Westerville Council Reviews City Brand, Survey Results in Informational Work Session

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Westerville City Council held a work session Jan. 13 to review a series of strategic plans and initiatives, receiving updates on the city’s brand, resident satisfaction, economic development, parks planning and a major corridor study. No formal votes were taken during the informational session.

Chief of Staff Christa Dickey opened the meeting by presenting the city’s brand storybook, which outlines three core tenants: authentic charm, purposeful spirit and promise. Dickey emphasized the brand is not a tagline or logo but a guiding story for how the city delivers services and plans for the future.

“Authentic charm is what makes Westerville original and genuine,” Dickey said, citing the uptown district, parks system and the community’s welcoming nature. She described purposeful spirit as a thoughtful approach to planning and innovation, while promise reflects the city’s commitment to reliable services such as snow removal and ice control.

Community Affairs Director Hillary Bates then presented results from the 2025 Westerville Resident Survey, which collected just over 2,000 responses. Bates said the biennial survey tracks changes in resident sentiment over time and informs city strategies. Council members discussed potential improvements to survey distribution methods to increase participation.

Economic Development Director Rachel outlined the city’s economic development strategy, focusing on job creation, tax base expansion, target industry sectors and incentive programs. Council noted upcoming projects and board appointments related to the strategy.

Parks and Recreation Director J.R. presented the PROS 3 plan, a 14-month master planning process for parks and recreation that includes community engagement phases. Council members were asked to champion public participation in the process.

Planning and Development Director Dave and Planning Manager Alicia updated council on the upcoming comprehensive plan update and a focused plan for South State Street, from Walnut Street to just north of Schrock Road. The 10- to 18-month process will involve consultant team MKSK and an advisory group comprising planning commission and council members.

“South State Street has been redeveloped as a district scape in this vibrant and this middle piece needs that attention,” Dave said, noting the corridor is one of the city’s most complex and visible.

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Justice Center, preceded by a 6 p.m. executive session.

Key moments

Significant

Resident survey discussion on fiscal management decline

Council member asked if the drop in perception of fiscal management could be tied to school levy discussions.

Significant

Survey distribution method debate

Council member suggested sending survey link via utility bill emails to increase participation.

Significant

Economic development strategy presentation

Director Rachel emphasized that economic development is a team sport and highlighted the importance of incentives.

Significant

PROS 3 plan kickoff

J.R. stated they wanted partners, not consultants, and selected firm 110% for the parks master plan.

Significant

Community plan update and South State Street focus

Dave noted that South State Street is one of the most complex and visible corridors needing redevelopment.

Full analysis

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Meeting Analysis

City of Westerville — 2026-01-13

Meeting Information

Title: Work Session with Executive Session — 2026-01-13

Parish: City of Westerville

Date: 2026-01-13

Video: Recording

Transcript segments: 908

Item	Description	Action	Vote Status
City Brand Overview	Chief of Staff Christa Dickey presented the city's brand storybook, highlighting three brand tenants: authentic charm, purposeful spirit, and promise.	Informational presentation; no formal action taken.	No action
2025 Resident Survey Results	Community Affairs Director Hillary Bates presented results from the 2025 resident survey, showing high satisfaction with city services and statistically significant changes in perceptions of information availability and fiscal management.	Informational presentation; council discussed potential improvements to survey distribution methods.	No action
Economic Development Strategy	Economic Development Director Rachel presented the city's economic development strategy, focusing on job creation, tax base expansion, target industry sectors, and incentive programs.	Informational presentation; council noted upcoming projects and board appointments.	No action
Parks and Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan Update	Parks and Recreation Director J.R. presented the PROS 3 plan, a master planning process for parks and recreation, with a 14-month timeline and community engagement phases.	Informational presentation; council was asked to champion community engagement.	No action
Community Plan Update and South State Street Focus Area Plan	Planning and Development Director Dave and Planning Manager Alicia presented the upcoming comprehensive plan update and a focused plan for South State Street, with a 10-18 month timeline and consultant team MKSK.	Informational presentation; council was informed of upcoming advisory group formation.	No action

Financial Highlights: none noted.

Public Concerns: none noted.

Contentious Discussions: none noted.

Community Affairs

Presented 2025 resident survey results showing high satisfaction with city services.
Noted statistically significant declines in perceptions of information availability and fiscal management.

Economic Development

Outlined strategy focusing on job creation, tax base expansion, and target industry sectors.
Highlighted incentive programs and upcoming projects like East of Africa and West Star area.

Parks and Recreation

Introduced PROS 3 plan with 14-month timeline and community engagement phases.
Selected consultant team 110% as partner for the master plan.

Planning and Development

Presented upcoming comprehensive plan update and South State Street focus area plan.
Selected MKSK as lead consultant for the 10-18 month process.

Explore adding survey link to utility bill emails for easier resident access.
Council members to champion community engagement for PROS 3 plan.
Form advisory group for community plan update with planning commission and council members.