Upper Arlington · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Upper Arlington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
UAFD Lieutenant Examination Protest
A protest was filed concerning the fire division's lieutenant promotional examination, and the Civil Service Commission was scheduled to take it up as new business. The outcome could affect who is eligible for promotion within the fire department.
Flock License Plate Reader Surveillance and Ordinance 38-2026
The city's 20-camera Flock network has drawn intense resident opposition over outside-agency access, data security, and privacy. A proposed ordinance would create tiered search approvals, with judicial review for searches older than nine days. Council takes it up again October 12 with crime-data analysis.
Bob Crane Community Center Public Art
Arts on Arlington drew 1,700 attendees (up 41%), Arts on the Block drew 700, and the Labor Day Arts Festival is coming September 7 at Northam Park. Residents also asked for more food options and broader alcohol availability at future events.
Leaf Collection
Get ready, Upper Arlington! The city's seasonal leaf pickup kicks off in mid-October, so it's time to start raking and prepping your yard for the curb.
City Code Cleanup Ordinance
Council is modernizing the city code, including raising the campaign contribution limit from $250 to about $400 with periodic reviews, revisiting the employee political activity ban, and bumping the settlement authority to $50,000. Final votes come June 1.
Flock license plate reader system and privacy oversight
Police explained how the city's 20 Flock cameras collect only plate and vehicle data, delete it after 30 days, and block federal access — but council members pressed hard on privacy, data sales, and constitutional limits. No vote was taken; this was a transparency session for residents with concerns.
Roberts Road Yard Waste and Recycling Facility
A new SWACO lease keeps the composting site running and adds a free drop-off for Styrofoam, batteries, e-waste, paint, appliances and TVs — plus possible on-site food waste processing that would cut a long haul to London, Ohio.
Lawsuit
The developer behind Upper Arlington's massive $100 million Golden Bear project is suing the city because the deal has stalled. This ties up prime local land and city resources, meaning we'll likely see taxpayer money spent fighting or settling the legal battle.
Bob Crane Community Center first-year operations
The community center far exceeded expectations in year one, with 12,545 memberships and millions in revenue above expenses. Heavy usage is great for residents but means equipment wear and maintenance costs will climb, and programs like child watch and esports run at deficits.
World Cities Summit trip and ethics transparency
Council debated whether sending the mayor to a Singapore summit on sponsors' dime was a gift or public purpose. After amendments clarifying zero city cost and declaring a public purpose, it passed 7-0 — but members raised real concerns about corporate sponsorship and data-center lobbying.
2026 Street, Bridge, and Stormwater Contracts
Four construction contracts are moving forward: pedestrian bridge replacements at two parks plus the street maintenance/stormwater and street reconstruction programs, with hearings April 20.
Summer Day Camp Demand Exceeds Capacity
Recreation programs grew 64% after the community center opened, with registrations up 43% to 13,460 registrants. More options and spaces are now available to residents.
Urban Tree Canopy Assessment
The city now has 41% tree canopy, up from 32% in 2016, with about 1,100 plantable acres — but most of that is private property. Council discussed how to set new canopy goals, clarify confusing tree replacement rules for homeowners, and ease the financial burden of tree care. The findings will feed into an urban forestry master plan.
HR Director Retirement and Consulting Coverage
The city's HR Director retires March 6, sooner than expected. Council funded a 12-month consulting contract — chosen from 13 RFP responses — to handle seasonal hiring, mentor staff, and evaluate the department's future structure.
Renewable Energy
Upper Arlington's new community center is getting a boost with local solar panels to help power the building. It's a great move for the environment that should also help keep the city's utility bills in check over the long run.