Building Inclusive Communities

BuildingInclusiveCommunitiesbannerIn 2022, the City of Worthington sponsored the Building Inclusive Communities initiative, which fosters conversations about how central Ohio can become a region where everyone has the opportunity to decide where they would like to live, work, play and raise their family. 

View previous programs and find more resources below.

Visualizing Density and Legalizing Housing in Central Ohio

At its November 16, 2022 program, participants discussed why the word "density" creates fear and causes concern in public conversations about housing. Building Inclusive Communities and special guests Julie Campoli and Eli Spevak addressed why density is misunderstood, and how it can be a key to solving housing challenges. Guest Speakers: Julie Campoli, Author, Visualizing Density, Harvard Loeb Fellow; Eli Spevak, Developer and Zoning Expert, Harvard Loeb Fellow. Moderator: Amelia Robinson, Columbus Dispatch Opinion and Engagement Editor.

Dubious Distinction: The Challenges of Housing and Economic Segregation in Central Ohio

At its September 13, 2022 program, Building Inclusive Communities hosted a thought provoking evening with Gene Slater, housing finance expert and author of Freedom to Discriminate: How Realtors Conspired to Segregate Housing and Divide America to learn about the origins of economic segregation.  Gene's presentation was followed by an insightful conversation with local experts about how to reverse economic segregation and improve housing accessibility in neighborhoods and communities. Moderator: Shiloh Todorov, Move to PROSPER; Panelists: Michael Wilkos, Senior VP of Community Impact, United Way of Central Ohio.

History of Worthington's Planning and Development

At its May 18, 2022 program, participants learned how Worthington transformed from a central Ohio "New England Village" to a modern suburban municipality, how a variety of neighborhoods were created, and what types of housing options remain for the future. This program was presented jointly by the City of Worthington and the Worthington Historical Society. 

Panelists included Kate LaLonde, Director of the Worthington Historical Society; Lee Brown, City of Worthington Director of Planning & Building; and Bernadette Hanlon, OSU Professor of City and Regional Planning

View program online

Housing Affordability 101

Building Inclusive Communities held its first program on March 30, 2022, Housing Affordability 101. Carlie Boos, Executive Director of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, spoke about the myths and realities of housing affordability and shared examples of initiatives from other communities that have worked, what the enablers are to solve challenges, and who should be responsible for helping with the solutions. 

Resources