Local Leadership
The Upper Arlington 2026 Master Plan is guided by a Steering Committee made up of residents, community members, business owners, City staff, and local partners. Working alongside the consultant team, the Steering Committee plays a hands-on role throughout the planning process, helping ensure the final plan reflects community values and local priorities.
Committee Structure
The Master Plan Steering Committee includes three complementary components: the Executive Committee, the Committee Co-Chairs, and the Subcommittees.
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The Executive Committee plays a critical role in coordinating with project consultants, providing technical guidance, sharing relevant city information and resources, coordinating with internal departments, and helping ensure planning recommendations remain feasible and aligned with city operations.
Steve Schoeny – City Manager
Jackie Thiel – Assistant City Manager
Chad Gibson – Community Development Director
Gary Wilfong – Public Service Director
Debbie McLaughlin – Parks & Recreation Director
Emma Speight - Community Affairs Director
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The Co-Chairs provide leadership and coordination across both the Executive Committee and Subcommittees, serving as key liaisons between the Steering Committee and the project consultant team. Co-Chairs are vital in promoting community perspectives, enhancing communication, and guiding recommendations to ensure the final Master Plan embodies shared priorities and community aspirations.
Bhakti Bania
Don Brown
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The Land Use, Housing, and Economic Development Subcommittee offers local insights on land use, housing options and affordability, and economic vitality. Members collaborate closely with the consultant team to assess current conditions, identify priorities, and develop future recommendations related to land use, housing, and economic development. Additionally, the Subcommittee acts as a bridge between community perspectives and technical planning efforts, helping to ensure that outcomes align with community values and long-term goals.
Bhakti Bania (Co-Chair)
Brad Stoll
Dan Ayars
Adrienne Low Joly
Katie Freeland
Shannon Tolliver
Colin Chiles
Darius Banks
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The Parks and Recreation Subcommittee offers local insights on park facilities, recreation programming, trail connectivity, and open space needs. Members collaborate closely with the consultant team to assess existing conditions, identify priorities, and develop future recommendations related to parks, recreation, and community wellness. Additionally, the Subcommittee serves as a bridge between community perspectives and technical planning efforts, helping ensure outcomes align with community values and long-term goals.
Don Brown (Co-Chair)
Lindsey Christ
Caroline O’Donnell
Judy Yesso
Michael Stafford
John Preloger
Ryan Wallace
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The Mobility Subcommittee offers local insights on transportation, connectivity, and accessibility across the community. Members collaborate closely with the consultant team to assess existing conditions, identify priorities, and develop future recommendations related to walking, biking, transit, and roadway networks. Additionally, the Subcommittee serves as a bridge between community perspectives and technical planning efforts, helping ensure outcomes align with community values and long-term mobility goals.
Bill Hadler
James Schimmer
Matt McGrath
Vicki Zust
Spofforth
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The Emerging Technology, Resilience and Disruption subcommittee focuses on innovation, digital infrastructure, and evolving trends that may influence the community’s future. Members collaborate closely with the consultant team to assess current conditions, identify opportunities, and develop strategic recommendations related to technology, resilience, and adaptation to change. Additionally, the Subcommittee serves as a bridge between community perspectives and technical planning efforts, helping ensure outcomes align with community values and long-term goals.
David Smith
Sarah Welsh
Kathryn Eberle
Nicholas Grimmer
Anne McDaniel