Mayor Michelle Blanton

05/27/2026

Conversations surrounding data centers are becoming the norm in local governments, church Bible studies, and family gatherings across the country.

This past week, the Circleville Noon Rotary Club heard a presentation on data centers during its monthly focus on Economic Development.

Today, the Ohio House and Senate Select Committee on Data Centers held its first 3+ hour hearing at the Ohio Statehouse.

At the beginning, the dates, times of future committee meetings and the invited speakers were stated.

No matter where you personally stand on the development on data centers, please watch these meetings.

https://ohiochannel.org/series/ohio-house-and-senate-select-committees-on-data-centers?fbclid=IwdGRjcASEP5VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe3oE4ItzoSq3i8v4JuN1EDauB1LqoryAA7MvvVY5kEtCIe9yv1U9DHiBsDYc_aem_kWOmf94YpI22uLf956d3Lw

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is more than the start of summer. It is a day to remember the men and women who gave their lives for our country and the families who continue to carry that loss each day.

Today, as flags fly and families gather, I hope we all take a quiet moment to reflect on the sacrifice made so we can enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted.

On behalf of the City of Circleville, thank you to those who served and especially to those who never made it home. We remember you today and always.

05/16/2026

The Montrose Group, LLC knocked it out of the park today at their 5th Annual Economic Development and Policy Forum. Issues and opportunities discussed by the panelists were relevant throughout Ohio regardless of urban, suburban or rural areas.

📌Site Selection and Populism
📌Housing
📌Aviation and Defense
📌Data Centers
📌All things ED

It was great seeing old friends and meeting a few new ones.

05/14/2026

Days like today fill my cup in more ways than one and often times it seems I get more out of it than maybe those I’m speaking in front of or with.

This morning, I spent the day talking to about 100 third graders at Circleville Elementary about being the Mayor of Circleville. We talked about the departments within city government, parks throughout the community and our beloved Circleville Pumpkin Show. Many members of the community from all industries participated in When I Grow Up Day. Students dressed in outfits that represented what they wanted to be when they grow up. Their questions were informed and about things that mattered to them. For example, one student asked about when their street was going to be paved because there are several potholes.

Late this afternoon, I met with the advocacy group at the Pickaway County Developmental Disabilities. They asked some great questions about the City’s role in housing, accessibility, parks and trails, sidewalks, safe crossings at intersections including audible devices and restaurant owners being Phenylketonuria (PKU) friendly. You can learn more about this disorder at https://pku.biomarin.com/en-us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=20260101_mrge_et_bmp_pku_general-nbub-dtp_pt_pa_aw_us_ctwd_en_nk&utm_content=nb-dtp-unbranded-information-general&gad_source=1

Being mayor is a privilege and honor that I do not take lightly. Everyday I’m reminded through my interactions with the public that presence (just showing up) and the little things matter including active listening and taking notes.

Have a great day! Enjoy the sunshine. ☀️

05/10/2026

Women become mothers in many different ways. Some by birth, adoption, fostering, marriage, or simply by being the person who is always there with love, guidance, and support.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother figures who make a difference in the lives of others.

05/10/2026

Agriculture has and will continue to be part of the fabric of the City of Circleville. We are happy to participate in the Agriculture Study initiated by the Agriculture Committee of Pickaway Progress Partnership and the Pickaway County Port Authority.

As we see the Central Ohio area grow, we know that economic development here MUST be informed by our agricultural roots.

I’m looking forward to the study developed by PlanningNext. Be on the lookout for more information and opportunities to participate, especially at this year’s Pickaway County Fair.

05/08/2026

Circleville was in The Columbus Dispatch this week highlighting the impact a new employer can have on a smaller community.

When thinking about economic development, the number of jobs may be small compared to numbers we see from projects like Intel or Anduril. But the salaries of those jobs and the location in which they are built may have generational economic impact on a smaller community.

Rick Platt explains how job creation in small Ohio towns can have the same impact as major projects in big cities.

04/10/2026

Circleville was well represented today at the 2026 Columbus Impact Ohio Conference today!

Great day hearing from three panels talking about property taxes, economic development and the future of the Columbus Region!

03/13/2026

Travis and I extend our condolences to the families of the three Airman from the 121st Air Fueling Wing who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. As Pickaway County residents and neighbors of Rickenbacker, this hits especially close to home. Our prayers are with these families and our communities during this time.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the passing of three Airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow Airmen who mourn their loss. On March 12, 2026, they were among the six Airmen on a KC-135 Stratotanker that went down in western Iraq while flying a combat mission in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. The incident occurred in friendly airspace involving two aircraft during Operation Epic Fury. We share in the sorrow of their loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization. Additionally, we ask that you respect the family's wishes and provide them with space to mourn their loved ones during this difficult time.

11/27/2025