Community Choice Aggregation, Recycling Education, Link-to-Literacy Trail, and New Municipal Complex Reimagined From Existing Office Building Among Gahanna Highlights
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has recertified the City of Gahanna as a Sustainable2050 community with an elevated status for actions to promote sustainability and equity.
Sustainable2050 is MORPC’s voluntary program that supports and recognizes MORPC members’ sustainability efforts through direct assistance, collaboration and recognition. Each member’s tier status – Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum – is determined by the number of eligible activities corresponding to MORPC’s Regional Sustainability Agenda. The goals include:
- Improve air quality and reduce climate change impacts to protect public health and the environment.
- Protect and preserve natural resources to support a healthy and resilient region.
- Improve quality of life for all residents by creating sustainable and equitable communities.
- Promote robust, inclusive and sustainable growth and development.
“The City of Gahanna is committed to a vibrant and sustainable future for its residents by improving recycling efforts, expanding parks and trails, and revitalizing existing buildings – creating a healthier, and more connected community for all. Sustainable2050 is about bringing communities together, providing resources, and celebrating our members’ achievements. Communities large and small, collaborating across jurisdictions to tackle common challenges, can create innovative and cost-effective solutions.”
Gahanna achieved the Gold Plus Equity Champion designation by completing 60 eligible activities across four categories. Highlights include:
- In 2024, Gahanna joined the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), helping the city to create a Community Choice Aggregation Program offering 100% renewable energy to residents and businesses at competitive rates. Approximately 87% of eligible households are currently participating in the program, supporting green energy in the City.
- The City of Gahanna and SWACO teamed up with The Recycling Partnership to enhance the curbside recycling program and expand recycling education efforts. Gahanna also received a SWACO grant to improve and promote local recycling initiatives.
- In 2023, Gahanna adopted its first-ever Capital Improvement Plan and the Parks Comprehensive Master Plan, outlining future park and trail construction, sidewalk improvements, and other sustainability initiatives. Plans include completing the Big Walnut Trail within two years and establishing the Link-to-Literacy Trail, which provides access to the newly built Columbus Metropolitan Library branch in Gahanna.
- The new Municipal Complex, expected to open in early 2026, is being reimagined from an existing office building, creating a cost effective and sustainable approach to development. The City also secured funding to install energy-efficient LED lighting in the building, further expanding the sustainable impacts of the project.
“Gahanna’s focused efforts to achieve this elevated status as a Sustainable2050 community reaffirms our city’s dedication to sustainability and smart growth. This certification highlights our commitment to protecting our natural resources through strategic investments and innovative collaborations, while continuing to build a cleaner and greener Gahanna for generations to come.”
MORPC members can participate in Sustainable2050 by passing a resolution to formalize their voluntary commitment to the Regional Sustainability Agenda’s (RSA) goals. The RSA includes a comprehensive menu of actions and initiatives that members may consider as they advance local sustainability efforts.
Sustainability initiatives can vary based on each community’s priorities and include efforts such as expanding recycling and waste reduction programs, expanding recreational trail networks, increasing energy efficiency of their buildings, and installing electric vehicle charging and rooftop solar.
Sustainable2050 members are certified by MORPC’s Sustainability Advisory Committee and recognized by the commission’s board of representatives. Currently, 38 local communities and regional organizations participate in MORPC’s 15-county region, with 20 members earning certification at various tier levels.
Learn more about Sustainable2050.
