Hello Worthington!
The final installment of the Worthington Together speaker series was held on October 27 at City Hall and focused on economic development.
Expert panelists Matt McCollister (One Columbus), Joe Hayek (Worthington Enterprises), and Ashley Solether (ULI Columbus) joined moderator Dave Collinsworth to discuss how our city can strategically plan for the future while maintaining the character we love.
Here's what you need to know from this important conversation about Worthington's economic future.
Regional Growth and the Fiscal Reality Worthington Faces
Central Ohio will add 500,000 to 700,000 residents in the next 20-25 years, and the Columbus region has captured 90% of Ohio's population growth over the past decade. Meanwhile, the economy is shifting dramatically—office projects have plummeted from 50% of regional development pre-pandemic to just 9-12% today. Because Ohio cities fund services primarily through income tax on wages, job creation directly impacts our ability to fund police, fire, parks, and streets. Panelists emphasized that different land uses contribute very differently to city finances, with manufacturing and office generating the strongest fiscal returns. Understanding this reality is essential as Worthington plans strategically for redevelopment.
Mixed-Use Development and What Today's Workforce Expects
Panelists pointed to Grandview Yard, Bridge Park, and the Short North as proof that thoughtful mixed-use development creates thriving communities. But the discussion went deeper: a fundamental shift has occurred where younger generations choose where to live first, then find work. This makes housing diversity, walkable environments, and community amenities economic necessities, not luxuries. Joe Hayek of Worthington Enterprises noted that visitors typically stay at Easton or Polaris rather than Worthington—not criticism, but recognition of opportunity. The panel stressed serving residents across all life stages, from young professionals needing affordable entry points to empty-nesters seeking right-sized housing to stay in the community they love.
Stay connected to what's happening in Worthington, Ohio.
"Stick to the Plan": Expert Advice on Comprehensive Planning
When asked what makes comprehensive plans successful, Matt McCollister was direct: "You have to have a strategic plan, you have to have community buy-in, and you have to have the guts to stick to the plan." He warned against communities that create plans but never implement them—"a vicious cycle that doesn't really serve anybody." The panel discussed transportation challenges (Columbus is the largest U.S. metro without commuter rail), the importance of LinkUS bus rapid transit, and how clear design standards build trust between developers and residents. Because Worthington is substantially built out, future growth comes through redevelopment—making each decision more consequential and comprehensive planning more critical.
About Worthington Together
Worthington Together is a community-driven planning process in Worthington, Ohio, designed to reflect the values, needs, and aspirations of residents and businesses in the city. It is a comprehensive plan update that helps guide how the city grows and develops over the coming decades, addressing topics such as neighborhoods, housing, commercial areas, infrastructure, transportation, parks, facilities, and natural resources.
Give your input and feedback on the Worthington Together Community Choices page! Please provide your input by December 19, 2025.
Thanks for staying informed about Worthington's future. The full video source for this newsletter can be found here
All Worthington Speaker Series Summaries can be found here