its café and laid off staff after a sharp drop in funding. Founder LC Johnson says the changes reflect broader threats to local equity infrastructure and the need for the city to step up support. (Matter News)

🚗 Ohio is aiming for a fourth straight year of fewer traffic deaths. Officials are urging drivers to buckle up, slow down, and stay focused as 2025 winds down. (Spectrum News 1)

🌤️ Weather: 59 with increasing clouds

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
Explore Columbus through a new lens with the For Us by Us Public Art Tour curated by Lance Johnson. This self-guided tour highlights 11 inspiring works across the city, celebrating compassion, empathy, and connection through public art. Discover the pieces that bring our community together and experience art made authentically. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com 

Coming Up 📆

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Have the best weekend, Columbus. See you back here tomorrow morning for the first Holiday Newsletter of the season!

Want your photo to be featured? Use #columbusnavigator or tag us!

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- Chelsea