Hilliard · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hilliard public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Destination Hilliard program cuts
Budget constraints are forcing Destination Hilliard to pause two popular events — Galentine's and the Bunny Hop — for 2027, though the Coffee Festival drew over 10,000 visitors.
Old Hilliard boutique conditional use
The Happy Closet Boutique and Birch Tree Home can open retail in a converted house on Columbia Street, with conditions to repave the driveway and add a walkway.
Sister Cities partnership exploration
In a Committee of the Whole session before the regular meeting, Council heard from Greater Columbus Sister Cities director Jamie Staley about how a Hilliard sister city could boost economic development, workforce programs, and cultural ties.
Economic development and Wolpert property
The five-year economic development plan will be revisited in 2027; the city-owned Wolpert property is being positioned for development that maximizes jobs and tax base.
Economic development strategy
The city plans to revisit its five-year economic development strategy in 2027, push the Wolpert property for job-creating development, and expand City Lab internship programs.
Coffee Connections in Old Hilliard
A new coffee/retail shop will open in the basement of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship at 4066 Main Street, featuring a bread box pickup unit on the front stoop. It partners with about 21 local vendors.
Boutiques in Former Columbia Street House
Two home-décor and clothing boutiques will convert the first floor of a house at 4002 Columbia Street into retail, sharing parking with an adjacent lot. A ramp and repaved driveway are part of the deal.
Old Hilliard outdoor market at Otie's
Otie's will host a small vendor market on Thursday evenings and Sundays for six months, giving local small businesses, moms and entrepreneurs a place to sell. It's expected to draw foot traffic downtown during the summer concert series.
Riggins Court tax abatement
A 12-year, 75% tax abatement will support a 72,000-square-foot spec industrial building on a long-vacant triangular lot near I-270. Councilmembers debated whether taxpayers should subsidize projects when ownership is unknown.
COTA seat goes to business CFO over community advocate
Council picked Forsee Power's CFO for the regional transit board, but one member argued for someone who knows what transit-dependent residents actually need.
Destination Hilliard tourism impact
The tourism bureau reported $64 million in overnight-visit impact, 127,000-plus hotel stays and events like the Columbus Coffee Festival that brought 11,000 visitors, funded by 25 percent of the city's bed tax plus sponsorships.
Liquor permit application at Roberts and Alton Darby Creek roads
Council discussed a liquor permit application near the Roberts Road and Alton Darby Creek Road intersection, a matter that can affect nearby businesses and residents.