City Notice Roundup: 2028 Olympic Hosting, Health Advisories, and Public Safety Alerts

Public Notice: Columbus Selected as 2028 Olympic Soccer Host

On Friday, February 13, 2026, official reports confirmed that Columbus has been selected as one of six U.S. host cities to facilitate soccer group stage matches during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Organizers highlighted that matches will be held in the city’s premier professional soccer facilities. This selection underscores the city's infrastructure readiness and its status as a leading destination for international athletics. City officials are expected to begin multi-year coordination efforts with the Los Angeles Organizing Committee to prepare for the global event.

Health Advisory: Winter Wellness and Heart Health

The Ohio Department of Health and Columbus Public Health have issued reminders to residents regarding seasonal safety and preventative care. As February is designated as American Heart Month, local health clinics are offering resources and screenings to promote cardiovascular health. Additionally, officials have maintained active winter weather advisories, urging residents to "bundle up" and stay informed on signs of cold-related illnesses. The public is encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and ensure that home heating systems are properly ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide hazards during the remaining winter months.

Construction and Traffic Update: Infrastructure Projects

The Columbus Department of Public Service has provided updates on several major infrastructure improvements active this week. Residents and commuters should take note of the following impacts:

• I-70/I-71 Downtown Ramp Up: Ongoing work on this multi-phase project continues to cause lane shifts and intermittent ramp closures near the downtown interchange. Motorists are advised to plan for additional travel time.
• Trabue Road Bridge Rehabilitation: Traffic on Trabue Road over the Scioto River remains restricted as crews perform essential bridge repairs. The roadway is reduced from four lanes to two, a configuration expected to remain in place through the project's completion later this year.
• Residential Recycling: The city is entering the final year of its current curbside recycling contract and is preparing to solicit new bids. Weekly service remains fully funded and operational under the 2026 budget.

Public Safety Alert: Fraudulent Payment Scams

The Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) has issued a critical alert regarding fraudulent emails targeting local residents and contractors. Scammers have been posing as city officials to request wire transfers for permit fees or project payments. The department reminds the public that all official city correspondence will originate from a verified @columbus.gov email address. Do not click links or share financial information in response to unsolicited messages. Suspected fraud should be reported immediately to the 311 Service Center.

City Council: 2026 Budget Review

Although the Columbus City Council is not in formal session today, committee work regarding the 2026 Operating Budget continues. Recent sessions have prioritized neighborhood safety, sustainability, and the city’s goal to divert 90% of recyclable materials by 2050. Residents are encouraged to review the proposed budget and participate in upcoming public hearings scheduled for later this month.