Community Programming

The Department of Neighborhoods is proud to host and support a number of annual community programs that demonstrate the values of community. For more information call 614-645-1993.

Where will you find the flat Mobile City Hall?(PDF, 5MB)

Ubuntu Conversation Series

The second session of the 2025 Ubuntu Series targeting youths is slated for May 30th and will be held on the theme: My Voice, My Power: Youth inter-cultural & inter-generational dialogue for community building. As usual, the goal of this session would be to create a space for increased learning listening and opportunities for problem solving and support to our young residents but also parents and adults who struggle to adapt to changing realities for engagements.

While we look forward to another interesting conversation day, please RSVP here on or before May 29^th at the latest. Note, that refreshments will be served. Also see attached the flyer which has a QR code for signups.

Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Location: YMCA, 1640 Sandalwood Pl, Columbus, OH 43229 (We will be in the Gym).

Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (CIRA)

The inaugural and appointed Commissioners of the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (CIRA) completed their onboarding process in May and are now ready for business.

The Commission will meet on the first Tuesday of every month as reflected below from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at 111 N Front Street on the second Floor:

June 3rd
July 1st
August 5th
September 2nd
October 7th
November 4th
December 2nd

All residents interested in observing are encouraged to attend and should bring valid photo ID

This year, gathering and kick-off start at St. Paul AME Church – 639 E. Long St., Columbus OH.
Parade will progress to the King Lincoln Theatre, where the program portion of the day will take place.

Flyer of information for MLK Day March and Program at 3 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2025

Image of flyer for registration now open for MLK Jr. Youth Oratorical 2026

2026 Youth Oratorical Contest

Registration NOW OPEN! Students in grades K–12 are invited to participate in the 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Columbus State Community College. This citywide celebration encourages young voices to share original speeches inspired by the theme, “I Am a New Generation Leader: An Architect of Transformational Change.”

To apply online: Youth Oratorical Application 2026

For rules and regulations: Youth Oratorical Rules and Regulations 2026(PDF, 406KB)

Lunch and snacks will be provided. For more information, visit Columbus.gov/neighborhoods or call 614-645-1993.

To submit your registration via hard copy please contact Nicole Harper at 614-645-1991 or nnharper@columbus.gov.

NBP 2 Neighborhood Best Practices Conference