Ginther holds State of the City address

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is holding his State of the City address. Ginther’s addressed gun violence in the city and neighborhood safety initiatives, saying it was a top priority after two record years of homicides. "The violence is unacceptable, and it must stop, which is why we are devoting more than [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is holding his State of the City address.

Ginther’s addressed gun violence in the city and neighborhood safety initiatives, saying it was a top priority after two record years of homicides.

"The violence is unacceptable, and it must stop, which is why we are devoting more than $660 million toward community safety in this year’s operating budget – the largest investment of its kind in city history," said Ginther. "This includes funding for three new Police recruit classes this year, which will graduate 170 officers. I am proud to have fought for the addition of a third police class – allowing us to bring in more officers committed to change and reform, and further grow the diversity of our safety forces."

In 2021, the capital city saw more than 200 homicides, surpassing the 175 deaths in 2020 for the city’s record. In recent weeks, the city has requested to join a Department of Justice-led strike force against gun violence.

He also talked about health initiatives in the city, as well as its future economical growth and the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Columbus is a special place, and it is worth fighting for. We band together to solve problems, and we are fully committed to fostering the safest possible city," said Ginther.