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:
Accelerate Columbus 2024 Graduation
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Columbus City Councilmember Nick Bankston, Chair of the Economic Development & Small and Minority Business Committee, joined the Columbus Department of Development in recognizing small business success as the city hosted the 2024 Accelerate Columbus Graduation. The program honors nearly 30 small women and minority owned business owners who have completed a transformative program designed to equip and prepare them for accelerated growth in their businesses. This revolutionary cohort is part of the citywide effort to foster and support local entrepreneurship and small businesses, which make up over 90% of the commerce conducted in Columbus each day.
Watch the graduation and learn about the program below:
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)
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Columbus City Council invited Department of Development, Department of Public Service and Department of Building and Zoning Services to share the proposal to modernize our zoning code for the first time in 70 years with Columbus Neighbors. In front of a full house at Scioto Southland Community Center, city leaders educated neighbors on the importance of updating our code to add housing, while addressing proposed changes to parking policies.
View the full zoning code
View Thursday's Slide Presentation(PDF, 8MB)
Watch the full hearing below:
2024 State Of The City Address
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther rolled out his priorities for the next 365 days on May 21, 2024. Top of mind: housing, affordability and modernizing our zoning code. Watch the speech below:
Department of Development 2023 Annual Report
The 2023 Annual Report summarizes the impact of the Department of Development and tells the stories of residents served.
Read The Full Annual Report HERE!(PDF, 5MB)
2023 Columbus Housing Strategy Report
The Columbus region needs 200,000 housing units in the next decade to meet rising demand. That equates to bringing 55 homes online each and every day for the next 10 years!
Read the full report to see how Columbus will set the region's pace (PDF, 737KB)
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.
Visit the digital Zone In Columbus gallery!
Department of Development 2022 Annual Report(PDF, 4MB)
The 2022 Annual Report summarizes the impact of the Department of Development and tells the stories of residents served.
The Columbus Housing Strategy 2022 Annual Report
Central Ohio’s housing supply is not keeping pace with our record growth. If current building patterns continue, regional housing demand is projected to eclipse supply by 2030, and everyone in our region will experience the consequences.
Download the Columbus Housing Strategy 2022 Annual Report(PDF, 1021KB)
2021 Job Growth & Real Estate Investments Report
Columbus has several economic development tools available to promote job growth and investment in our community. Tax abatements are one of these tools – they reduce the amount of real property taxes a company pays, and in return, the company commits to investing in new facilities and hiring new workers. - learn more
2021 Job Growth & Real Estate Investments Report(PDF, 3MB)
COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grants
Applications are now open for COVID-19 small business recovery grants of up to $20,000. Grants through the Columbus-Franklin County Small Business Recovery Fund are available to local small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically those in underserved communities and/or minority-owned businesses, disadvantaged businesses and veteran-owned businesses.
Applications opened Monday, March 7, 2022 and are being accepted in waves, opening every six weeks through Saturday, September 3, 2022, or until all funds are awarded. Go to SmallBusinessRecoveryGrant.com to determine eligibility and apply.
Learn more about COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grants(PDF, 772KB)
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.
Recovery and Resiliency Advisory Committee - Final Report(PDF, 1MB)
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 below for more:
Program Information & Registration