The basics

How Columbus City Council works

Columbus uses a system that trips up even lifelong residents. Here's the short version: nine members, each living in a different district — but for now, every voter in the city helps elect all nine.

Seats

9 council members

Districts

~100,000 residents each

Term

4 years, staggered

The part that confuses people

Columbus has a hybrid system. Council members must live in the district they represent — but every Columbus voter votes in all nine district races, not just their own. So your ballot includes all nine seats, and every member is ultimately accountable to the whole city.

Step 1 · Live

Members live local

Each candidate must reside in the district they want to represent.

Step 2 · Vote

Everyone votes citywide

All Columbus voters weigh in on all nine seats.

Step 3 · Serve

Answerable to the city

Members represent a district but answer to all of Columbus.

This may change in November. In 2026, Columbus voters are expected to weigh two charter amendments on how council is elected — a move to single-member districts and a proposal to expand the council to 13 members. Read the ballot explainer →

How we got here

1914–2023

A century at-large

For more than 100 years, Columbus elected all council members citywide, with no districts at all.

2018

Voters approve districts

Columbus voters amend the city charter to create residential districts and expand council from seven seats to nine.

2021

The map is drawn

A districting commission develops map options; City Council selects the final nine-district map in December.

2023

The system begins

All nine district seats are filled for the first time.

2024

Terms get staggered

Members draw lots: four take two-year terms (up in 2025), five take four-year terms (up in 2027). All future terms are four years, staggered so the whole council never turns over at once.

What City Council actually does

Council is the legislative body of the City of Columbus. It adopts the city's operating and capital budgets, passes city ordinances (the Columbus City Codes), and approves city contracts. It's led by a Council President — currently Shannon G. Hardin. Day-to-day city operations are run by the Mayor's administration; Council sets policy and holds the purse strings.

How to get involved

Attend a meeting

Council meets at City Hall and the sessions are open to the public, with time set aside for public comment.

See the calendar →

Engage your area commission

The most local level of input — area commissions review zoning and advise Council on neighborhood matters.

Find yours →

Contact your members

Because every member is elected citywide, you can reach any of the nine — not just the one in your district.

Council directory →