Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop’s first State of the City address will showcase local talent and accomplishments.
The new mayor said he plans to follow the traditional model of using his speech to update residents on the progress the city made in 2015 while also sharing his vision for 2016.
He will have completed the first three months of his four-year term when he delivers the address at 6 p.m. March 29 at the Columbus Learning Center.
However, Lienhoop said he wants to take a new approach to the State of the City address by allowing some local residents and program leaders to share their own stories.
Although the details are still being finalized, the Republican mayor said he plans to have entertainment at the event provided by local residents.
Asking those residents to perform that evening will allow them to share their passions with their neighbors while also shedding light on the various talents within the city, Lienhoop said.
Aside from showcasing the accomplishments of individual residents, the mayor said his first State of the City address will also feature one particular area of city government, the Columbus Municipal Airport.
The local airport on the city’s north side is the fourth-busiest towered airport in the state, but its operations are often overlooked, Lienhoop said.
He has asked airport director Brian Payne to provide an overview of the work that takes place at the airport while also sharing his ideas for future projects and development for airport property.
For his part of the State of the City address, Lienhoop said he plans to provide an update on the city’s financial situation. Additionally, the mayor will hit on the accomplishments he has made so far on the three main themes of his administration:
Public safety
Educational attainment
Economic opportunity
Lienhoop also plans to update a few projects he has been able to start during his first three months in office.
The 2016 State of the City address takes the place of the March 29 City Council meeting.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”If you go” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
2016 State of the City
- When: 6 p.m. March 29
- Where: Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Ave.
- Who: Speakers include Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, Columbus Municipal Airport director Brian Payne and additional entertainment showcasing Columbus talent
[sc:pullout-text-end]
