COLUMBUS ADDED MORE THAN 21,000 NEW RESIDENTS IN A SINGLE YEAR.

Politicians call that success. Developers call that success. Economic development organizations call that success. But who is benefiting from it? Billions of dollars are flowing into Central Ohio. New housing developments continue to rise. Property values continue to increase. New businesses continue to arrive. Yet many Black neighborhoods continue to struggle with homeownership, wealth creation, educational outcomes, business development, and housing affordability. Residents see elected officials at churches. Residents see community events. Residents see ribbon cuttings. Residents see speeches and promises. But are those appearances producing measurable results? Has Black homeownership increased? Has Black wealth increased? Has Black business ownership increased? Have educational outcomes improved? Are more Black families building generational wealth today than they were five years ago? These are not political questions. These are outcome questions. Because growth means very little if the people who have lived here for generations are not participating in the prosperity being created around them. Columbus is growing. The question is whether Black Columbus is growing with it. The Black Wall will be examining the data, following the money, tracking the contracts, and asking the questions others won't ask. As Columbus continues to grow, who is actually benefiting from the growth?


