Legislation Details

File #: 0113X-2026    Version: 1
Type: Ceremonial Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 4/22/2026 In control: Barroso de Padilla
On agenda: 4/27/2026 Final action: 4/30/2026
Title: To recognize Michelle May for 37 years of service at the Ohio Department of Transportation and 20 years of exceptional leadership in roadway and traffic safety
Sponsors: Lourdes Barroso De Padilla, Nicholas Bankston, Nancy Day-Achauer, Rob Dorans, Melissa Green, Emmanuel V. Remy, Tiara Ross, Christopher Wyche, Shannon G. Hardin
Title

To recognize Michelle May for 37 years of service at the Ohio Department of Transportation and 20 years of exceptional leadership in roadway and traffic safety


Body

WHEREAS, Michelle May managed the evolution of Ohio’s Highway Safety Program from a $58 million spot safety program to a nationally recognized, $185 million diversified program focused on systemic, risk-based investments and multi-modal safety; and

WHEREAS, Michelle May is a national leader on distracted driving who led Ohio’s task force to build the case for a primary hands-free law, which led to its successful passage; and

WHEREAS, Michelle May, following the law’s passage, managed Ohio’s distracted driving prevention programs, including a $2 million annual media campaign and the use of telematics data to develop more effective strategies; and

WHEREAS, Michelle May encouraged the widespread adoption of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across the state, increasing ODOT investments in standalone projects by 111% between 2019 and 2025; and

WHEREAS, Michelle May cultivated relationships across ODOT offices and divisions to change statewide guidance and culture to make safety the focus of transportation analysis and investments, including in speed and design; and

WHEREAS, Michelle May developed and wrote many of Ohio’s Strategic Highway Safety Plans and managed a statewide coalition of safety stakeholders focused on reducing traffic deaths and serious injuries statewide; and

WHEREAS, Michelle May serves on the Vision Zero Columbus Executive Advisory Committee with a commitment to implementing Action Plan actions, strategies, principles and values toward the pursuit of zero traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries occurring on City of Columbus streets; and

WHEREAS, Michelle May’s leadership contributed to tens of millions of dollars in ODOT safety funding to Columbus transportation projects over the years, including major safety improvements to the intersections of Cleveland ...

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