April 28, 2025
The Reynoldsburg Climate Campaign
What we’ve learned from three years and our impact
The Reynoldsburg Climate Campaign (RCC) has been active in Reynoldsburg for three years. An annual canvassing program known as the Community Climate Survey (CCS) is among its initiatives. During the inaugural year of the CCS, more than 85% of respondents cited “People” or “Diversity” as the best aspects of their neighborhood when asked about it.
Thus, Community matters.
In the second year, we aimed to shift discussions of climate and environmental justice from macro issues to the daily impacts on communities and individual households, emphasizing their micro effects. One way we achieved this was by highlighting the impact of floods on the west side of Blacklick Creek, in contrast to the minimal impact on the creek’s eastern bank.
The intensity and frequency of floods are consistently increasing due to climate change. Reynoldsburg has experienced a housing market boom over the last decade. On the west side of the creek, where flooding occurs, home equity has risen by 60% to 70% during that time. These neighborhoods are predominantly historically redlined and heavily populated by ethnically diverse communities. They often include long-term homeowners.
The east side of the creek boasts a bank that rises six to 15 feet higher than its western counterpart and is currently experiencing substantial residential, commercial, and industrial development. This development has displaced vital farmland and floodplains, constraining water’s natural escape. It cascades downward—into creeks, into basements and ground floors of homes, and into the heart of communities bound by care for one another. Yet, despite the bonds between people, the water’s path is singular and relentless.
Communities with Knowledge are Stronger.
After three years of conversations, we’ve had ample opportunities to reflect on the impact of our work and discussions. In summary, our efforts have significantly influenced voter turnout in the precincts where we’ve engaged. Empowering individuals to grasp the impact of climate change on themselves and their communities, as well as the importance of voting in this context, is effective. We accomplished this by illustrating that the flooding in Reynoldsburg results from climate change, and voting is a key tool to address that threat.
In Ward 1, the only precincts that either did not gain voters or experienced a significant decline in turnout were those lacking creekside frontage. This pattern was also evident in Ward 2. Notably, Ward 1 comprised 34% of Reynoldsburg’s registered voters and contributed to 34.7% of the city’s overall turnout. In the areas we targeted, we were able to increase voter turnout or saw a smaller decline compared to neighboring precincts, communities, cities, and the state. This achievement highlights an important truth: people matter, and every voice is valuable.
Ultimately, what the RCC has demonstrated is that when individuals understand the daily impacts of climate change on their communities and how their elected officials play a role in it, they are more likely to show up to vote.
