Zachary M. Klein

(Chair: Development; and Recreation & Parks Committees)

Committee Member of: Technology; Public Safety & Judiciary; Public Utilities; and Rules & Reference Committees.

Councilmember Zachary M. Klein joined City Council in January 2011 and serves as the chair of the Development and Recreation & Parks committees.   

An attorney, Councilmember Klein has managed multi-million dollar budgets on the state and federal level while working to prosecute those who prey upon vulnerable residents in securities fraud cases.   Councilmember Klein served as the Deputy Chief of Legal Services for then-Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and also worked in Washington, D.C. in the Office of the Vice President of the United States as Deputy Director of Administration, serving as the Chief Financial Officer.  

A graduate of The Ohio State University and Capital Law School, Councilmember Klein believes that the City of Columbus can easily compete with other metropolitan areas by offering a vibrant nightlife, a diverse community, an education base, a science center, a fashion scene, and a deserving respect for the arts, all of which are important factors people consider when searching for a place to live and raise a family.  Councilmember Klein believes Columbus must continue its investment to aggressively market the city to attract and retain businesses of all sizes, while working with partners such as Columbus 2020!, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and Experience Columbus to promote the city as a premier sports, retail, and entertainment destination. 

Councilmember Klein understands that one of the paths to economic growth and prosperity is exploring ways to maintain its AAA bond rating, which will save taxpayer dollars.  He also believes the City of Columbus should continue to examine the way it delivers essential city services, such as police and fire protection, to ensure maximum efficiency.