The Department of Development is responsible for code enforcement, economic development, housing, land redevelopment, neighborhood services and planning. Check out the Department of Development Overview video for more information about the department.
The Economic Development Division assists local businesses and provides information to companies looking to expand or relocate in Columbus.
The Housing Division serves Columbus by preserving and producing housing that helps build strong, distinct and vibrant neighborhoods. The Housing Division offers programs to assist homeowners, housing developers and rental property owners.
The Columbus Land Bank was established in 1994 to improve Columbus neighborhoods by returning vacant, abandoned and underutilized residential and commercial properties into productive community assets.
The Planning Division works on a wide variety of projects and programs which are aimed at improving the quality of Columbus' neighborhoods.
Latest News:
Now Open: $10 million in Grants for Nonprofits Serving Columbus Families
Thursday, May 8, 2025
The City of Columbus has launched Elevate!All, offering $10 million in grants to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure and boost services for households below the ALICE threshold. Eligible organizations can apply by June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. for up to $200,000 in funding to support operations, staffing, strategic planning and more.
A formal question period is open through May 30, 2025, at noon. Responses will be published by Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Send questions to elevate@columbus.gov.
Please review the Notice of Funding Availability(PDF, 270KB)
for information on how to apply, eligibility criteria and other important details on how this process will work.
Central Ohio Leaders Establish Regional Housing Coalition
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther joined leaders from across Central Ohio to announce the creation of the Regional Housing Coalition, a new entity that will amplify the efforts of communities and organizations spanning sectors and jurisdictions to increase the speed and scale of new housing projects. Read more about the Regional Housing Coalition (PDF, 123KB)
City of Columbus Rededicates Linden War Memorial At New Location In Linden Park
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther joined Columbus veterans, the Ohio National Guard and community partners to rededicate the Linden War Memorial at its new home in Linden Park, honoring Linden veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Read more about the Memorial and its history(PDF, 114KB)
Economic Mobility Accelerator Pilot Program
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, Columbus City Council and community nonprofit partners today announced a pilot program to invest in Columbus residents’ success. The two-year Economic Mobility Accelerator Program seeks to improve economic and financial security, health and well-being of up to 200 households. The City of Columbus will invest $2.5 million in cash payments to individuals who are employed with earnings above the federal poverty level but below Central Ohio’s cost of living. Read the full press release(PDF, 147KB)
Columbus Receives Federal Grant to Support Migrants and Refugees
Monday, September 9, 2024
Federal funding granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Shelter and Services Program allows Columbus to serve rising demand for critical services from individuals navigating the immigration process. Read the full release below:
FEMA Grant - Migrants & Refugees(PDF, 119KB)
Columbus Introduces Zoning Code Proposal Capable of Creating 88,000 Housing Units
Mayor Ginther submits plan to Columbus City Council for modernizing Columbus’ zoning to accommodate 44% of the region’s housing need along corridors most suited for density.
CRA Residential Abatement Policy Update
The Department of Development conducted a scheduled three-year review of the CRA policy, and identified opportunities to ask developers to expand the affordability captured for the value of the abatement. Based on independent analysis of 2021 market conditions, the new policy asks developers to go deeper or wider in creating affordability, in order to earn an abatement.
Community Meetings
- Tuesday, June 7, the Department of Development hosted a virtual town hall presentation and conversation about the draft policy revisions.
- Wednesday June 15, Councilmember Favor hosted a Council Hearing at 5:30 pm in Council Chambers.
- Tuesday June 21, the Department of Development will host an in-person town hall presentation and conversation about the draft policy revisions at St. Stephen's Community House (1500 East 17th Avenue, Columbus 43219) at 5:30pm.
Prior Outreach
On Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 5:30pm, the Department of Development hosted a virtual town hall presentation and conversation about proposed revisions to the Community Reinvestment Area residential tax abatement policy
Two community meetings and 1 public hearing were held to discuss the draft policy revisions:
The first meeting took place Wednesday, November 3rd from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Fedderson Community Center located at 3911 Dresden St. Columbus, OH 43224.
The second community meeting took place Wednesday, November 10th from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Barack Community Center located at 580 E Woodrow Ave. Columbus, OH 43207. A public hearing was held in Council Chambers on December 7, 2021 at 5:30 pm.
Recovery and Resiliency Advisory Committee - Final Report
The Recovery and Resiliency Committee was created in 2020 and challenged committee members to identify recommendations focused on equity and long term resiliency that will propel all residents to an improved quality of life in Columbus and Franklin County.
The Committee, composed of community, small business, non-profit, corporate and human service leaders, has assembled a series of short, medium, and long term plans to equitably address the human service and economic impacts of the pandemic and foster future resiliency. These recommendations serve as a framework for community investment and growth that will create prosperity for our entire community, and make us more resilient in the face of future challenges.
Read the Recovery and Resiliency Advisory Committee's final report.
Rent and Utility Assistance Help Available
The City of Columbus offers help to residents in a housing crisis to stop homelessness before it starts. Get help today by connecting with a professional Housing Problem Solver and prevent homelessness. These professionals can diffuse tense housing conflicts, navigate complex programs, provide tailored-to-you rapid referrals, and offer emergency rental assistance for eligible residents. Click for more: Program Information & Registration