Nicholas J. Bankston

Nick Bankston is a dedicated public servant and thoughtful leader on issues facing Columbus neighborhoods. A proud graduate of East High School and The Ohio State University, Bankston is a lifelong Columbus resident who is determined to make an impact in his community.

As chair of the Small and Minority Business committee, Bankston has created an abundance of ways for business owners to not only network but take their business to the next level. In 2022, Councilmember Bankston spearheaded the Small Business Recovery Fund, resulting in $8,410,000 in grants awarded to 1,295 small businesses fighting to survive the pandemic. In 2023, Bankston worked with the Department of Development to launch the Ground Floor Growth Initiative, aimed at assisting, and sustaining small, minority-owned businesses who are ready for brick-and-mortar. Also in 2023, Bankston worked with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the City Clerk’s Office to develop a new process to identify legislation containing city contracts with minority vendor participation.

Bankston also played a key role in establishing the collaboration between the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and the Columbus Urban League by issuing significant financial support of the Urban Business Connection Program, a program that provides Black businesses with free Columbus Chamber of Commerce Memberships. Annually, he hosts blood drives with the American Red Cross and a City Hall Illumination Ceremony to bring awareness to Sickle Cell Disease.

This year, Bankston will chair both the Finance and Economic Development & Small Business committees. Bankston and his wife, Habiba reside in the McCutcheon Crossing neighborhood in Northeast Columbus with their son, Xavier.