The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Founded in 1976 by 13 visionary women leaders in Columbus, Ohio, the Columbus Metropolitan Club connects people and ideas through community conversation. From its start, CMC has welcomed everyone. Each week, the Columbus Metropolitan Club hosts a public forum discussion on topics that range from business to policy to social services and beyond. The discussions might feature a diverse panel of experts, or may be a 1:1 interview with a high-level community or business leader. Every CMC forum provides its audience with an opportunity to ask questions of the speakers. Whether it's a topic that impacts our local community, has global implications, or both, CMC participants leave our forums better educated, informed, and engaged. We invite you to join our community conversations each week. All CMC forums are recorded live in Columbus, Ohio.
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Why the Federal Reserve Matters to You
04/16/2025
Why the Federal Reserve Matters to You
What 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.
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Keeping the Columbus Promise
04/09/2025
Keeping the Columbus Promise
Columbus appears to be on track to keep an important promise: The Columbus Promise. The innovative education partnership launched in 2021 with the goal of sending more Columbus City School graduates to college, boosting their own life trajectories and helping Central Ohio supercharge its workforce. The Columbus Promise lets any graduate of Columbus City Schools attend Columbus State Community College at no cost for six semesters and provides a $500 stipend each semester plus academic support. Now the Promise is no longer just a pilot. The program’s key partners – the City of Columbus, Columbus City Schools, I Know I Can, and Columbus State – and an array of private backers – have all recently recommitted to launching a new phase of the program, with more than half of a new $25 million goal already raised. With a panel of leaders, we unpack the Columbus Promise, explore its origins and impact, and get an inside look at what happens next. Featuring Dr. Angela Chapman, Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools Janelle Coleman, Vice President, Community Engagement & Corporate Philanthropy and President, AEP Foundation Shannon Hardin, President, Columbus City Council Dr. Desiree Polk-Bland, Senior Vice President for Student Success, Columbus State Community College The moderator is Colleen Marshall, News Anchor, NBC4, and host of "NBC4's The Spectrum." This presenting sponsor of this forum was The Columbus Foundation. This forum was also sponsored by Cardinal Health and American Electric Power. 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 9, 2025.
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Central Ohio Builds BIG!
04/02/2025
Central Ohio Builds BIG!
BIG things are happening in Central Ohio! With top leaders, we dig into some of the BIGGEST construction and development projects happening right now in our region, including the new $2B Columbus Airport terminal, the $200M reimagining of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, defense contractor Anduril’s just-announced state-of-the-art plant, and the highway and transportation systems that will tie it all together. We explore where big ideas come from, and the partnerships and workforce that’s essential to turn big dreams into tomorrow’s Central Ohio reality. Featuring: Pamela Boratyn, Director, The Ohio Department of Transportation Connor Brogan, Arsenal-1 Project Leader, Anduril Matt Kunz, Vice President and Columbus General Manager, Turner Construction And Joseph Nardone, President & CEO, The Columbus Regional Airport Authority The host is Angela An, News Anchor, WBNS 10TV. This forum was sponsored by Barton Malow, The Columbus Regional Airport Authority, HNTB, Public Sector Consulting, and Turner Construction. 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. It was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus’ historic Italian Village on April 2, 2025.
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A Conversation with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
03/26/2025
A Conversation with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s new proposed $218 billion two-year state budget promises to completely fund the state’s public education system, to deliver a tax credit for parents with minimum-wage jobs, and provides higher funding for children’s services, including childcare, literacy, and vision programs. With the Governor’s proposal in hand, Ohio lawmakers now have until July 1, 2025 to shape the budget and return it to the Governor’s desk. CMC welcomes Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for an in-depth conversation on his proposed budget and his priorities for the state. Featuring: Governor Mike DeWine, State of Ohio The host is Jo Ingles, Journalist & Producer, Statehouse News Bureau. This forum was sponsored by The United Way of Central Ohio, The Ohio Farm Bureau, The Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Public Sector Consulting, Ian Alexander Photography, HNTB, and Smoot Construction. 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 March 26, 2025.
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All Amped Up: Can Ohio Meet Its Future Energy Needs?
03/19/2025
All Amped Up: Can Ohio Meet Its Future Energy Needs?
Ohio’s energy demand is set to skyrocket with the rise of data centers, electric vehicles, and the shutdown of aging power plants. Can the state’s power generation keep pace, or will electricity shortages hinder Ohio’s growth? Major tech companies are establishing data centers in central Ohio, consuming a growing portion of the state’s power supply to support consumers and power-intensive technologies like AI. Additionally, the retirement of some fossil-fuel power plants and the unpredictability of renewable sources like wind and solar add further pressure to Ohio’s energy system. With industry leaders and experts, we explore the real “power play” essential for the state’s economic growth. Featuring: Ryan Augsburger, President, The Ohio Manufacturers' Association Kenny McDonald, President & CEO, One Columbus Janine Migden-Ostrander, Pace University Law School E nergy & Climate Center, and Former Ohio Consumers' Counsel Todd Snitchler, President & CEO, Electric Power Supply Association The host is Bryant Petway, Construction Executive, ArchKey Solutions This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Region. 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 March 19, 2025.
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State of the Performing Arts
03/12/2025
State of the Performing Arts
Columbus is more than lucky: the city is home to a vast array of performing arts organizations that bring vibrancy, expression, and wonder to Ohio’s state capital through theater, dance, ballet, live music performances, and more. Artists, venues, and companies abound, plus scores of associated programs that seek to inspire young people to learn about themselves by exploring the world of performing arts. While audiences are filling events, funding remains a challenge, with uncertainties around public funding that are driving arts organizations to build innovative partnerships with each other and supporters. With Central Ohio’s rising population, demand for the performing arts is expected to grow, and new venues to handle the growth are in the works: CAPA is raising $14 million to renovate an historic church on Third Street in downtown into a new multipurpose arts venue, while the Columbus Symphony last year unveiled plans for a breathtaking new 200,000-square-foot venue that would be the city’s first purpose-built concert hall, and Shadowbox’s Up Front Performance Space is also now newly-renovated. With representatives from key venues and organizations, we take stock of the state of performing arts in Columbus with industry leaders for a look behind the curtains. Featuring: Daniel Walshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Columbus Symphony Chad Whittington, President and CEO, The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts Stacie Boord, CEO, Shadowbox Live Regina Ann Campbell, CEO, King Arts Complex The host is Jami Goldstein, Chief Creative Officer, The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC). This forum was sponsored by The Carol A. McGuire Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund and The Greater Columbus Arts Council. 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 March 12, 2025.
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Women's Wealth is Central Ohio's Growth
03/05/2025
Women's Wealth is Central Ohio's Growth
In partnership with The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, this CMC forum unveils on the critical resources that women in Central Ohio need – and often lack – to build wealth. Women face distinct hurdles in accumulating personal wealth, and the implications are huge: according to the Federal Reserve, closing gender and racial wealth gaps could have expanded Ohio’s GDP by a staggering $67 billion from 2005 to 2019. Despite women’s substantial contribution to Central Ohio’s economy, disaggregated research has been lacking—until now. With a panel of passionate leaders, we discuss these fresh findings and shed light on how women in Central Ohio can overcome barriers to wealth creation. Featuring: Keena Smith, CEO, The Women's Center for Economic Opportunity Shannon Isom, President and CEO, Community Shelter Board Lisa Gray, Founding President, Ohio Excels And Alex Dorman, Research Fellow, The Center for Community Solutions The host is Courtney Falato, Vice President and Program Officer, Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase & Co. This forum was sponsored by The Mary Lazarus Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund and JPMorgan Chase & Co. 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 Women’s Fund of Central Ohio and Vue Columbus. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in Columbus’ historic Brewery District on March 5, 2025. to read the subject of this forum, The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio's recent research report, "Making Women Wealthy and Free."
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The Power of Two Chambers
02/26/2025
The Power of Two Chambers
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce and The Ohio Chamber of Commerce both help drive Ohio’s economy. How do they collaborate to support businesses, and where do they see opportunities for growth in Central Ohio? This conversation explores the biggest challenges facing Ohio’s business climate and the initiatives and partnerships needed to ensure a strong future for the region's employers, workers, and the broader economy. Featuring: Derrick Clay, President & CEO, The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Steve Stivers, President & CEO, The Ohio Chamber of Commerce The host is award-winning news anchor Clay Gordon. This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Huntington Bank. 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 February 26, 2025.
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Insights From Congresswoman Joyce Beatty
02/19/2025
Insights From Congresswoman Joyce Beatty
This CMC forum features a 1:1 conversation with U.S Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, representing Ohio’s Third Congressional District since 2013. We’ll cover Congresswoman Beatty’s legislative priorities and unpack current events in Washington for an in-depth look at the state of federal politics and U.S. democracy. Featuring: Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Third Ohio Congressional District, United States House of Representatives The host is Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Statehouse News Bureau. This forum was sponsored by The Robert Weiler Company. 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 February 19, 2025.
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When Safety Nets Shrink
02/12/2025
When Safety Nets Shrink
Looming federal budget cuts could mean significant reductions in safety-net services for Central Ohio’s most vulnerable populations, including immigrants and refugees. How will these changes affect our communities, and how are local nonprofit leaders responding? Our expert panel explores what’s at stake and what steps can be taken to mitigate the impact. Featuring: Dr. Seleshi Asfaw, President & CEO, Tewahedo Social Services Elizabeth Brown, President & CEO, YWCA Columbus Michael Corey, Executive Director, Human Service Chamber of Franklin County Shannon Hardin, President, Columbus City Council The host is Dr. Lisa Courtice, President and CEO, The United Way of Central Ohio. This forum was sponsored by Installed Building Products, Mollard Consulting, Nationwide, and The United Way of Central Ohio. 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 February 12, 2025.
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The Caregiver Crisis
02/05/2025
The Caregiver Crisis
In Partnership with WOSU Public Media While there’s growing focus on seniors and the care they need, far less attention is being paid to the family members who provide that care. According to AARP, in 2010, there were more than seven potential family caregivers for every person over 80; by 2030, that ratio will drop to 4:1, and by 2050, it will be less than 3:1. In Ohio alone, people caring for older relatives provide 1.4 billion hours of care each year—that’s $21 billion in unpaid labor. Younger family members, often juggling their own lives, are the ones dispensing medications, preparing meals, driving loved ones to appointments, and sorting out the financial and legal matters of aging parents. Expanding Medicare to cover in-home care, giving tax credits for caregivers, and setting up a national paid family leave program could all help, but more solutions are needed. In partnership with WOSU Public Media’s “Inside Caregiving” initiative, CMC welcomes a panel of leaders and advocates to explore how we’ll care for the caregivers that older Central Ohioans will depend on. Featuring: Jennifer Carlson, State Director, AARP Ohio Katie White, Director, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Dr. Kathy D. Wright, Associate Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, The Ohio State University College of Nursing Chanda Wingo, Director, Franklin County Office on Aging The moderartor is Anthony Padgett, General Manager, WOSU Public Media. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our 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 February 5, 2025.
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Ohio Higher Education Innovates for a New Era
01/29/2025
Ohio Higher Education Innovates for a New Era
Ohio’s system of higher education is reinventing itself for a new era in the state’s history. Will schools be ready? Among the challenges, the number of U.S. high school graduates is expected to peak next year at about 3.5 million students before dropping 15% in the next four years, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, with profound implications for institutions of higher education. Additionally, the needs of key Ohio employers are always accelerating, creating growing pressure on schools to produce workers ready to enter an ever-evolving workforce, especially in technology and healthcare-related professions. Schools are also creating new ways to ensure students stay housed, fed, and that childcare resources are available to keep students with families enrolled and moving toward graduation. A college education remains a life-changing asset for graduates, with Axios reporting recent grads in 2023 ages 22-27 earned $24,000 more annually than their peers holding just a high school degree. With the help from our expert panelists, we explore how Ohio’s higher education institutions are innovating to adapt to a changing educational and workforce landscape. Featuring panelists: Dr. John Comerford, President of Otterbein University Dr. David Harrison, President of Columbus State Community College Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, President of Central State University Dr. James Orr, Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management at The Ohio State University The host is Sheridan Hendrix, Higher Education Reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was sponsored by Columbus State Community College, Grange Insurance, The Ohio State University, and Otterbein University. 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. It was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus’ historic Italian Village on January 29, 2025.
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Central Ohio Hospital CEO Roundtable
01/22/2025
Central Ohio Hospital CEO Roundtable
Optimal Health Series Central Ohio is growing rapidly, and the region’s four major hospital systems are following suit. Each of Columbus’ “Big Four” systems – OhioHealth, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital – are expanding rapidly, constructing new facilities and scrambling to hire legions of qualified healthcare professionals. With the region’s population expected to grow by 30% in the next 25 years, that may translate into 730,000 new residents – all of whom will require access to healthcare. Can Central Ohio’s biggest healthcare players keep pace with demand? This forum features an extraordinary panel featuring the CEOs of all four of the region’s major hospital systems for an in-depth exploration of the present and future of healthcare in Central Ohio. Featuring panelists: Dr. Stephen Markovich, President and Chief Executive Officer, OhioHealth Timothy Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Dr. John Warner, Chief Executive Officer, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Executive Vice President, The Ohio State University Tauana McDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mount Carmel Health System The host is Greg Moody, Director of Professional Development and the State of Ohio Leadership Institute, John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University. The presenting sponsors of CMC’s long-running Optimal Health Series are The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. This forum was also sponsored by AstraZeneca, Cardinal Health, Fifth Third Bank, The Healthcare Career Collaborative of Central Ohio Powered by Aspyr, Mount Carmel Health System, and CK Construction. 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 Vue Columbus. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in Columbus, Ohio's historic Brewery District on January 22, 2025.
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The New Columbus Real Estate Scene
01/15/2025
The New Columbus Real Estate Scene
What was America’s most popular housing market in 2024, according to Realtor.com? Look no further than Columbus, Ohio. Homes for sale in Central Ohio were racking up far more online views than the national average, indicating off-the-charts levels of interest in available properties in the region. If it’s been a few years since you sold a home in Central Ohio, you might be in for a shock the next time you plant a “for sale” sign in your yard, now that new rules have completely reshaped realtor commissions. If you’re on the buying side, you’ll need to be just as prepared for a housing market that’s undergone profound changes since before the pandemic, with demand outpacing new construction and out-of-state “institutional” buyers with deep pockets outbidding families and snapping up investment properties. Ths week, we navigate the new realities of buying and selling in Central Ohio’s red-hot housing market. Featuring: Josh Barkan, Division Vice President, M/I Homes of Central Ohio Jon Melchi, Executive Director, Building Industry Association of Central Ohio Buffie Patterson, President, Columbus REALTORS® Board of Directors The host is Bonnie Meibers, Commercial Real Estate Reporter, Columbus Business First. This forum was sponsored by The Robert Weiler Company. 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 Vue Columbus. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in the Brewery District on January 15, 2025.
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Annual Blue Chip Economic Forecast
01/08/2025
Annual Blue Chip Economic Forecast
The Atlantic Magazine recently awarded the US economy “superstar status” – calling it the “Taylor Swift” of global economies – for its robust sustained performance. Closer to home, Central Ohio’s economy also appears to be roaring along, with the region leading the Buckeye State in growth. What’s in store for Central Ohio’s economy and our region in 2025? Hear what the year ahead looks like for Central Ohio’s economy from a panel of leading experts at CMC’s first program of 2025 and one of the year’s most popular forums. Featuring: Dr. Joyce Chen, Professor of Economics in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University Kathy Bostjancic, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Nationwide Mutual Dr. Bill LaFayette, Owner, Regionomics The host is Benjamin Lanka, Business Editor, The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was sponsored by Smoot Construction, Frost Brown Todd, The Columbus Region, Ian Alexander Photography, and PNC. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was supported by Vue Columbus. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in the Brewery District on January 8, 2025.
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From Vacant to Vibrant: The Future of Retail in Downtown Columbus
12/19/2024
From Vacant to Vibrant: The Future of Retail in Downtown Columbus
Can downtown retail make a comeback in Columbus? With a panel of downtown leaders and advocates, this forum explores efforts to re-energize retail downtown and examines what lies ahead for Columbus' urban core. Featuring: Nicholas J. Bankston, Columbus City Councilmember Amy Taylor, President, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Jim Merkel, CEO and Co-Founder, Rockbridge The host is Jessica Ralston, Anchor of Good Day Columbus on ABC6 and FOX28. This forum was sponsored by The Harrison Smith Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund, Downtown Columbus, Inc., The Edwards Companies, and Rockbridge. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream is The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner is 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 December 18, 2024.
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Belonging Is Redefining the Modern Workplace
12/11/2024
Belonging Is Redefining the Modern Workplace
Ohio’s labor market remains incredibly tight, but Central Ohio organizations that are building strong cultures of belonging are attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds. Leading employers know from experience that cultivating a strong and authentic sense of belonging among employees can revolutionize recruitment, engagement, retention, productivity, and ROI, even with remote workers. Recent criticism around DEI in the workplace has sparked concerns that diversity, equity, and inclusion progress could stall, but many employers are not only not abandoning DEI initiatives but deepening them with strategic efforts to build a sense of belonging among employees. They’re also ensuring the definition of diversity remains broad and embraces neurodivergent and physically impaired employees, elevating every voice. With a panel of passionate leaders, we’ll explore the meaning and value of creating a culture of belonging in the contemporary workplace, and how it’s helping key Central Ohio employees and employers to stay at the top of their games. Featuring: Daniel Juday, Founder + Facilitator, Space Creator LLC Dr. Tina Pierce, Chief of Strategy and Belonging, The Ohio State University Alumni Association Jennifer Robinson, Chief Human Resources Officer and Deputy Director, Ohio Department of Veterans Services The moderator is Margaret Finley, Head of DEI and Corporate Affairs, ADS, and President, Board of Directors, Central Ohio Diversity Consortium. This forum was sponsored by Advanced Drainage Systems, with additional support from Aspyr and The Central Ohio Workforce Development Network. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus’ historic Italian Village on December 11, 2024.
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Columbus Eviction Rates Are Headed in the Wrong Direction
12/04/2024
Columbus Eviction Rates Are Headed in the Wrong Direction
In 2023, Columbus saw nearly 24,000 eviction filings, marking a 12,000-case increase from the previous year. Early 2024 data shows this trend worsening, with evictions reaching a 20-year high in Franklin County. Across Ohio, landlords initiated almost 108,000 eviction cases in 2023 — the highest since 2015. A major driver behind the surge is sluggish wage growth, which isn’t keeping pace with skyrocketing rents. The “housing wage” — what a worker needs to earn per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment — rose 9% since last year. To afford such a home, full-time workers need an hourly wage of at least $20.81. In Columbus, however, this figure climbs even higher to $25.04 per hour. With a panel of regional leaders, CMC unpacks why evictions are climbing, the impact on communities when families lose their homes, and the strategies that advocates are leveraging to ensure more Central Ohio families stay housed. Featuring: Kate McGarvey, Executive Director, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio Shayla D. Favor, Columbus City Council Member and Franklin County Prosecutor-Elect Gene Edwards, Director of Legal Research and Magistrate, Franklin County Municipal Court, The moderator is Danae King, Underserved Communities Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was sponsored by The Community Shelter Board with support from The Columbus Dispatch. 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 recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus’ historic Italian Village on December 4, 2024.
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Benchmarking Central Ohio - Part 2
11/20/2024
Benchmarking Central Ohio - Part 2
For the first time since 2019, the all-new Columbus Foundation Community Benchmarking Report has measured how Central Ohio compares to more than 20 peer regions across more than 50 metrics and indices. Building on a decade of community tracking, this newest research across a range of metrics offers a clear window to understanding how Central Ohio stacks up to comparable metro areas and gives us one of the best snapshots of where our region finds itself on this side of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings dive deeply into five overall categories – population vitality, economic strength, personal prosperity, lifelong learning, and overall community wellbeing. In this second of two forums, we’ll dive deep into the study’s findings on Personal Prosperity, Lifelong Learning, and Overall Community Wellbeing, and explore what the data says about Central Ohio’s future. The complete new report can be downloaded . Featuring: J. Averi Frost, Freedom Equity Inc. and the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce Dr. Gina Ginn, CEO, Columbus Early Learning Centers Matt Martin, Director of Community Research, The Columbus Foundation The moderator is Autumn Glover, Senior Vice President, Provider + Community Partnerships, AndHealth. The presenting sponsor of this two-part series was The Columbus Foundation. This forum was sponsored by The American Electric Power Foundation. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our 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 November 20, 2024.
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Benchmarking Central Ohio - Part 1
11/13/2024
Benchmarking Central Ohio - Part 1
For the first time since 2019, the all-new has measured how Central Ohio compares to more than 20 peer regions across more than 50 metrics and indices. Building on more than a decade of community tracking, this newest research across a range of metrics offers a clear window to understanding how Central Ohio stacks up to comparable metro areas and gives us one of the best snapshots of where our region finds itself on this side of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings dive deeply into five overall categories – population vitality, economic strength, personal prosperity, lifelong learning, and overall community wellbeing. In this first of two forums, we’ll reflect on the results of the last benchmarking study in 2019 before diving deep into the findings of the first two categories: Population Vitality & Economic Strength – to see how Central Ohio measures up to its peers. The complete new report can be downloaded . Featuring: Matt Martin, Director of Community Research, The Columbus Foundation Kenny McDonald, President and CEO, One Columbus Padmini Roy-Dixon, Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission The host is Doug Buchanan, Editor in Chief, Columbus Business First. This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Foundation. The presenting sponsor of CMC's livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on November 13, 2024.
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After the Election: Listening, Healing, and Moving Forward with The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu
11/06/2024
After the Election: Listening, Healing, and Moving Forward with The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu
This extraordinary and historic forum welcomes The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu as we gather following the election to reconcile and reflect on the common goal of preserving democracy, upholding justice, and to re-commit to listening to one another in good faith and with open minds and hearts. The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu, knew from early in life that the one thing she would never be is a priest. She has always said, “I have my father’s nose, I do not want his job” but life had other plans… After years spent as a development consultant, educator and race and gender activist she accepted her call to ordained ministry. The challenges of growing black and female in apartheid South Africa have been the foundation of Reverend Tutu’s life as an activist for human rights. Those experiences taught her that our whole human family loses when we accept situations of oppression, and how the teaching and preaching of hate and division injure us all. Featuring The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, Daughter of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu, and Priest Associate, All Saint’s Episcopal, Atlanta, Georgia, and with moderator Colleen Marshall, Anchor, NBC4. This forum was sponsored by Otterbein University and The Health Policy Institute of Ohio. It was supported by Urban Strings Columbus. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on November 6, 2024.
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Rx for Equity: Creating Access to Healthcare in Central Ohio
10/23/2024
Rx for Equity: Creating Access to Healthcare in Central Ohio
Optimal Health Series Central Ohio is home to global leaders in healthcare, but access to healthcare remains uneven in the region as it is for much of the country. What are the costs of uneven healthcare coverage to our region, and what are the factors that prevent many from getting the care they need? With a panel of passionate healthcare leaders, we dive into the true costs of uneven access to healthcare in Central Ohio and how the doors to quality healthcare can be opened for all. Featuring: Dr. Chyke Doubeni, Chief Health Equity Officer, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Carrie Harris-Muller, Senior Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer, OhioHealth Amy Rohling McGee, President, Health Policy Institute of Ohio Kate Tullio, Associate Vice President for Health Equity, CareSource The moderator is Angela Dawson, Executive Director, Ohio Commission on Minority Health The presenting sponsors of CMC’s long-running Optimal Health Series are The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. This forum was also sponsored by AstraZeneca and Cardinal Health. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on October 23, 2024.
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Does Ohio Need Gerrymandering Reform?
10/16/2024
Does Ohio Need Gerrymandering Reform?
With early voting already underway, Ohio voters are being asked to decide if a new approach to redrawing the state’s electoral districts is necessary. At stake is potentially nothing less than the future control of Ohio’s statewide legislative bodies. The nonprofit Citizens Not Politicians asserts that Ohio’s current electoral districts are gerrymandered – or drawn unfairly to tilt the electoral playing field – and favors Republicans who currently control both the Ohio House and Senate, while Republican leaders have said no such unfairness exists and that the Democratic failure to secure more of Ohio’s legislative seats is simply an accurate reflection of voter preference. If the proposed ballot initiative passes, control over drawing Ohio’s electoral districts will pass from politicians to a new 15-member nonpartisan board. Will the state’s voters agree that gerrymandering is an issue Ohio needs to solve with a fresh approach, or will the status quo win out? We unpack the future of Ohio’s legislative districts and the stark choice the state’s voters face this fall. Featuring: Kareem Crayton, Vice President, The Brennan Center for Justice Keith Faber, Ohio Auditor of State Maureen O'Connor, Former Chief Justice, The Supreme Court of Ohio Bradley Smith, The Josiah H. Blackmore II / Shirley M. Nault Professor of Law, Capital University The moderator is Jessie Balmert, State Government Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch | Gannett | USA Today Network. This forum was sponsored by The Charles F. Kettering Foundation, The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and The Ohio Debate Commission. Our forum partner was The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream and marketing partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by Vue Columbus. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in the Brewery District on October 16, 2024.
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Are LGBTQ+ Rights Losing Ground?
10/09/2024
Are LGBTQ+ Rights Losing Ground?
An erosion of LGBTQ+ rights seems to be the latest casualty of America's deepening polarization. This week’s panel takes stock of the trajectory of LGBTQ+ rights and what the future may hold for LGBTQ+ Ohioans and their families. Featuring: The Honorable Nickie J. Antonio, Ohio State Senate Democratic Leader Karen Hewitt, Founder and CEO, K Hewitt Consulting, and Co-Founder and COO, The Ohio REST Collective Cam Ogden, Policy Manager, Equality Ohio Ken Schneck, Editor, The Buckeye Flame The moderator was Ronald Murray, Associate Director of Health Advocacy at Equitas Health, and Community Engagement Liaison, Stonewall Columbus. This forum was sponsored by the Lynn Greer Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund Celebrating Inclusion & Equity for the LGBTQ Community, Huckleberry House, and Encova Insurance. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by Vue Columbus. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in the Brewery District on October 9, 2024
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Outdated Funding, Lost Lives: Why Ohio’s Babies and Birthing Parents Deserve Better
10/02/2024
Outdated Funding, Lost Lives: Why Ohio’s Babies and Birthing Parents Deserve Better
Could fresh thinking about philanthropy help save the lives of mothers and babies in Central Ohio? This panel explores how participatory grantmaking, trust-based philanthropy, and low-barrier funding promise to improve the lives of Central Ohio’s mothers and babies. Featuring: Isi Ikharebha Green, President, Physicians CareConnection Kelley Griesmer, President and CEO, The Women's Fund of Central Ohio Jill Miller, President and CEO, Bethesda Inc. and bi3 Danielle Tong, Executive Director, CelebrateOne The moderator was Jennifer Bullock, Weekday Anchor, NBC4. This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by Vue Columbus. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in Columbus, Ohio's Brewery District on October 2, 2024.
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Housing, Health, and Hope: Opening The Gates To Opportunity In Central Ohio
09/25/2024
Housing, Health, and Hope: Opening The Gates To Opportunity In Central Ohio
What would Central Ohio's future look like with safe, affordable mixed-income neighborhoods as a part of everyday life? How much healthier, stronger, and more equitable would our region be? For the most part, this is now just a dream for many central Ohioans. Our region is experiencing a severe housing shortage because we’ve built an average of only 8,000 housing units per year for more than a decade, while 20,000 units per year were needed to balance supply and demand. This caused the price of housing for both renters and buyers to increase by more than three times the increase in median income for both renters and homebuyers. Today, we examine the links connecting housing, health, and opportunity and spotlight the will to act that could open the gates to healthier outcomes for all. Featuring panelists: Merisa Bowers, Council President & Member At-Large, Gahanna City Council Michael B. Coleman, Former Mayor, City of Columbus, and Partner, Ice Miller Dr. Craig Pollack, Katey Ayers Endowed Professor, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (including opening remarks) Kenneth L. Wright, Mayor & Council Member At-Large, City of Westerville The moderator was Darci Congrove, Managing Director, GBQ. This forum was sponsored by The Robert Weiler Company and the Thanks Be To God Foundation. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis and by Families Flourish. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on September 25, 2024.
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Open Every Door: Transforming Workforce Development in Central Ohio
09/18/2024
Open Every Door: Transforming Workforce Development in Central Ohio
Will an innovative new collaboration help Central Ohio attract and build the workforce it needs? The Central Ohio Workforce Development Network is a new large-scale collaborative between thirteen organizations that backers say will open a wide new pipeline funneling eager workers to employers. With a panel of employment advocates and regional leaders, we unpack this newest effort to keep Central Ohio’s talent pool filled to the brim. Featuring: Toni Cunningham, President & CEO, Godman Guild Lisa Divine, Manager, Learning and Development, Worthington Steel Scott Johnson, Director, Central Ohio Workforce Development Network The moderator is Bo Chilton, CEO, IMPACT Community Action. This forum was sponsored by Accenture, Battelle, Otterbein University, Regionomics, and The United Way of Central Ohio. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis and Aspyr. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on September 18, 2024.
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What Would It Take To End Hunger in Central Ohio?
09/11/2024
What Would It Take To End Hunger in Central Ohio?
According to Hunger Ohio, our state has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the country, with over 400,000 children across the state living in food-insecure households. What would it take to end hunger once and for all in Central Ohio? This forum brings together passionate experts to spotlight hunger in our midst and discuss actionable steps we can take together. Featuring: Matt Habash, President & CEO, Mid-Ohio Food Collective Dr. Mysheika W. Roberts, Health Commissioner, Columbus Public Health Dr. Carol Bradford, Dean of The Ohio State University School of Medicine and Vice President of Health Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Adam Troy, Executive Director, Community of Caring Development Foundation The moderator was Michelle Brown, President & CEO, Children’s Hunger Alliance. This forum was sponsored by The Jeffrey Family Legacy Fund, Kroger, Nationwide, and The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on September 11, 2024.
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Advocacy Without Animosity: Restoring Civility to Public Institutions
09/04/2024
Advocacy Without Animosity: Restoring Civility to Public Institutions
In today’s polarized landscape, can we still have constructive bipartisan dialogue, especially with a contentious election season underway? Are good-faith discussions across divides even possible in America’s white-hot political climate? Our panelists say not only are they possible, they’re essential if our democracy is to survive and thrive. By fostering respect and understanding – and most importantly, by truly listening to one another - we can still bridge gaps, collaborate, and succeed. Join us with an incredible panel of public servants who believe bipartisan dialogue in a democratic society is both possible and indispensable. Featuring: Lee Fisher, Former Ohio Attorney General, and Dean and Joseph C. Hostetler-BakerHostetler Chair in Law, Cleveland State University College of Law Betty Montgomery, Former Ohio Attorney General, and Of Counsel, Mac Murray & Shuster Nancy Rogers, Former Ohio Attorney General, and Former Dean of the Executive Committee for the Divided Community Project, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law The moderator is Laurel Beatty Blunt, Judge, 10th District Court of Appeals, State of Ohio. This forum was sponsored by The Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer Legacy Committee of the Ohio State Bar Association and Porter Wright Morris and Arthur. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus and by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on September 4, 2024.
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The Invisible Problem Everywhere: Confronting the Gender Data Gap
08/28/2024
The Invisible Problem Everywhere: Confronting the Gender Data Gap
Central Ohio’s women face unique barriers compared to men in the creation and accumulation of their personal wealth. The cost of the disparity is enormous: the Federal Reserve estimated that closing gender and racial wealth gaps could have increased Ohio's GDP by $67 billion between 2005 and 2019. This week’s forum digs into the challenges Central Ohio women face in the creation of personal wealth and the new data and policies needed to close the disparity. Featuring: Courtney Falato, Vice President and Program Officer, Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Hannah Halbert, Executive Director, Policy Matters Ohio Kimberly Minor, President and CEO, Women of Color Retail Alliance Lillian Morales-Laster, Executive Director, Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA) The moderator was Kelley Griesmer, President and CEO, The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University and The Ellis. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on August 28, 2024.
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