On March 18, 2020, Mayor Andrew Ginther declared a State of Emergency in the City of Columbus. While basic city services will continue, some services will be limited during the public health emergency. We ask your patience during this time. Thank you.
Immediate COVID-19 Epidemic Assistance from the Federal, State and Local Governments for Businesses in Columbus
COVID-19 Small Business Resource Guide
In response to COVID-19, the City of Columbus Economic Development Division, Office of Small Business and Entrepreneur Development, in a public-private collaboration with Hicks Partners, has amassed a collection of resources called the COVID-19 Small Business Resource Guide. This guide provides employers and employees of these enterprises with a robust listing of resources that are available to help businesses, within the City of Columbus, weather through these challenging times. Please review, act on and share this important resource with as many companies and individuals as possible.
Click here to reach the City of Columbus and Community Resources and Emergency Relief in Response to COVID-19 webpage.
Director's Office
The Department of Development is responsible for code enforcement, economic development, housing, land redevelopment, neighborhood services and planning. Check out the link to a video for more information about the department.
- learn more
Code Enforcement
Our Mission: To improve the quality of life in Columbus neighborhoods through implementation and enforcement of the City's Housing, Zoning, Graphics, Health, Sanitation, and Safety Codes.
- learn more
Economic Development
The Economic Development Division assists local businesses and provides information to companies looking to expand or relocate in Columbus.
- learn more
Housing
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.
- learn more
Land Redevelopment Division and Land Bank Program
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.
- learn more
Planning
The Planning Division is responsible for neighborhood planning, commercial overlays, board and commission (Downtown, University District and East Franklinton), historic preservation, annexation and public art.
- learn more
MORPC and City Announce RFP for Regional Housing Strategy
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and the City of Columbus announced that they are seeking proposals for a regional housing strategy as part of an overall strategy to deal with the shortage of affordable housing.
The scope of the Request for Proposals (RFP) will include assessing the state of the housing market and affordability in the region; reviewing and analyzing current availability of public and private dollars to support affordable housing development; identifying data gaps necessary to develop regional recommendations; and identifying structural impediments to housing developments. The study will also include developing a housing strategy for the region that includes investment and policy recommendations for communities to support mixed income neighborhoods and regional growth.
Regional Housing Strategy RFP
New Development planned in Franklinton for at-risk youth
Finance Fund will transform two former motels in Franklinton to homes for at-risk youth.
Learn more
City of Columbus Incentives Study
The City of Columbus hired consulting firm HR&A to study the city’s use of tax incentives to support and encourage commercial, industrial and residential development. After a series of public meetings and legislative approval by City Council, the final policy documents are listed below. For more information about the policies, contact Hannah Reed at 614-645-8577.
Incentive Study by HR&A
CRA Assessment Report by VSI
Public Meeting Video
CRA_map and overview
Final Policy Legislation
Final Policy Overview
Final Housing Policy Overview
Individual CRA Amendments
CRA Amendments
AC Humko
Fifth by Northwest
Franklinton
Hilltop
Linden
Livingston and James
Milo Grogan
Near East
North Central
Short North
Southside
Weinland Park
Residential Tax Incentives
Tax Incentives