COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther unveiled the budget for the city in 2026, he said public safety is a top priority, but the plans for recruitment will not allow the police department to reach full staffing.

The city is budgeting for two police recruit classes, which could bring in a maximum of 120 new officers to the department, compared to three police classes in 2025.

In 2025, the city budgeted for 190 officers, and 96 of them graduated, according to data from the city.

Ginther said the city will plan for a third police class in 2026, if the budget allows.

“I would love to have three, but based on the financial uncertainty — I think this is the first day the federal government has been open in 50 days — there is another potential shutdown looming in January. All

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