The Columbus Region
The thriving 11-county area in Central Ohio isn’t just home to 2.3 million people—it’s also home to some of the world’s most recognizable brands, innovative small businesses, powerhouse research hubs, and top-notch academic institutions. Learn more about the team working together to move the Region forward.
Columbus Region Vision
To be the most prosperous region in the United States.
Building prosperity is the process of advancing the social and economic well-being of all residents within the Columbus Region. An array of private, public, and nonprofit leaders across the Columbus Region support this vision and work together toward its realization.
The Columbus Partnership
Leadership from the private sector enable the Partnership’s work, including a coalition of dedicated CEOs that comprise our membership; funding from an investor base of hundreds who fund our regional economic development strategy; and partnerships across public, private, and academic institutions on initiatives to grow the economy and improve quality of life for Columbus Region residents.
The Partnership organization includes One Columbus, a global, top-ranked economic development organization whose team is focused on regional growth and development; Smart Columbus, a civic innovation lab whose team is focused on advancing what’s next at the intersection of technology and community good; and Clean Energy Partners, an initiative that that works to accelerate the Columbus Region’s transition to clean energy.
One Columbus
One Columbus is the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus Region. Working with local and state partners, the team serves as a business location resource for companies across Central Ohio and around the world.
Top-ranked: One Columbus has received Site Selection Magazine’s Mac Conway Award for five consecutive years, recognizing it as one of the top economic development organizations in the nation.
Results-driven: Since 2010, the One Columbus team has helped more than 670 domestic and international companies achieve their growth goals by locating in the Columbus Region, resulting in over $47 billion capital invested and more than 75,000 new jobs created.
Smart Columbus
Smart Columbus is an agile innovation lab that serves the Columbus Region by advancing what is new at the intersection of technology and community good.
Preparing Columbus for the future: Smart Columbus collaboratively deploys technology for community benefit, giving our region a demonstrated edge when competing for economic development projects and diverse talent.
Rooted in innovation to improve the resident experience: Smart Columbus was founded when Columbus won the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Smart City Challenge, recognizing Columbus as an innovative and future-thinking region.
Clean Energy Ventures
Clean Energy Ventures has developed a unique model to provide access to low-cost renewable energy for low-income, disadvantaged communities, non-profits, and minority-owned businesses. Clean Energy Ventures has partnered with the Columbus Region Green Fund and Community Renewable Energy to deliver the Impact Solar Program.
The key benefit of this model is the reduction in energy costs, with no up-front fees, loans, or additional expenses throughout the agreement term, facilitated through a simple Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that bundles system costs, installation, operations and maintenance, delivering power at a price 20% below market rates in a monthly bill. Upon completion of the term, the asset is transferred to the owner at no cost.
Clean Energy Partners
Clean Energy Partners works to support the sustainability goals of companies across the Region.
Accelerating the transition to clean energy: Clean Energy Partners helps organizations integrate environmentally sustainable practices through access to renewable energy and onsite solar energy solutions.
Advising for a sustainable future: Clean Energy Partners advises companies, nonprofits, and government agencies on available clean energy solutions, including guiding organizations through retail renewable energy purchases and solar RFP processes.
40
DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS
1000s
OF COMPANIES SUPPORTED
Our Team
The members of the Columbus Partnership team are nationally and internationally known as leaders in their fields. Their daily work drives impact on economic development smart city and sustainability initiatives, community branding and marketing, public policy, diversity and inclusion, and the development of our region’s current and future leaders.
The Columbus Way
The Columbus Partnership is committed to the Columbus Way. It’s the practice of community stewardship, anchored by a set of values and principles that power progress in our region.
Community Impact
Since its inception, the Columbus Partnership’s work has adapted to meet the needs of the community at any given time, with the unwavering goal of helping ensure Columbus’ vitality and growth.
Economic development is the cornerstone of all the Partnership’s work, which includes several areas of focus:
- Regional economic development
- Smart city initiatives
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Sustainability
- Government relations
- Leadership development
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About the Columbus Partnership
Get answers about the Columbus Partnership, the Columbus Region, and how our work supports regional growth, collaboration, and long-term prosperity.
What is the Columbus Partnership?
The Columbus Partnership is a non-profit, member-based organization of CEOs from the Columbus Region’s leading businesses and institutions. The organization brings together private-sector leaders to drive economic growth, regional competitiveness, and quality of life.
The Columbus Partnership includes One Columbus, a global economic development organization focused on business attraction and growth, and Smart Columbus, a civic innovation lab advancing solutions at the intersection of technology and community impact.
What counties and communities are included in the Columbus Region?
The Columbus Region is made up of 11 counties anchored by the city of Columbus. It includes a mix of urban centers, suburban communities, advanced industry, agriculture, and natural spaces.
The 11 counties are Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, and Union.
Who does the Partnership Serve?
The Columbus Partnership serves the Columbus Region by uniting CEOs and institutional leaders around shared priorities. Through this collaborative approach, the organization works to strengthen key industries, support growth, and improve quality of life for residents.
How is the Columbus Partnership and its work funded?
The Partnership’s work is supported through member backing from private-sector CEOs, investment from public and private partners who fund regional economic development strategies, and partnerships across business, government, and academic institutions.
How can I contact you?
Our team is here to help guide businesses, partners, and stakeholders through the many opportunities across the Columbus Region. Use the contact page to connect with the right expert for your needs.
Still have questions?
Connect with the Columbus Region team.
We’re here to help you explore opportunities, navigate resources, and find the right path forward.
Contact
Our team is on hand to help your business find its place in the Columbus Region. Together we’ll secure your growth and future in our thriving ecosystem.