Upper Arlington · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Upper Arlington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.