Over the past year, the Columbus Downtown Development Corp. engaged with almost 2,000 residents of the Columbus Region about the future of our Downtown Columbus. Our residents recognized the tremendous progress made in Downtown over the past two decades, and yet spoke loudly and clearly that there is more to do toward the goal of making this a neighborhood for all.
Through their public process, they’ve heard the community’s vision for a more inclusive, more equitable, and more vibrant Downtown:
Reimagine mobility so that it is quick, safe, and easy to get around Downtown without a car.
More to do, more to see, and more places to go – with these attractions and destinations to reflect the rich diversity of Columbus residents.
The plan is a bold vision and goals that require steadfastness and purpose. The community has painted a clear picture for the Downtown they want to see and while we know what the puzzle will look like when complete, now begins the work of putting the pieces together and assembling this shared vision.
These are the immediate steps that CDDC will get to work on:
Support the City’s Downtown traffic study to enhance mobility ease and options.
Conduct a Downtown retail support & growth study to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive retail environment
Analyze surface parking reduction strategies
Explore partnerships to increase economic diversity in Downtown housing to allow individuals at more income levels to live Downtown
Create and execute a Riverfront Activation Plan
Develop a Public Realm Campaign to activate and invigorate the Downtown pedestrian experience
Evaluate how districts like The Peninsula and Front Street can grow the live/work environment Downtown
Explore opportunities for Downtown to leverage the Intel investment
Develop and execute an ongoing marketing strategy to garner buy-in from residents and regional leaders about the value of Downtown.