[Columbus, OH] Today, City Council announced a series of town hall discussions to gain further insight into reimagining safety in the capital City. Each forum features subject-matter experts leading the conversation and opportunities for public dialogue.
“These town halls are designed to hear from national subject-matter experts as well as local residents who are experts on our City and what will keep them safe,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “In 2020, we saw the deadliest year on record when it comes to homicides in Columbus. We saw two unarmed residents gunned down by law enforcement in December. Council is committed to pushing forward an operating budget that reimagines safety.”
In 2020, Council began the initial phase of reform with the passage of a comprehensive legislative safety package, which included independent investigations into lethal force, demilitarization of police, limiting no-knock raids and instituting background checks for hate-group affiliation. This series continues the ongoing deliberations of the City’s Operating Budget.
Each session focuses on one of the three pillars, which are the backbone of Council’s efforts moving forward to reimagining safety. They are investing in accountability and a better Division of Police, establishing alternative crisis response models and investing in violence prevention.
“Achieving real change that protects the safety of every person in our city will take fierce dedication and the willpower of all of us working together,” said President Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown. “These town halls will help direct our efforts as we continue working to reimagine public safety through the operating budget and other city programs. We have heard the calls from across our city that the status quo is unacceptable, and it is our duty as elected officials to respond.”
Any resident seeking to provide written or live testimony via WebEx during the virtual hearing must submit their intention using the following LINK HERE. Requests must be entered by noon on the day of the event. Ten speakers will be heard per town hall, with remarks limited to three minutes or less. There will be audience engagement activities during the town hall events.
- Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 5:30pm
Establishing Alternative Public Safety Crisis Response, led by Council President Shannon G. Hardin- Attend via WebEx – Password: 12345
- By Phone: 1-650-479-3207, Access code: 180 969 1521
- CLICK HERE to provide testimony via WebEx during the town hall. Requests must be entered by noon on the day of the event.
- Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 5:30pm
Investing in Violence Prevention, led by Councilmember Mitchell J. Brown- Attend via WebEx – Password: 12345
- By Phone: 1-650-479-3207, Access code: 180 507 9073
- CLICK HERE to provide testimony via WebEx during the town hall. Requests must be entered by noon on the day of the event.
- Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 5:30pm
Investing in Accountability and a Better Division of Police, led by Councilmember Rob Dorans- Attend via WebEx – Password: 12345
- By Phone: 1-650-479-3207, Access code: 180 774 8384
- CLICK HERE to provide testimony via WebEx during the town hall. Requests must be entered by noon on the day of the event.
- Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 5:30pm
Establishing Alternative Public Safety Crisis Response, led by Councilmember Shayla Favor- Attend via WebEx – Password: 12345
- By Phone: 1-650-479-3207, Access code: 180 419 5906
- CLICK HERE to provide testimony via WebEx during the town hall. Requests must be entered by noon on the day of the event.
- Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 4pm
Investing in Violence Prevention, led by President Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown- Attend via WebEx – Password: 12345
- By Phone: 1-650-479-3207, Access code: 180 151 7461
- CLICK HERE to provide testimony via WebEx during the town hall. Requests must be entered by noon on the day of the event.
- Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 5:30pm
Investing in Accountability and a Better Division of Police, hosted by Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy- Attend via WebEx – Password: 12345
- By Phone: 1-650-479-3207, Access code: 180 405 0178
- CLICK HERE to provide testimony via WebEx during the town hall. Requests must be entered by noon on the day of the event.
The town halls will be streamed on Council’s Facebook page and the City of Columbus YouTube channel.
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