A City of Columbus bulletin outlines sustainability programs, a staff honor and a zoning comment period. The city is entering a third year of its Youth Climate Action Fund after two prior years of youth-led work. Nearly $50,000 in microgrants is available to youth groups ages 15 to 24, with applications open through Oct. 23. Funded projects should start by January 2027 and aim to finish by July 2027.
Earlier in September, the city's Buildings & Energy Coordinator, Cassie Johnson, was recognized for work on the buildings section of the Columbus Climate Action Plan. An early career professionals award from ACEEE cited her efforts in the buildings sector, according to the bulletin.
Columbus is also updating its zoning code for the first time in more than 70 years. Residents can review the proposal and submit feedback through Oct. 24 as part of the public comment period.
Sustainable Columbus introduced Bella Shorr as a 2026 intern and Ohio State junior studying Environmental Policy and Decision Making and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Her internship work has included the Columbus ClimateView Dashboard, data for a temperature change and cool surfaces pilot at Blackburn Park, community engagement, and leading the office's 2026 Carbon Disclosure Project data submission.
The bulletin also said $25,000 from Clean Energy Columbus community grant funding went to the Columbus Tree Assistance Program, a partnership of Columbus Recreation and Parks and Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District.