Franklin County Media

In this episode, you can listen to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners General Session from September 8, 2026.

The meeting opened with approvals for the Court of Common Pleas, including an electronic search warrant system contract with Cobra Systems and a professional development contract with Blue Ocean Brain, followed by a Clerk of Courts appropriation transfer to cover rising legal publication costs and continued case management support. The Drainage Engineer's office brought forward ditch petition assessments, a $1.89 million contract for the Hott Ditch drainage project in Madison Township, property compensation for the Clark State Road at Waggoner Road roundabout and the Ferris Road improvement project, and requests to reduce speed limits on Roberts Road and Smothers Road.

The Board then approved a public depositories designation for the County Treasurer, a mobile barrier purchase for the Board of Elections, a $775,000 nutritional supplements contract extension for the Office on Aging, and a $260,000 supplemental appropriation under the Big Darby Accord Revenue Program, along with two boundary conformance resolutions for Montgomery Township. The Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development presented a $100,000 grant to Tech Corps Ohio supporting a student hackathon focused on responsible use of artificial intelligence, with remarks from Tech Corps CEO Lisa Chambers.

The Office of Justice Policy and Programs presented a peer support contract for the county's Rapid Resource Centers, followed by purchasing approvals for county agencies and the Domestic Relations Court. Commissioners then approved a $2.5 million amendment to the Community Shelter Board funding agreement, with extended remarks from all three commissioners and county administration on the county's long-term commitment to addressing homelessness, and a $90,000 partnership with the National Veterans Memorial and Museum to support service activations around September 11, including remarks from museum leadership and Commissioner Crawley on her own military service.

The Board closed with support for Prairie Township's green space preservation application, a series of board and commission appointments, journalization items including an annexation petition in Mifflin Township, and a vote to convene into executive session with the county prosecutor's office.

In this episode of Talk of the County, Franklin County Administrator Kenneth Wilson sits down with Corey Favor, CEO of the King Arts Complex. They discuss the importance of art, the history of the institution, Favor’s New York City roots, and much more.

In this episode, Franklin County Administrator Kenneth N. Wilson sits down with investor Terry Arter and Franklin County Chief of Economic Innovation and Development Ruchelle Pride to discuss the importance of financial literacy, new-school ways of making money, and strategies for building wealth. Want to learn more? Join the ROO Wealth Academy Financial Literacy Intergenerational Conference on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at Historic East High School. Learn more here: https://roofcboc.com/

Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency fatherhood coordinator Joe Scrutchen and his colleagues from Child Support's intake, outreach, and enforcement teams, sit down for a conversation on what fatherhood really means. The group talks presence over perfection, the stigma fathers face navigating the child support system, and how frontline staff are working to change that narrative one conversation at a time. Child support is not just a payment. It is a resource for building stronger families.

In this episode, Franklin County Administrator Kenneth N. Wilson sits down with ADAMH CEO Erika Clark Jones to discuss the county's new Crisis Center, how it serves diverse populations across the region, and ways it helps neighbors navigate mental wellness in a post-pandemic world. Jones also reflects on her years of public service and what continues to drive her work.

If you’re curious about life in Utah County, what makes it tick, or just looking for your next adventure—or your next meal—join me as we shine a spotlight on a county that’s deeply rooted in community values and brimming with opportunity.

I’m Kenneth Wilson, your county administrator and host for today’s County Administrator series. In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Ezra Nair, my colleague and the County Administrator for Utah County, Utah—a place that's experiencing explosive growth and transforming rapidly before our eyes.

Together, we explore what sets Utah County apart—from its booming tech scene and innovative industries, to the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid population growth. Ezra shares his journey from Illinois to Utah, insights into local culture and community, and the ways Utah County is tackling issues like affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure.

We also dig into some fun and surprising facts about Utah County: its role in the upcoming Winter Olympics, its vibrant restaurant scene (yes, even in Provo!), and the blend of rural roots and urban dynamism that makes it so appealing to newcomers from across the country.

Moments

00:00 About the county and its lake

04:30 Moving to Utah and its growth

08:55 Growth industries in Utah

12:52 Improving transit in Utah County

15:31 Preparing for Utah 2034 Olympics

17:38 Provo’s diverse restaurant scene

22:25 Supporting local farms in Utah

23:56 Outdoor recreation and healthy living

26:55 County's role in mental health

32:28 Utah's beaches and mountains

34:24 The role of county government

Here are three key takeaways from our discussion:

• Rapid Growth & Opportunity: Utah County is projected to reach a population of one million by 2065 and may even surpass Salt Lake County. Its youthful demographic and tech-driven economy are fueling exciting prospects for the future.
• Quality of Life & Innovation: The county invests heavily in infrastructure, public safety, and recreation, embracing public transit solutions and maintaining a healthy environment with abundant outdoor activities and a thriving farm scene.
• Community & Culture: Utah County stands out for its strong sense of community, diversity brought by transplants from across the nation, and a rich food scene — yes, you can find great chicken & waffles and grits in Provo!

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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

On this episode of Talk Of The County, host Kenneth Wilson welcomes Al Vanderberg, County Administrator for Kent County, Michigan, for a wide-ranging conversation about what makes West Michigan and Grand Rapids such dynamic places to live and work.

The two longtime colleagues talk about the unique challenges and opportunities facing county governments, draw out fun connections between their Michigan and Ohio roots, and offer listeners an insider's perspective on how Kent County is balancing rapid growth, changing demographics, and a vibrant cultural and economic scene.

From the legacy of President Gerald R. Ford and the rise of major furniture and brewing industries, to the booming arts scene and ambitious projects like a world-class aquarium, Al Vanderberg shares both pride and candid insight into what’s driving Kent County forward.

The conversation also touches on pressing issues like affordable housing, public transit, and the future of shopping malls and neighborhoods. Plus, you’ll hear some fun personal moments—including hidden talents, favorite vacation spots, and the story of a family legacy in public service.

Whether you’re a Midwestern local or just curious about how fast-growing communities tackle the future, this episode is packed with stories and lessons from the front lines of local government leadership.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Kent County’s Dynamic Growth: Kent County is the fastest-growing county in Michigan, where young people and diverse populations are flocking thanks to vibrant arts, sports, and business opportunities.
2. Leadership Matters: Solving big challenges like affordable housing, transportation, and supporting arts institutions requires collaborative, visionary leadership across public and private sectors.
3. Community & Culture Drive Success: From renowned festivals, breweries, and museums to resilient partnerships between city and county governments, Kent County thrives because it invests in community and culture.

Moments

06:14 Grand Rapids: Furniture and Beer Hub

09:34 "Growing Young and Diverse"

10:25 Grand Rapids Cultural Highlights

13:31 Grand River Aquarium Project

17:43 "Tackling Housing and Homelessness Challenges"

20:48 "Grand Rapids Transit & Challenges"

25:32 "Meyer Gardens' Leading Success"

28:32 City-County Collaboration Enhanced

32:41 "Detroit's Perfect Leader: Campbell"

34:35 "Greenway Trails and Connections"

38:43 "Thriving Populations in Kent County"

40:18 "Shifting Demographics in West Michigan"

44:18 Malls Evolving: Transitions & Trends

48:50 "Leadership Driving Growth and Solutions"

50:59 "Son's Journey to Leadership"

[email protected]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners held its General Session on January 6, 2026, launching the new year with leadership selections and key county decisions.

The Board elected Commissioner John O’Grady as President for the 2026 term and heard his remarks outlining key priorities, including fiscal responsibility, affordable housing, workforce development, and community partnerships.

The session also included approval of resolutions related to inmate medical services, animal care, opioid harm reduction evaluation, cybersecurity authority, employee salary adjustments, and long-term support for Nationwide Arena renovations. Additional administrative actions included board appointments, annexation filings, and notice of a critical website accessibility upgrade to meet federal compliance deadlines.

Watch the full meeting on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE0F0e5vQ7M

Find the agenda here: https://www.franklincountyohio.gov/fi...

This is an episode that’s both informative and inspiring, revealing why public health matters and how it touches the lives of every county resident—every day.

Kenneth Wilson sits down with Franklin County Public Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola for an insightful and engaging conversation about all things public health in Franklin County. Whether you’ve ever wondered what a health commissioner does, how epidemiology helps keep communities safe, or why local partnerships matter, this episode is packed with answers.

Joe Mazzola shares his unconventional journey from political campaign work to leading public health efforts, highlights the broad array of services Franklin County Public Health provides—from food inspections and mosquito control to maternal wellness and addiction support—and unpacks his agency’s innovative work tackling issues like infant mortality and substance use disorder.

The discussion also covers how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the approach to health emergencies, why community initiatives like Recover for Life make Franklin County different, and even how artificial intelligence might impact future public health efforts. Plus, you’ll get a few personal insights about Joe Mazzola through a fun lightning round at the end.

Moments

00:00 "Unexpected Paths in Public Health"

05:58 Epidemiologists: Data-Driven Health Storytellers

08:56 Health Department Services Overview

11:45 Community Health Improvement Plan

13:50 Franklin County Addiction Response Plan

19:16 Housing for Health Innovation

23:05 Beyond Nuisance Abatement

24:59 Townships: Core of Health Department

27:45 Health Prevention Strategies

30:50 "Franklin County Recovery Campaign"

33:52 Pandemic's Impact on Public Health

39:29 AI in Healthcare: Challenges & Trust

40:34 AI Needs Human Oversight

46:52 Support Franklin County Community

47:31 "Amplify Lives, Spread Kindness"

Takeaways

Here are three key takeaways:

• Collaboration is at the heart of progress: Joe Mazzola emphasizes the power of partnerships—whether it's tackling infant mortality through initiatives like Celebrate1 or addressing substance use disorder with the Columbus Franklin County Addiction Plan. Working together with local agencies, townships, and community organizations makes a measurable difference.
• Public health is more than just responding to outbreaks: From environmental health (like food safety and mosquito control) to tackling social determinants, the Franklin County Public Health team focuses on preventive services and holistic health solutions—including innovative housing collaborations for better community outcomes.
• Continuous learning from challenges: The COVID-19 pandemic was a major pivot point, highlighting the need for strong relationships, clear communication, and constant preparedness. As Joe Mazzola shares, these lessons are leading to lasting changes in how the county approaches health emergencies—with an eye on technology and equity.

[email protected]

Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

Whether you’re a student navigating college choices, someone interested in public service, or just looking for genuine inspiration, this episode delivers honest insight and energetic storytelling you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of Talk Of The County, County Administrator Kenneth Wilson welcomes Kennedy Hampton, a driven bio pre-med major from Hampton University, for an inspiring and lively conversation.

Kennedy shares what drew her to the “real HU”—from a vibrant campus ministry to the welcoming community and scenic waterfront views. Together, they explore her passion for pediatric dentistry, her experiences as a summer intern in Franklin County, and the importance of faith and community for college students today.

Kennedy opens up about the influential women who have shaped her goals, her commitment to serving marginalized communities, and how internships and mentorship can shape a student’s future.

The conversation also includes topics of campus life, music favorites, self-care, and Kennedy’s love of fashion and sneakers—sprinkling in laughs, practical advice, and ambition along the way.

Moments

00:00 "Faith-Focused Hampton Experience"

03:32 Legacy Park: Inspiration and Reflection

08:43 "Kennedy's Dentist Dream"

12:14 Social Media's Positive Influence

14:52 "Boosting Student Support & Growth"

18:43 Staying Rooted in Faith

19:57 Securing the Bag Explained

25:41 Maximize Opportunities, Reach the Door

28:22 Prioritizing Self-Care in College

32:12 "Drake: My Top Artist"

34:05 Top Female Artist: Summer Walker

38:16 "Old R&B Beats New"

40:55 Santorini Dreams and Pinterest

44:16 "Fashion: Economy and Identity"

Here are 3 key takeaways from my conversation:

Finding Your Fit Matters: Touring HBCUs helped her realize how important it is to feel “at home” on campus. Hampton’s bold campus ministry and welcoming vibe truly sealed the deal for me.

Internships Open Doors: Her summer in public service taught her more than any class could. Real-world exposure, research projects, and community engagement have prepared her for her path in dentistry—and emphasizing the value of saying yes even when you feel unsure.

Authenticity & Faith Fuel Ambition: Perseverance and faith remain central to her story. Using her voice on social platforms and in the community, she's learned the power of showing up unapologetically and supporting others—especially those who aren’t always heard.

[email protected]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners