Create Columbus Commission

In April of 2007, Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting recommended a work plan for Columbus that highlighted three strategies related to the young professionals demographic: "convince the convincibles; connect YPs to each other and to the City; and build a City that's a Talent Magnet for Young Professionals." Under the latter strategy, she recommended that Mayor Coleman appoint a YP Commission that could also assist the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation as they build many of the exciting assets that young professionals want in Downtown Columbus."

The YP Commission, now referred to as the Create Columbus Commission, was formed on May 24, 2007 by Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City of Columbus, Columbus City Council Member Kevin L. Boyce, City of Columbus, and Ty D. Marsh, president and CEO, Columbus Chamber.

Accomplishments and Activities

In just its first year, the Commission has already made several accomplishments and participated in various activities:

• Participated in a half-day centering retreat to brainstorm how to be more effective by establishing four focused working groups (Arts and Culture, Communication and Collaboration, Economic Development and Transportation)
• Established a collaborative relationship between the Commission and leaders of local young professionals organizations
• Met with Mayor Coleman following the streetcar public meeting on March 27, 2008 where he charged the Commission to plan and execute a citizens' streetcar advocacy campaign
• Partnered with OSU urban and regional planning graduate class to redevelop East Franklinton

Learn more about the commission's plans for 2008.