Title
Notice/Advertisement Title: Public Hearing on Enhanced Housing Protections for Domestic Violence Victims
Contact Name: Ciera Adams
Contact Telephone Number: (614) 645-3773
Contact Email Address: csadams@columbus.gov
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Name of Hearing: Public Hearing on Enhanced Housing Protections for Domestic Violence Victims
October 14, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Columbus City Hall, 90 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Columbus City Council’s Housing, Homeless and Building Committee held a public hearing to discuss housing protection for victims of domestic violence.
Council Members in attendance: Ross, Barroso de Padilla, Remy
Call To Order: 5:12 P.M.
Agenda
• Welcome & Introduction
o Councilmember Tiara N. Ross- We are here to explore legislative and policy pathways to increase tenant protections for victims of domestic violence.
• Presentation
o Columbus Division of Police
§ Jason Garner, Lieutenant
§ Laurie Carney, Detective
§ Justin Coleman, Deputy Police Chief
• Speaker
o Michele Grim, Ohio House of Representatives- District 43
• Presentation
o Office of Violence Prevention
§ Rena Shak, Director
• Speaker
o Bridget DeCrane, Executive Director, LLS CHOICES
o Melissa Graves, President, The Center for Family Safety and Healing
o Ben Horne, Advocacy Director, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio
o Kelly Murphy, Attorney, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio
o Diana Williams, Founder, Ohio Women Against Domestic Violence
• Public Testimony
o Mary Lynn Caswell
o Diona Clark
o James David Jr.
o Gretchen Specht
o Marsha Wickliffe
o Joi Miley
• Presentation
o Columbus City Attorney’s Office- Chief Counsel, Lara Baker- Morrish
• Closing Remarks
o Councilmember Tiara N. Ross- We are excited to expand protections legislatively for victims of domestic violence. The reason we spent about two hours today talking about the interconnectedness of safety and domestic violence in the housing space is because we are making that argument, that our ability to keep our residents safe, is directly tied to our ability to provide more housing options for residents, particularly those who are victims of domestic violence. We are looking at the ability to get out of a lease without penalty (lease rescission) it would mirror what the State is currently already working on. We will get a draft legislation out soon.
Adjournment: 8:05 P.M.
Hearing Recording: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kTas1l0NwE>