Greetings and Happy New Year,
On Monday evening, Columbus City Council will hold its first reading of the Columbus Growth Strategy — the first-ever citywide land use policy and map.
This milestone reflects months of extensive community engagement through Zone In, the city's ongoing effort to modernize its zoning code written more than 70 years ago. Since last summer, thousands of residents have shared ideas through surveys, workshops, pop-up events, presentations to area commissions and civic associations, and a formal public comment period — helping to shape how and where Columbus will grow in the future.
Since our last update, this work has continued. The deadline for Area Commissions to provide formal recommendations has concluded, and the draft Growth Strategy has been revised to incorporate their feedback — as well as comments and suggestions we've received from the broader Columbus community. Those updates are reflected in the legislation that has been submitted by Mayor Ginther to Columbus City Council.
The result is an enhanced policy framework focused on key areas to expand economic and housing opportunity — including mixed use corridors, industrial and warehouse areas, and business and institutional campuses. It is important to note that the legislation before Council is about land use policy and not zoning changes. The Columbus Growth Strategy does not approve new development or modify zoning. Instead, it establishes the policy foundation that will guide the next round of zoning updates in 2026.
Residents and stakeholders are invited to share questions they have about the Growth Strategy or revisions that were made to the original draft. You may email questions to zoningupdate@columbus.gov
Thank you to all of the residents, neighborhood leaders and community partners who took the time to share their perspectives and help bring this work to this point. Your partnership has shaped this moment, and it will continue to guide the work ahead.
Sincerely,
The Zone In Columbus Team
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