Brunswick Council Sets Broad 2026-2027 Goals

City leaders focus on community connections, quality of life, smart growth, and fiscal responsibility.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 7:36pm

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The Brunswick City Council held its biennial goal-setting meeting on March 2, 2026, taking a broader approach than in previous years. Instead of listing specific initiatives, the council discussed four key priority areas: connected community, quality of life, smart growth, and fiscal responsibility. City Manager Carl DeForest provided an overview of recent accomplishments, including the city's successful fight against a state-mandated highway interchange project. Council members also heard from Tri-C's chief administrative officer about plans to rebrand the Brunswick campus and offer more programs leading to family-sustaining incomes.

Why it matters

By taking a more flexible, high-level approach to goal-setting, Brunswick leaders aim to better position the city to adapt to unexpected challenges and opportunities. The focus on community partnerships, quality of life improvements, strategic growth, and responsible budgeting reflects the city's commitment to enhancing the overall well-being and economic vitality of Brunswick.

The details

The goal-setting meeting covered a range of initiatives across the four priority areas. For connected community, the council discussed partnerships with local organizations, schools, and governments. Quality of life priorities included implementing the Parks Master Plan, trail connections, Rec Center upgrades, and planning for a 'downtown campus'. Smart growth focused on the city's Planning Code, commercial development, fire station operations, and infrastructure needs. Fiscal responsibility covered grant funding, economic development strategies, and transition planning for the city manager's retirement.

  • The goal-setting meeting took place on March 2, 2026.
  • City Manager Carl DeForest is planning to retire in 2027.

The players

Nick Hanek

Brunswick City Council President (Ward 2).

Carl DeForest

Brunswick City Manager, who provided an overview of the city's recent accomplishments.

Tom Patton

State Representative who championed the state-mandated Route 71-Boston Road interchange project, which was ultimately repealed.

Carl Redden

Chief Administrative Officer for Tri-C, who discussed plans to rebrand the Brunswick campus and offer more programs leading to family-sustaining incomes.

Tim Smith

Brunswick City Councilman (at-large), who suggested an economic development initiative to promote the city to outside businesses.

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What they’re saying

“That was a pain in many parts of our bodies.”

— Carl DeForest, Brunswick City Manager

“If a program doesn't lead to a $43,000-plus [annual] income, we are looking seriously at that program.”

— Carl Redden, Chief Administrative Officer, Tri-C

What’s next

The city will now work to develop specific plans and projects to implement the broader goals discussed at the meeting. An updated Ohio Department of Transportation traffic study is also mandated to determine if there is a need for the previously proposed Route 71-Boston Road interchange.

The takeaway

By adopting a more flexible, big-picture approach to goal-setting, Brunswick is positioning itself to better adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities. The city's focus on community partnerships, quality of life, strategic growth, and fiscal responsibility reflects its commitment to enhancing the overall well-being and economic vitality of the Brunswick community.