Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

Immigrants and refugees are at the heart of what makes Columbus extraordinary—driving growth, innovation, and cultural vibrancy. They represent a vital and dynamic force within our city, shaping its future with their contributions. Yet, until now, there hasn’t been a dedicated platform for immigrant voices to directly influence city policies and decisions.

The Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs was created to change that. The creation of this commission was a recommendation from the Immigrants Make Columbus Project–a project and research study led by the Ohio State University College of Social Work in partnership with the office of Councilmember Barroso de Padilla. This new commission is a direct link between Columbus' immigrant communities and city leadership—a platform for advocacy, empowerment, and meaningful change.

Email: iracommission@columbus.gov