Official Notice: City of Columbus Service Updates and Post-Storm Advisories
Winter Storm Recovery and School Closures
Following the record-breaking snowfall brought by Winter Storm Fern, the City of Columbus remains in a state of recovery. For Thursday, January 29, 2026, Columbus City Schools and numerous surrounding districts—including Bexley, Dublin, Gahanna-Jefferson, and Hilliard—have announced full closures. While Franklin County has been downgraded to a Level 1 Snow Emergency, the Sheriff’s Office continues to urge motorists to exercise extreme caution. Residents are requested to limit non-essential travel to allow city crews to continue clearing secondary roads and intersections safely.
Refuse and Recycling Schedule Adjustments
Public service providers, including Rumpke and municipal waste divisions, have confirmed significant adjustments to the collection calendar for the remainder of the week. For Thursday, January 29, all curbside services in Franklin County are operating on a one-day delay. Residents whose regularly scheduled collection day was Wednesday should place their materials at the curb today. For those with a standard Thursday pickup, collection is now scheduled for Friday. Officials remind residents to ensure that containers are accessible and clear of snow and ice to facilitate safe collection.
Public Health Advisory: Community Support Resources
Columbus Public Health (CPH) has issued a community advisory regarding the increased demand for social services following the recent severe weather. CPH’s Family Engagement Team reports a significant rise in domestic violence and housing crisis calls during the storm period. Public health officials are urging residents in need of support to utilize available 24/7 resources. The city is actively working to bridge the gap in emergency housing and safety services for families displaced or endangered by current environmental stressors.
Legislative and Infrastructure Notices
Following the most recent City Council session, the Department of Public Service has moved forward with several infrastructure initiatives. Of immediate note to residents is a proposed ordinance to establish a new speed limit on Parsons Avenue, spanning from East Whittier Street to East Broad Street. Additionally, the city is reviewing a major proposal to apply new zoning code districts along the S.R. 161 corridor. This initiative aims to improve public safety and fuel economic prosperity along key business corridors as part of the Clean and Safe Corridor initiative. Residents interested in these developments are encouraged to review the official City Bulletin for detailed legislative language.
Federal Office Operations
The Social Security Administration has announced that for Thursday, January 29, 2026, local hearing offices will provide assistance via telephone only. No in-person services are available today due to staffing and facility adjustments related to the winter weather. Individuals with scheduled in-person hearings will be contacted directly to reschedule or transition to a teleconference format.