Columbus Compact Corporation History

In December 1994, President Bill Clinton designated 104 distressed urban and rural areas as Empowerment Zones (EZ) and Enterprise Communities (EC).

Prior to 1995, there was no single entity capable of coordinating the various sectors of the Greater Columbus community and focusing their efforts on central city redevelopment. Recognizing this fact, a partnership of government, business, and neighborhoods joined together to form the Columbus Compact Corporation ("the Compact").

The Compact's first efforts in Columbus' central city revitalization initiative were defined through a comprehensive, community-based planning process that coordinated strategies and engaged stakeholders in an effort to achieve lasting change.

In 1999, the City of Columbus and the Compact partnered to develop a strategic plan for the redevelopment of central city Columbus. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reviewed the 10-year, $1.5 billion redevelopment plan, and awarded the Empowerment Zone designation to Columbus. 

The Compact governs and administers the EZ on behalf of the City of Columbus.
 

The Columbus Compact Corporation has received program and administrative support from:

   •  US Department of Housing and Urban Development

   •  Ohio Department of Development

   •  City of Columbus

   •  The Columbus Foundation

   •  Ohio Community Development Finance Fund

   •  United Way of Central Ohio