Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan Columbus, Ohio

Services Provided

Community Engagement
Small Area Planning
Corridor Planning and Design

People Involved

Andrew Overbeck
Chris Hermann
Sarah Lilly
Elika Ghavvas
Whitney Baxter
Tyler Clark
Bridget Maloney

Planning for change today that will create a thriving downtown for the future.

The difference between stagnation and progress is simple: change. While change has been accelerated in Columbus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this moment in time provides a critical inflection point to take stock and create a bold vision to shape the next chapter of development and build Downtown back better than before with intentionality and community context.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the office, event, entertainment and hospitality industries, Downtown Columbus continues to add residential population. In fact, Downtown has seen some of the fastest growth in the region over the last 10 years, with two of the six fastest census tracts in Central Ohio being Downtown. From its nadir in 2000, Downtown has grown from 3,500 residents to more than 11,000 today. With the number of residential projects currently under construction and in the development pipeline, Downtown is projected to surpass 15,000 residents by 2025.

Given strong regional growth projections and the emerging popularity of Downtown as an urban residential district, there is now an opportunity for Downtown to redefine its role in the community. With the ability to accept levels of density that are not possible in other districts and neighborhoods and its status as a job and transportation hub, Downtown can include opportunities for everyone to participate in its growth and vitality.

Central Ohio community members from across the region had a direct and meaningful role in shaping the development of the Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan. Through three Community Workshops, 120 stakeholder interviews, and online surveys and activities, the ideas in this plan represent the voices of 2,000+ community members. The planning process engaged the broader Central Ohio community with support from Downtown leaders, the business community, institutional partners, government partners, and many more.