A Special Sunday Conversation with District 3 Councilor Bruce Huff

Decision & Reflection Q: What ultimately led you to the decision not to seek reelection?
Huff: After a lot of prayer, reflection, and honest conversations with my wife, I realized that this felt like the right season to step aside. Public service has been one of the greatest honors of my life, but I also believe leadership requires knowing when to pass the torch. I wanted to leave with energy, gratitude, and a clear heart — not because I was burned out, but because I felt complete.

 Q: Was there a specific moment when you knew this was the right time to step away?
Huff: There wasn’t one dramatic moment, but more of a growing sense of peace. I found myself thinking less about “what’s next for me” and more about “who’s next for District 3.” That’s when I knew it was time to make room for new leadership and fresh ideas.

 Q: How did you share this decision with your family and closest supporters?
Huff: My family was the first to know. We’ve walked this journey together, so it was important that they heard it from me directly. After that, I spoke with close supporters and community leaders — not just to inform them, but to thank them. Their trust and encouragement made this experience meaningful.

 Service & Legacy Q: When you look back on your time representing District 3, what are you most proud of?
Huff: I’m most proud of being present and accessible. Whether it was neighborhood concerns, small business issues, or community events, I tried to show up and listen. I’m also proud of the relationships built — with residents, fellow council members, and city staff — because real progress happens through trust.  Building good relationships with the citizens, city employees and community partners is the only way to get things accomplished.

Q: What do you think residents may not fully understand about the work of a city councilor?
Huff: Many people don’t realize how much of the job happens outside of the meetings they see twice a month. It’s not just voting at meetings — it’s hours of listening, researching, negotiating, and problem-solving. You’re often balancing limited resources with unlimited needs, and trying to make decisions that serve both individual neighborhoods and the entire city. Some residents don’t fully understand that it takes 6 votes to get projects approved in each district. Additionally, if the issue doesn’t require a vote, it requires a good working relationship with department heads and other city employees.

Q: Which council decisions were the most difficult for you personally—and why?
Huff: The hardest decisions were always the ones where there was no perfect answer — especially when budget limitations were involved. Anytime you have to say “not yet” to a worthy project or group, it weighs on you, because you know real people are affected.

 District 3 Focus Q: How has District 3 changed since you first took office?
Huff: District 3 has experienced significant growth since I first took office in 2011. At that time, the district had about 17,000 residents. Following the 2010 Census, the district expanded by roughly 6,000 residents, and after the 2020 Census, we gained an additional 2,000. Today, District 3 is home to approximately 25,000 residents.

Beyond the numbers, we’ve also seen meaningful change in the character of the district — new development, new families, and increased civic engagement. There’s more energy, more voices at the table, and more people paying attention to local government, and I believe that’s a healthy and positive sign for our community.

Q: What issues facing District 3 still need the most attention?
Huff: Affordable housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunity remain some of the most pressing issues in District 3. We also need to continue focusing on public safety, youth programs, and ensuring that long-time residents benefit from growth and aren’t displaced by it.

At the same time, there are very real, day-to-day concerns that residents deal with — illegal dumping, flooding during heavy rains, and tree root systems that cause damage to streets, sidewalks, and even private property. These quality-of-life issues may seem small individually, but together they have a big impact on how people feel about their community.

Q: Are there projects or initiatives you wish you had more time to complete?
Huff: There are several initiatives I would have liked more time to complete, including the development of Technology Park on Victory Drive near I-185, attracting more healthy dining options, and increasing affordable housing to address blighted areas in the district. But leadership is a relay race, not a solo sprint. My hope is that the next councilor will build on this foundation and carry the work forward.

Leadership & Governance Q: What lessons about leadership did public service teach you?
Huff: Leadership is about listening more than talking. It’s about humility, patience, and being willing to change your mind when new information comes in. Most of all, it taught me that people don’t just want representation — they want to feel seen.

Q: How did you balance neighborhood concerns with citywide priorities?
Huff: I’ve always believed that if it is good for Columbus as a whole, it will benefit District 3. So while I advocated strongly for my district, I also tried to look at the bigger picture and ask, “Is this the right decision for the city long-term?” Balancing those two perspectives is a big part of responsible leadership.

Q: What role does collaboration play in effective local government?
Huff: Everything. No councilor accomplishes anything alone. Progress happens through collaboration — across political differences, across departments, and across communities. Respectful dialogue is one of the most powerful tools in government.

Looking Ahead Q: What qualities should voters look for in the next District 3 councilor?
Huff: Integrity, accessibility, and a genuine heart for service. Someone who listens before they lead, who understands the community, and who is willing to do the work even when it’s not glamorous.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a run for this seat?
Huff: Don’t run for the title — run for the people. Be prepared to serve, to learn, and to stay grounded. And always remember who put you there-the voters!

Q: How do you hope the next council continues or improves upon the work you’ve started?
IHuff: hope they continue building strong relationships with residents and focus on inclusive growth — making sure progress benefits everyone, not just a few.

 Community & Civic Engagement Q: How can residents stay engaged and influential beyond election season?
Huff: Attend meetings, ask questions, serve on boards, volunteer, and support local organizations. Civic engagement isn’t just about voting — it’s about staying involved and informed all year long.

Q: What responsibility does local media play in helping citizens understand city government?
Huff: Local media plays a critical role. They help translate complex policies into everyday language and keep leaders accountable. An informed community is a stronger community.

 Life After Office Q: What does the next chapter look like for you?
Huff: My next chapter is not about slowing down — it’s about refocusing. I’m reallocating my time and energy toward building and strengthening our family business, Charles E. Huff's International Funeral Home, which is celebrating 75 years of service to this community. That legacy matters deeply to me, and I’m excited to invest more of myself there. And yes, I’m looking forward to more family time as well — but I still believe in staying active, purposeful, and connected to the community.

Q: Do you see yourself remaining active in civic or community leadership?
Huff: Absolutely. Public service doesn’t end with a title. I’ll always be engaged — just in a different capacity. I plan to remain engaged through board service and other civic efforts.

Q: How do you personally define public service now that this chapter is closing?
Huff: Public service is simply using whatever influence, time, and resources you have to improve the lives of others.

 Closing Reflection Q: What would you like District 3 residents to remember most about your time in office?
Huff: That I served with sincerity, respect, and love for this community. That I tried to listen, show up, and lead with integrity.

Q: If you could leave the community with one message, what would it be?
Huff: Stay hopeful. Stay involved. And never underestimate the power of your voice — because real change always starts at the local level.