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Notice/Advertisement Title: NWSL Economic Impact Public Hearing Minutes
Contact Name: Jean-Philippe Dorval
Contact Telephone Number: 614-645-2898
Contact Email Address: jpdorval@columbus.gov
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4.6.2026, 3:00pm, Columbus City Hall, 90 W Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
On Monday April 6th at 3pm, CM Bankston chaired a public hearing to discuss the potential economic impact of establishing a National Women’s Soccer Team in the City of Columbus.
Council Members in attendance: (Bankston, Dorans, Barroso de Padilla, Day-Achauer, Green, Remy, Ross, Wyche, President Hardin)
Written Testimony was received from:
Whitney Harding Higaki, Trevin Flickinger, Andie Scott, Michael J. Smith, Joe Motil, Glen Tuomaala, Maggie Oliphint
In person testimony was given by:
Stephanie Hightower, Morgan Hughes, D.J. Byrnes, Rachel Wenning, Paul Edgar, Jason Hall, Tanny Crane, Pastor Michael Young, Kristine Troyer, Liz Reed, Maggie Oliphint, Emily Kegg, Glen Tuomaala, Whitney Harding Higaki, Kelsey Gray, Correy ONeal, Roy Wentzel, Megan Lush, Paula Quartey, Bri Lohse, Lisa Rusch, Lindsey Rusch, Derek Bergman
Agenda
-Opening remarks from CM Bankston and CP Hardin
-Presentations from Director Mike Stevens - Department of Development
-Comments from Auditor Megan Kilgore
-Invited speakers
Mary Shepro - President of Business Operations for the Columbus Crew
Linda Logan - CEO & President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission
Cassandra Sistrunk - Senior Director, Soccer Growth Strategy, U.S. Soccer Federation
-Public testimony
-Closing remarks from Council Members
-Hearing Recording: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Ljgv71bIg)