Columbus City Council has been fighting to save one of Central Ohios most important natural resources from degradation--the Big Darby Creek Watershed. Designated by the Nature Conservancy as one of the Last Great Places in the Western Hemisphere, encroaching development and storm runoff from farming threatens the rich array of wildlife found in the watershed, including 103 species of fish and 38 species of mussels, at least 104 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, and 33 species of reptiles and amphibians. More than 25 rare or endangered plant species are also dependent upon the corridor areas of the watershed.

Council Member Charleta Tavares champions the Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign. Instituted by Congress in 1975, The Earned Income Tax Credit is considered one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in the country.

The City of Columbus Smokefree Indoor Air ordinance was voted on at the June 28, 2004 meeting of Council. The ordinance passed 5 to 1. In November 2004, Columbus residents upheld restrictions on indoor smoking in the general election. Since that time a statewide smokefree indoor air act was passed by votes during the fall election of 2006.

Councilmember Charleta Tavares has been a consistent leader in advocating socially conscience public policy that meets the needs of the less fortunate residents of Columbus.

Understanding the importance of giving youth opportunities for productive activities and acquiring critical job skills that prepare them for their future endeavors, Councilmember Charleta Tavares together with a coalition including The Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation, the administration, and Franklin County stepped up efforts in 2006. The City provided $500,000 and is continuing the investment in young people in 2007 with $600,000 in City funding to find 2,000 jobs.