COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mayor Andrew Ginther has released his proposal for the 2024 General Fund Budget, which would be the city's largest ever at $1.19 billion, according to a city press release on Thursday.

“The investments we are announcing today will further strengthen Columbus neighborhoods while lifting up our fellow neighbors who’ve been left out and left behind by the Columbus success story,” Mayor Ginther said in the release. “We are in a special moment in our city’s history, and by making the right decisions now, we will ensure a better quality of life for all our residents and build an economic juggernaut for future generations.”

In the release, Ginther highlighted several investments included in budget prioroities including:

• $753 million for neighborhood safety, including the addition of new police officers and firefighters
• $19.2 million for expansion of affordable housing
• $21 million for youth programming
• $10 million in Human Services Grants
• $101 million expected in the city’s Rainy Day Fund at the year's end

City council will deliberate on the budget, which will include public hearings, and is expected to approve an amended budget early next year, according to the press release.