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A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MARCH 2026 AS “WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH” IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA AND HONORING LAURA M. FISHER, THE FIRST WOMAN ELECTED TO SERVE ON THE VILLAGE OF GAHANNA COUNCIL IN 1921
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WHEREAS, women have long shaped our communities, nation, and world through leadership, innovation, and civic engagement, confronting challenges such as economic insecurity, healthcare disparities, environmental sustainability, and threats to democratic participation while designing lasting solutions for future generations; and
WHEREAS, the National Women’s History Alliance has designated the 2026 Women’s History Month theme as “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” recognizing that sustainability includes not only environmental stewardship, but also economic vitality, educational advancement, civic leadership, and intergenerational equity; and
WHEREAS, women, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, continue to lead transformative efforts that strengthen community resilience, expand opportunity, and foster systems that support both people and the planet; and
WHEREAS, the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution on August 6, 1920, marked a historic milestone in securing women’s right to vote after generations of advocacy by leaders such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Amelia Bloomer, and Susan B. Anthony, paving the way for women’s participation in civic leadership; and
WHEREAS, on November 8, 1921, Laura M. Fisher was elected as the Village of Gahanna’s first woman Councilmember, becoming the first woman to win and serve in any elected office in Gahanna, among the first women elected to municipal office in Franklin County and the State of Ohio, and among the earliest women to serve in municipal government in the United States; and
WHEREAS, during her service in 1922, Councilmember Fisher participated in consequential municipal actions, including the transition from gas to electric lighting, infrastructure improvements, franchise and utility negotiations, sanitation and street maintenance initiatives, and responsible fiscal governance, helping position Gahanna for modernization and long-term community sustainability; and
WHEREAS, the women of Gahanna continue to lead across public service, education, business, healthcare, environmental advocacy, and community development, carrying forward a legacy of leadership that strengthens our city today and builds a sustainable future for tomorrow.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL AND PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the City of Gahanna hereby recognizes March 2026 as Women’s History Month in the City of Gahanna, uplifting the 2026 theme of “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
Section 2. That the Council, Mayor, and City Attorney honor the historic leadership of Laura M. Fisher and recognize her pioneering service as a foundation for women’s civic leadership in Gahanna.
Section 3. That the City of Gahanna encourages continued efforts to honor, educate, inspire, connect, and envision a thriving and sustainable future where women’s leadership remains central to strong communities and a healthy society.
Section 4. That this joint Resolution and Proclamation shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.