State of Downtown: Downtown's Next Big Transformation

The Community's Conversation

Developing a Dynamic Downtown Series

Is Columbus ready for its next big transformation? The past two decades have brought transformative change to Downtown Columbus, including a reimagined riverfront, one-of-a-kind cultural attractions and experiences, and new retail and housing offerings. A modern downtown will demand even more to thrive. The Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan aims not only to add structures, but to create a more inclusive and connected experience that hopes to attract 40,000 residents and 120,000 workers by the year 2040. Marc Conte, Executive Director of the Capital Crossroads and Discovery Special Improvement Districts presents his annual “State of Downtown” report, plus panelists Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Edwards Companies President and CEO Jeff Edwards discuss the work already underway and what’s yet to come, including a new way to enhance connectivity in the core of our city: the Capital Line, a new multi-mile loop connecting downtown’s key cultural attractions that will be exclusive to pedestrian and bike traffic.

Featuring:

Marc Conte, Executive Director, Capital Crossroads and Discovery Special Improvement Districts (opening remarks)

Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus, Ohio

Jeff Edwards, Chairman, CEO, & President, Installed Building Products and Edwards Companies

The host is Stacia Naquin, News Anchor, ABC 6, Fox 28 Columbus

The presenting sponsor of CMC’s "Developing a Dynamic Downtown Series" is The Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South, with series sponsor Thompson Hine.

The sponsors of this forum were Huntington, Schneider Downs, The Edwards Companies, The Robert Weiler Company, Installed Building Products, AECOM, Marker Construction, and COSI.

This forum was supported by The Ellis.

The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on February 28, 2024.