A City in Transition: Westerville Reconsiders Its Future and Its Leadership

Candidates Answer Questions About Their Campaigns

Westerville at a Crossroads: Growth, Identity, and the Future of the City Council

As Westerville approaches a crucial city council election on Tuesday, the city faces significant demographic, economic, and political changes. Once characterized by its conservative values and quiet agricultural roots, Westerville is now a growing, diverse community whose future direction is open to debate.

This isn’t the first time Westerville has undergone a period of reinvention. In 1847, the founding of Otterbein University set a tone for a city willing to challenge the norms of its era. Otterbein admitted women, welcomed people of color, and opposed slavery — all during a time when such actions were far from safe. That progressive spirit ran deep, helping make Westerville a key stop on the Underground Railroad, where residents risked legal trouble to shelter those seeking freedom.

By the early 20th century, the city adopted a more conservative, moralistic identity as the national headquarters of the Anti-Saloon League. Westerville earned the nickname “Dry Capital of the World,” playing a key role in the movement for Prohibition. The city embraced a reputation rooted in religious conviction, law, and order—an identity that persisted well into the postwar era.

But as Columbus expanded and suburbs spread outward, Westerville began to change. The population increased, bringing more diversity, new expectations, and a gradual shift away from its rural roots.

A major turning point occurred in the mid-1990s when the city annexed 941 acres of farmland on its northern edge. That action set the stage for large-scale commercial development, leading to the creation of Westar, now the city’s largest business corridor. What was once open farmland became home to tech companies, corporate offices, and professional campuses—marking a new chapter in the city’s development.

That transformation continues today. The East of Africa project, a new 88-acre development on former farmland, is poised to become a business hub that rivals Westar in size and scope. It’s the latest sign that Westerville is prioritizing growth, economic competitiveness, and long-term development over preserving its agricultural history.

These shifts are also emerging in politics. Although Westerville’s city council is officially non-partisan, recent elections and policy debates reflect the growing diversity and division within the city’s population. Progressive candidates are gaining supporters, and the council’s makeup now more accurately reflects the range of opinions among residents.

With Westerville’s identity once again evolving, the November 4 election could further influence the city’s future on issues such as land use, housing, inclusivity, and sustainability.

What do the candidates believe the city should become? What should be preserved, and what needs to change?

We put those questions directly to the people seeking to lead Westerville.

Read City Council Candidates’ Responses To The Westerville News Questionnaire

The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.

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