Strengthening Partnerships That Power Civic Engagement
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Civic engagement is the backbone of a thriving democracy—but in the era of polarization and stretched resources, no single sector will strengthen it alone. From public media to philanthropy, business to education, Central Ohio’s leading institutions are working together to rebuild trust, expand participation, and connect people to the decisions that shape their lives. This forward-looking conversation brings together cross-sector leaders forging partnerships that make civic life stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful. What models are working? Where are the gaps? And how can our...
info_outline
From Survey to Shovel: Let's Get Real About Regional Priorities
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Central Ohio residents have spoken: housing, childcare, and better jobs are top priorities. This forum moves from data to action, bringing together leaders in housing finance, early childhood policy, workforce and small-business support, and regional planning to chart what should happen next—and how to measure results residents will actually feel. If you care about where Central Ohio invests, builds, and hires over the next few years, this conversation is your roadmap. Featuring: Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO, Groundwork Ohio Ian Labitue, President & CEO, Affordable Housing...
info_outline
Transforming Crisis Care in Central Ohio
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Central Ohio is reimagining crisis response. From the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to a new Crisis Care Center and community-led safety campaigns, Franklin County is building a more effective, compassionate system for people in crisis. This forum brings together city leaders, health providers, and advocates to explore what’s working, what’s still needed, and why these changes matter to every family in the region. Featuring: Melissa Green, Columbus City Councilmember Erika Clark Jones, CEO, The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) Dr. Brian Stroh, CEO &...
info_outline
A Conversation with Ohio State University President Ted Carter
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Uncertainties around research grants, student visas, and dramatic changes to the country’s DEI climate are only some of the issues that have shaped Ted Carter’s first year and a half on the job as the 17th president of The Ohio State University. But as a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral with 38 years of military service and more than 6,300 flying hours, Carter is no stranger to leadership under trying circumstances. Join us as CMC welcomes President Ted Carter for a look back at his first year and a half on the job, and a look forward at what’s on the horizon for Ohio’s flagship...
info_outline
The Next Wave: The New Leaders Shaping Ohio Politics
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
They’ve grown up in an era of student debt, climate anxiety, social media, and political gridlock—and now, they’re shaping the future of Ohio politics. From Gen Z newcomers to younger members of Gen X, a new wave of elected officials is stepping up to the mic. What motivates them to lead—and how are they challenging traditional power structures to create a more inclusive democracy? This candid conversation with rising political leaders spotlights what it means to serve—and shake things up—in today’s political climate. Featuring: Munira Abdullahi (D), Ohio State House...
info_outline
Central Ohio’s AI Revolution
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Artificial intelligence is transforming everything—from how Central Ohioans work to how companies make decisions. But can innovation happen without leaving people behind? This week’s Columbus Metropolitan Club forum explores Central Ohio’s rapidly evolving AI ecosystem with experts who are shaping the future of tech in the region. Featuring: Mike Cohn, Vice President of Network Operations, CoverMyMeds Nathan Craig, Associate Professor, Operations and Business Analytics, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Nicole Jackson, Principal AI Consultant and AI Practice...
info_outline
Navigating the New Era of College Sports: A Conversation with OSU's Ross Bjork
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
What happens when the most valuable college athletics program in the country enters the name-image-and-likeness, or NIL, era? At this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, Ohio State University Athletics Director Ross Bjork sits down with NBC4’s Matt Barnes for an inside look at how the Buckeyes are managing massive change—from multimillion-dollar deals to evolving expectations around recruitment, education, and fairness. Featuring: Ross Bjork, Athletics Director, The Ohio State University The host is Matt Barnes, Morning Co-Anchor, NBC4 Today This forum was sponsored by Aloft Columbus...
info_outline
A Downtown That Works and Lives
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
What kind of downtown do we want to build? Some of Columbus’ iconic downtown buildings are getting a dramatic makeover, transforming from office towers into places to live and gather. This week’s forum dives into the bold moves shaping the future of Downtown Columbus—where people live, work, and connect. Featuring: Greg Davies, CEO, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Brad DeHays, Founder & President, Connect Real Estate and Connect Construction Mindy Justis, Advocacy Chair, Downtown Residents Association of Columbus Michael Stevens, Director of Development, City of Columbus The host is...
info_outline
Three Million People, One City’s Future
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Is Columbus ready to hit three million residents? Ready or not, it’s a milestone that’s just 25 years away, according to estimates. While the surge brings enormous opportunity—more jobs, greater diversity, and increased investment—it comes with high-stakes questions: Is the region truly prepared for what’s ahead? And what happens if it isn’t? Columbus is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, with its metro population expected to rise by 35% and surpass 3 million by 2050. This growth is fueled by millennial migration, international immigration, and a strong economy...
info_outline
Bold Threads, Big Dreams: The Fashion Innovation Shaping Columbus's Style Scene
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
When it comes to fashion, Columbus has the talent. It has the retail giants, the design schools, the logistics, and the creative minds. What it hasn’t had—until now—is the fashion infrastructure to stitch those pieces together. With the launch of the new Fashion Innovation Center in the heart of Downtown’s Discovery District, Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell and the Columbus Fashion Alliance are betting big on a bold vision: to make Columbus not just a great place for fashion, but a city defined by it. Could Columbus become the next fashion capital—not just of the Midwest, but of the...
info_outlineWhat does the Federal Reserve actually do—and why should it matter to Central Ohioans? Beth Hammack, the new president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, sits down with CMC to explain her role, how the Fed operates, and how it impacts your paycheck, your mortgage, and our regional economy.
Featuring:
Beth Hammack, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
The host is award-winning news anchor Clay Gordon.
This forum was sponsored by Homeport.
The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC’s livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.
This forum was also supported by The Ellis.
This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus’ historic Italian Village on April 16, 2025.