Job Creation, Strategic Economic Development, & Fiscal Security

The Board of Commissioners is dedicated to fostering ongoing growth and success in Franklin County’s economy. However, they understand that true prosperity is only possible when every resident has the chance to share in this growth. A significant portion of the commissioners’ work is focused on creating valuable job opportunities, ensuring access to top-tier education, supporting workforce development, providing affordable housing, and meeting the critical needs that empower families to thrive and create a brighter future.

Agency Partner: Franklin County Economic Development and Planning

Franklin County Economic Development and Planning (EDP) plays a key role in shaping the county’s economic future by promoting sustainable growth, equitable development, and effective land use. EDP manages zoning and land use regulations to ensure orderly development while preserving community character. The agency also supports economic growth through business development, workforce programs, and initiatives to attract and retain companies, with a strong focus on fostering opportunities for minority-owned businesses.

FEDP aligns with the Franklin County Board of Commissioners’ broader goal of improving quality of life, increasing access to affordable housing, and creating pathways to upward mobility. Through strategic planning and collaboration, EDP works to create inclusive growth, address infrastructure needs, and revitalize communities, ensuring Franklin County remains a vibrant, prosperous place for all residents.

Program Highlight: Magnet Fund

The Board of Commissioners knows that finding affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for families in Franklin County. In 2019, they created the Magnet Fund to help build more affordable homes by raising money through a small increase in the fee paid when property is sold. The goal was to support 2,000 new affordable units in 10 years — but that goal was reached in less than four. Now, the Commissioners are continuing to invest in affordable housing to help more families live in safe, stable homes close to jobs, schools, and transportation.

2024 Magnet Fund Highlights:

Over $5.5 million invested in 2024.
364 new affordable housing units.
Projects represent $103.3 million in total capital investment.

Cumulative Impact Since 2020:

Nearly $21 million invested.
1,650 affordable housing units created across 20 projects.
Leveraged $493 million in total capital investment.

Community Partner: One Columbus

The Board of Commissioners continues to lead regional economic development through intentional investment and strong partnerships, including ongoing support of One Columbus – the economic development organization for the 11-county Central Ohio region. One Columbus works with local and state partners to attract and retain businesses, helping them grow and compete globally. In 2024, this partnership helped drive job creation and investment across the region, reinforcing the Board’s role as an economic engine for Central Ohio.

2024 Economic Development Impact:

40

regional projects in collaboration with One Columbus.

6,469

new jobs.

709.6 Million

in committed payroll.

Franklin County directly benefited from 25 projects, delivering:

1,896

new jobs

$77,401

average salary.

146.8 Million

in committed payroll.

2,467

retained jobs.

Program Highlight: Columbus Region Green Fund

The Columbus Region Green Fund is a Columbus-based non-profit focused on creating jobs and promoting equity by using innovative financing to support clean energy projects. By connecting these projects with low-cost capital, the Green Fund helps address challenges in the clean energy sector, particularly for projects that struggle to secure funding.

With a $2M grant from the county, the Green Fund has developed a unique financing system to support energy efficiency and alternative energy projects throughout Franklin County, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This investment has led to over $7.5M in active projects and enabled the launch of the Region Green Energy Loan Fund. The Green Fund is also helping create an equitable clean energy future by offering affordable financing for solar power installations and other clean technologies, making them accessible to all residents and organizations in the county.

Community Partner: Experience Columbus

In 2024, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners continued to make strategic investments in tourism and sports to grow our local economy and showcase everything that makes Franklin County a vibrant and welcoming place to visit and live. These efforts are led by trusted community partners like Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.

Experience Columbus promotes Franklin County as a top destination for conventions, meetings, festivals, and leisure travel. By attracting visitors from across the country, they help drive business to our restaurants, shops, hotels, and entertainment venues – supporting nearly 75,000 local jobs and helping our hospitality industry thrive.

Community Partner: Greater Columbus Sports Commission

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission, which operates as part of Experience Columbus, plays a key role in bringing exciting sporting events to our region. In 2024, the Board invested $200,000 to support the Commission’s efforts to attract, promote, and retain sports tourism. From youth tournaments to major national championships, these events fill hotel rooms, energize neighborhoods, and boost our local economy. Together, these investments strengthen Franklin County’s reputation, bring people together, and create lasting opportunities for residents and businesses alike

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners takes great pride in the significant investments made in 2024 to enhance our local food system. The Franklin County Urban Agriculture Critical Infrastructure Grant and the Mid-Ohio Farm at NBC4 highlight our commitment, in partnership with the City of Columbus, to advancing food access, fostering a resilient local food economy, promoting racial and health equity, and creating meaningful opportunities for those who are most in need.

~ Commissioner John O’Grady

2024 Experience Columbus Stats:

51.2 Million

visitors make annual trips to Greater Columbus.

8.2 Billion

directly spent by visitors at local businesses.

$13.60

returned to the community for every $1 invested by Experience Columbus.

1 in every 1

jobs are supported by the travel economy in the City of Columbus and Franklin County.

344 Million

in city and county tax revenue generated by travel economy.

Program Highlight: Local Food Action Plan

In 2024, Franklin County strengthened its commitment to a fair and sustainable local food system through targeted investments, stronger partnerships, and a renewed focus on equity. Guided by the Columbus & Franklin County Local Food Action Plan (LFAP), the County supported urban farming, expanded community garden programs, and helped young people explore careers in agriculture. By working closely with local organizations, schools, and public agencies, these efforts are making healthy, local food more accessible while creating long-term change. As LFAP approaches its 10-year anniversary, Franklin County is also taking steps to measure progress, listen to more voices, and build a food system that works for everyone.

Highlights from 2024:

Invested $500,000 in OSU Extension’s Agriculture in the Classroom to teach kids about farming and food careers.
Supported the Mid-Ohio Farm at NBC4 to fight food insecurity and help New American communities.
Doubled funding for community gardens and youth programs through Franklin Park Conservatory.
Helped rescue over 780 lbs of food at a local festival to reduce waste and feed more people.
Created new “Equity Seats” on the Local Food Board to include more diverse community voices.
Launched a public dashboard to track progress and ensure accountability across all 27 LFAP action items.

NEXT CORE PRINCIPLE

Supportive Health & Human Services