Columbus Mayor Andy Ginther will not make the traditional state of the city speech this year.
The mayor's office says Ginther instead will host five so-called “neighborhood conversations” starting later this month, featuring Ginther and a panel of speakers addressing specific topics. The mayor's office says he wants to give more information about those topics than is possible in a speech. Those interested in attending may register through the mayor's website. Activists protesting police violence against African-Americans held a demonstration outside of the spot where Ginther gave the speech last year.
