One Linden Report_April 29

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Dear Neighbors, Five years ago, we came together at St. Stephen’s to launch the One Linden Plan and begin the work to implement the resident-driven 10 Big Ideas. Five years later, I remain grateful to our residents, nonprofit partners and the corporate community for all that has been accomplished.

We have taken major steps in building a stronger, more unified Linden. The 614 for Linden, a collaboration between six nonprofits, one neighborhood and four community development financial institutions, leveraged $5 million from JPMorgan Chase’s Partnerships for Raising Opportunity Neighborhoods program. Through this funding, we were able to preserve and increase affordable housing and commercial development, provide technical assistance and capital to Linden based small business and reduce barriers to healthy foods and health care services.

Linden students have benefited, as well, from a strong partnership between Columbus City Schools, The Ohio State University, the United Way of Central Ohio and the City of Columbus. Through work to support students, parents, caregivers, teachers, staff and community partners within the Linden community, kindergarten readiness and third-grade reading scores have increased, and chronic absenteeism and behavior referrals have

of Education to transform Hamilton and Windsor elementary schools into community schools over the next five years.

Thanks to our housing partners Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families, Homeport and Habitat for Humanity, we are helping residents with

DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS STAFF

needed home repairs, and we have developed new affordable housing units. The Linden Fresh Market and Charitable Pharmacy are making fresh fruits, vegetables and free medication refills available within walking distance of many Linden residents.

The city has been focused on neighborhood safety through a restructuring of police patrol zones to provide faster response times and utilizing the Slow Streets, Vision Zero and Walk Safe Linden initiatives

Kym Douglas

Patrice Allen Brady

De Lena P. Scales

William Wilder

Director

to improve transportation for those who walk, bike,

Neighborhood Strategies Manager

scoot and drive in Linden.

While we have many achievements to celebrate, we still have more work ahead as we continue our efforts to realize each of the One Linden Plan’s 10 Big Ideas. I reaffirm my commitment to our shared vision, and I encourage you to advocate for our fellow neighbors by reviewing our progress report, aligning with partners to help scale up existing programs and fill identified gaps.

Linden Neighborhood Program Specialist

Community Planning Analyst

As we have seen, it takes all of us working together to make real change and build a stronger Columbus.

Sincerely,

decreased. Building on this success, the One Linden Schools Initiative secured a $2.5 million Full-Service Community Schools Grant from the U.S. Department

onelinden.org

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther City of Columbus

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN CENTER

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

Planning Team

Housing & Retail Market Studies Team

Juliana Silveira

Jacob Gagnon

Matt Wetli

Andy Pfister

Pranav Naukudkar

Tara Smith

Richa Singh

Carolyn Flesaker

Dawson Estep

Lucas Martinez

Olivia Borland

Dir. Planning and Urban Design

Planning Intern

Graphic Design Intern

Planner

Project Manager

Planning Intern

KEY PARTNERS

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Principal

Senior Associate, Urban Planner

Project Planner

Principal

Associate, Economic and Urban Planner

ADVISORY MEMBERS

with or in support * Inof association the 2018 One Linden Plan

Adam Troy*

Peggy Williams*

Dr. Samantha Bates

Jason Seiple

Keischa Dublin

Joann Kellam

Carla Gwinn*

Pastor Timothy Liggins

Aaron Murphy

Jim Goshay

Chet Ridenour

Javier Negrete

Yrik Sherfield

Andrew Neutzling

Roy Clark

Robert Williams

Tifini Ray

Norman Deena

Laura Johnson Peace*

In loving memory of

Community of Caring CDC* Linden Fresh Market Linden Sport Leadership Academy Leadership Linden

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority

North Linden Resident Ohio Capital Finance Corporation

City of Columbus Office of Violence Prevention

Be the One, Linden McKinley STEM Academy

South Linden Area Commissioner* Zoning Chair* South Linden Resident Linden Cooperative

YMCA Stable Families

South Linden Resident Omega Psi Phi Eta Nu Nu

Central Ohio Transit Authority

Central Ohio Community Land Trust

Ohio State University College of Social Work One Linden Student Success Initiative LiFEsports

Linden Business Owner, Liberty Tax Greater Linden Business Network

COGO/Lyft

NNEMAP Food Pantry

Columbus Metropolitan Library Linden Branch*

The Parable Project Linden-McKinley STEM Academy Student Engagement Committee

Bethel AME Concerned Linden Clergy Group

Hamiliton STEM Academy One Linden Schools Student Success Initiative

MORPC

Carla Fountaine

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Gretchen West

Dawn Redman

Mario Basora

Karen Dawson

Marilyn Mehaffie

Pastor Charles Tatum*

Dr. Londale Towns Sr.

Brandi Braun Al-Issa

Carol Perkins

George Walker Jr.*

Healthy Homes

St. Stephen’s Community House*

North Linden Area Commission Chair* North Linden Resident

onelinden.org

Linden Business Owner South Linden Area Commission

Good Shepard Baptist Church Concerned Linden Clergy Group*

Future Ready Five

We Are Linden Linden Community Advocate LYFE Savers

North Linden Resident CareSource

Habitat for Humanity - MidOhio*

South Linden Resident South Linden Area Commission

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TABLE OF CONTENTS BACKGROUND

OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

10 What is this report?

12 Timeline

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Stakeholder Initiatives 22 Pop Up Events & Events 24 Advisory Committee 20 Online Engagement

COMMUNITY PROFILE

IMPLEMENTATION

28 Community Changes 65 Housing Market Studies 82 Retail Market Studies

106 10 Big Ideas Implementation

APPENDIX 168 Supplemental Materials

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onelinden.org

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BACKGROUND The One Linden Plan was completed in 2018.

Since then our communities survived a global COVID pandemic and Columbus became the epicenter of growth in Ohio. It is time to revisit the plan and assess the progress.

onelinden.org

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WHAT IS THIS REPORT? WHY NOW? Real change comes with time. The plan recommendations for the Linden Study Area were designed as a long-term strategy, with a proposed time frame extending over at least a decade. Now that the plan has reached its fiveyear mark, it is time to look back and review the progress made and examine the current trends and market changes impacting the goals and strategic objectives of the plan.

“Writing a plan is one thing, achieving it is another.”

-2018 One Linden Plan

OUR LINDEN . OUR FUTURE . OUR PROGRESS This progress report provides an update on the implementation of the One Linden Plan, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Linden residents. The plan, designed as a comprehensive roadmap, outlines a long-term vision, and its success hinges on leveraging emerging opportunities and fostering active community engagement.

Over the past five years, there has been a concerted effort to coordinate the diverse initiatives required in economic, community, and real estate development. The plan suggested that community groups and organizations unify their work while building capacity and increasing their collective impact through a newly formed strategic partnership or dedicated organization. It also called for actively involving residents in the decision-making 10

processes, ensuring their genuine and meaningful participation.

The implementation of the plan is a long-term endeavor, however it is essential to focus on early catalytic projects that capitalize on current opportunities to set a strong foundation for plan implementation. While investments in physical infrastructure are critical, it is equally important to align these efforts with creating new opportunities for residents, businesses, and organizations with a goal of fostering a thriving community.

This document is divided into three distinct sections and offers a comprehensive assessment of the progress made to date in implementing the One Linden Plan. The first section details the BACKGROUND

engagement and outreach efforts, highlighting a range of activities designed to foster awareness, communication, and collaboration. This includes stakeholder initiatives involving key partners, a variety of community events to connect with residents, and online engagement strategies that provide resources and updates.

Additionally, it highlights pop-up events that brought information directly to the community and

a series of advisory committee meetings that helped audit progress on the implementation tables from the original plan.

This section aims to capture the breadth of efforts to demonstrate that the community is effectively being reached and engaged.

in the community landscape as well as studies of the housing and retail markets to understand their current conditions and trends. This profile is essential for contextualizing efforts and measuring their impact.

The second section presents a community profile that reflects recent changes and developments within the area.

It includes an analysis of shifts

The final section of the document is an audit of the implementation tables, which evaluates how well the planned actions are being carried out. This audit is

Community members gather for Rides for Resilience.

onelinden.org

crucial for assessing adherence to the plan and identifying any adjustments needed to stay on track. Together, these sections provide a thorough review of our progress and offer insights into areas of success and opportunities for improvement.

Carols on Cleveland registration table.

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2018 One Linden Plan

October 2018: Hand-off at St. Stephen’s Community Hous

2019

Formed to promote 4 of 10 Big Ideas from the One Linden Plan.

May 2019: Smart Columbus launched this program to provide safe, timely, and reliable transportation to expectant individuals.

LMSA Senior Graduation Signs

Delivery of LMSA senior graduation signs.

Food Boxes and Essential Service Deliveries

Landlord Education Series

Three class educational series for landlords in the Linden area.

One Linden School Initiative (OLSI)

December 2018: Cleaned 7 alleys to deter criminal activity.

Central Ohio Community Land Trust

Since 2018: Established to promote permanent affordable housing in Franklin County.

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614 for Linden

Prenatal Trip Assistance

Comprehensive Neighborhood Safety Strategy

2020

Ensures that all children and youth in Linden benefit from coordinated, collaborative community supports aimed at promoting healthy development, academic learning, and school success.

Other Initiatives:

- Columbus Financial Empowerment Center: created to offer free financial counseling to residents - Decorative Street Lighting: installed on Cleveland Ave - Step Up to Quality Rating Technical Assistance: offered by Action for Children

Gun Violence as a Public Health Issue Meeting Other Events Include: The 614 for Linden Community Open House

February 2020 & March 2020: Seeking to build upon the work of the One Linden Plan to create an equitable, opportunity-rich neighborhood for existing residents of Linden.

- Linden Alley Clean Ups - Landlord and Tenant Fairs - Learning Extension Centers - Linden Community Violence Intervention Workshop Training

BACKGROUND

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2022

2023

2024

RE-ENGAGEMENT

Community Check-in

One Linden Survey

From July to September 2023, gathered community input to continue to guide ongoing plan implementation.

Series of Community meetings in October 2022, January 2023, and March 2023 to discuss the progress of the One Linden Plan.

Student Support

To help families balance work and remote learning, the City purchased 20,000 Chromebooks for Columbus City Schools and partnered with MORPC to provide internet hot spots. They also invested $1.6 million to support learning extension centers to provide a safe, healthy environment for students to get help with school.

COVID-19 Immunization

Community outreach to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine.

City Work Group

October 2023: Introductory Meeting.

November 11th, 2023: One Linden Plan Update.

April 2024: Opening wall breaking of new CML Linden Branc

CAHS Chorale performing at Carols on Cleveland 2022.

Neighborhood Block Parties to learn about resources and connect with Linden residents.

Held at Fedderson, Maloney, Cremeans, and Hamilton STEM.

April 2024: Study Update Discussion.

May 2024: Market Study Presentation.

Carols on Cleveland

Since 2021, this annual holiday event in December aims to bring Linden residents together and ring in the holiday season with song.

Rise Up CBUS!

Retail & Housing

One Linden Advisory Committee Meeting

Monthly meetings of the advisory committee of the One Linden Plan throughout August 2024. Each month, the committee discusses one of the 10 Big Ideas of the plan.

Other Events Include:

onelinden.org

Linden Branch Library

- Jazz in the Park - Community Center Trunk-or-Treat - Ohio History Center Trick-or-Treat - Parent/Caregiver Coalition Monthly Session

Clever Bee Academy Block Party

Linden Anti-Violence Team with the Director of Clever Bee Academy in South Linden.

Other Events Include:

- Spring Into Summer - Unity BBQ - Pre-K Enrollment Block Party

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OUTReACH & ENGAGEMENT Following the hand-off of the One Linden Plan in October 2018 at St. Stephen’s Community House, a series of community engagement initiatives were rolled out to foster collaboration, address local needs, and measure progress. These initiatives have been categorized into stakeholder initiatives and events, online engagement, popups, and advisory committee engagement. onelinden.org

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stakeholder initiatives and events Stakeholder initiatives and events were organized to promote community involvement and address local issues. They included open houses, workshops, and safety training sessions that bring residents together to discuss progress, share updates, and engage in collaborative efforts. Community events were designed to strengthen relationships within the community and support the implementation of the plan. Some examples include the 614 for Linden initiative in early 2019 and the Community Check-In meeting series in 2022.

Listening and learning from the Linden Community.

614 FOR LINDEN A collaborative of 6 nonprofits, 1 neighborhood, and 4 community development financial institutions (CDFIs) seeking to implement 4 Big Ideas identified in the City of Columbus’ One Linden Plan (2018) to have a collective, positive impact on North and South Linden.

Active between 2019 and 2022, its goal was to create an equitable, opportunity-rich neighborhood for existing Linden residents through comprehensive investments. These investments aim to preserve and increase affordable housing and commercial development, provide technical assistance and capital for local small businesses, improve healthy food access, and offer health services. The initiative was bolstered by a $5 million grant from the JPMorgan Chase PRO 16

Neighborhoods program, earmarked for use in the Linden community over three years. Stakeholder initiatives, like 614 for Linden, underscore the importance of partnerships and the collaborative approach essential for achieving the One Linden Plan’s goals. The “614 for Linden” Community Open Houses, held on February 15 and March 21, 2020, were pivotal in showcasing the collaborative efforts of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and nonprofits dedicated to implementing the plan’s objectives.

OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

PRO NEIGHBORHOODS FUNDING ALLOCATION 614 Linden’s $5 million grant from the JPMorgan Chase PRO Neighborhoods program was allocated for use in the Linden community over three years. The graph below illustrates how those funds were expected to be distributed.

5%

4% 3%

Affordable Housing Lending Small Business/Entrepreneur Consulting & Support

6%

Healthy Food Business Development

7% 75%

Rapid Rehousing & Homelessness Prevention Project Evaluation & Support Services

44 BIG BIG IDEAS IDEAS & & THE THE 614 614 FOR LINDEN GOALS FOR LINDEN GOALS

PROGRESS PROGRESS SINCE SINCE 20192019 OCTOBER

1. Stabilize & Expand Housing Options Develop a Linden housing loan pool of ≈$20 million to finance the acquisition, rehab, & construction of affordable housing units

100% COMPLETE

Target loan capital to preserve/ create ≈500 affordable housing units for households earning <80% of the area median income

89%

Provide rapid rehousing services for ≈200 individuals experiencing or near homelessness

100% COMPLETE

2. Develop Business & Support Entrepreneurs

Community Engagement & Outreach

WORKING GROUPS & PARTNERS Lead CDFI

Ohio Capital Finance Corporation (OCFC)

Working Groups

Offer consulting, technical assistance, & other resources to 80 small businesses

100% COMPLETE

Provide 45 microloans to local entrepreneurs starting or expanding operations

29%

Create ≈100 full-time jobs as a result of neighborhood investment & new businesses

54%

3. Build Community Investment

Housing Healthy Homes OCFC Affordable Housing Trust Community Shelter Board

Economic Development

Community Engagement

Health & Wellness

ECDI Finance Fund

Community of Caring Development Foundation St. Stephen’s Nationwide Children’s City of Columbus

Nationwide Children’s Finance Fund CD4AP St. Stephen’s

Graphics adapted from a 614 for Linden white paper.

onelinden.org

Develop 2 commercial facilities & 1 community facility that spur additional local investment

67%

4. Support Resident Health Focus on wraparound health services, particularly prenatal & maternal programs

100% COMPLETE

Provide funding to create or attract 1 or more businesses to provide healthy food access

40% 17

PLAN RE-ENGAGEMENT The consultant team, formed by Sadicka & Associates and Cartier-Burrus, was tasked with a Community Check-in to evaluate and measure the progress of the One Linden Plan. They did this by assessing community stakeholders’ understanding of the plan, particularly through the lens of the 10 Big Ideas.

Approximately twelve months of outreach started in July 2022 and included attending community network events, hosting three community meetings, and conducting an online survey. The purpose of this outreach was to document catalytic projects that reflect the plan’s progress and community awareness and to gather insights on how the community perceives the execution and revitalization of the One Linden area. A total of 223 interactions with the public occurred at community events, an average of 73 people participated in

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each community meeting, and 46 responses to the survey were collected.

Additionally, these engagements were utilized to gauge how aware Linden residents were of the One Linden Plan and assess their participation in planning sessions. Feedback from this outreach was also used to gain a better understanding of residents’ familiarity with the 10 Big Ideas.

These engagements also allowed residents to voice their priorities for strategic implementation of the plan and provided a platform to highlight any critical challenges or opportunities that the plan might not have addressed. This informed a series of recommendations to re-engage the community and continue to push for plan implementation, which were laid out in the One Linden Plan Review.

MALONEY PARK ENGAGEMENT The South Linden Area Commission Meeting on May 21, 2024, addressed community feedback and concerns regarding Maloney Park improvements, reflecting the plan’s responsiveness to local needs and priorities. According to the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the proposed renovations strategically align with the goals of the One Linden Plan. Specifically, this initiative addresses Big Ideas #8: Build Community Investment, #9: Connect the Community, and #10: Support Resident Health. The upgraded playground and workout equipment are designed to engage both young and old, fostering recreational connections across generations. As Maloney Park constitutes 25 of Linden’s 60 acres of parkland, these improvements enhance the community’s green spaces and ensure equitable access to recreational opportunities for all residents.

Construction is schedule do finish on 2027.

OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

CITY WORK GROUP

COMMUNITY SURVEY

The Department of Neighborhoods City Work Group held two meetings in Fall 2023 and will continue to meet periodically. The intent of the City Work Group is to facilitate a comprehensive exchange of information and foster collaboration among the department staff. The agenda of these meetings focuses on sharing updates on ongoing projects and initiatives within the plan areas, highlighting contributions from the City of Columbus and community plans, and providing a platform for departments to report their progress. Through a round-robin discussion and a feature presentation, the group aims to inform and offer support to advance the implementation of the plan.

The Linden Neighborhood Program Specialist encouraged community members to participate in the One Linden Survey to influence the implementation of the 10 Big Ideas from the One Linden Plan.

The feedback collected informed discussions and development efforts, ensuring that future changes align with residents’ desires.

Reduce Crime & Improve Perception Connect Residents to Employment Stabilize & Expand Housing Options Connect the Community Build Community Investment Support Student Success Reimagine Cleveland Avenue Address Early Childhood Experiences Support Resident Health Support Entrepreneurs & Business

COMMUNITY SAFETY In 2021, the focus on community safety and violence prevention continued with the establishment of the One Linden Neighborhood Safety Committee and the Linden Community Violence Intervention Workshop Training. These efforts were aimed at addressing safety concerns and equipping community members with strategies to combat violence effectively. onelinden.org

The survey was conducted from July to September 2023 and found that 60% of respondents were familiar with the resource website OneLinden.org. Their top three priorities were 1) Reduce Crime and Improve Perception, 2) Connect the Community, and 3) Stabilize & Expand Housing Options. Close to 60% of respondents showed interest in participating in working groups to address their top concerns.

Additionally, feedback showed strong community support for improvements in Linden but highlighted concerns about safety issues. Respondents requested better infrastructure, such as safer crosswalks and affordable housing. Many expressed a desire to contribute to local initiatives and address long-standing problems more effectively.

257

responses

67

comments

151

work group interest

“Love Linden, support Linden, looking forward to see the upcoming better Linden”.

- Survey Respondent 19

Online engagement This concept involved leveraging digital tools to connect with the community and provide important information. Key elements included maintaining a central website with resources and updates, using interactive tools like ArcGIS StoryMaps to track progress, and distributing newsletters and surveys. Online platforms helped keep residents informed, gather feedback, and ensure transparency and ongoing communication between the community and stakeholders. Online resources have maintained transparency and fostered continuous dialogue between the plan’s stakeholders and the community. By providing accessible platforms for information and feedback, the One Linden Plan has continuously and effectively engaged residents.

Online engagement played an important role in providing essential information and connecting partners and residents with resources.

ONELINDEN.org OneLinden.org serves as a vital online hub for Linden residents, offering a centralized platform where they can access a wealth of community support resources. The website is meticulously organized into twelve categories, including Educational Services, Small Business Support, and Healthcare, creating an extensive directory that connects residents with essential services. Beyond providing immediate resource access, OneLinden.org plays a crucial role in promoting long-term initiatives like the One Linden Plan and showcasing the efforts of its implementation partners. By bridging the gap between community members and key organizations, the site fosters greater engagement and support within Linden. Additionally, it allows users to register their businesses or services and promote upcoming or recurring events, further enhancing community connectivity and participation.

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OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

ONE LINDEN STORY MAP

How the CommunityCentered Plan Impacts Linden Today and into the Future

The One Linden Story Map emerged as a valuable resource, offering an interactive tool for residents to explore detailed information about the plan’s implementation and progress. This online platform provides a dynamic solution for keeping residents informed and engaged. It enables real-time updates on the progress of community projects and current investments, ranging from infrastructure development to environmental initiatives. Structured around the community-developed goals and the 10 Big Ideas of the plan, this live feed of information allows residents to stay informed about their community’s development.

By using this tool to keep people in the loop, City of Columbus neighborhood specialists create a sense of transparency and accountability that fosters trust and active participation.

ONE LINDEN NEWSLETTER The One Linden Newsletter delivers essential updates and resources to the Linden community with its Linden Liaison Weekly Updates. It drives residents to explore One Linden.org and tap into a rich array of information, from upcoming events and key community resources to details about the One Linden Plan implementation. The platform also creates opportunities for onelinden.org

partners and community members to connect and collaborate, strengthening neighborhood bonds and ensuring everyone stays informed and involved.

Whether Linden stakeholders are looking for updates or are eager to contribute to local conversations, the newsletter is an indispensable tool for staying engaged with the community.

1,109

subscribers

133%

increase since October 2022 21

pop up events Pop up events involve strategically leveraging a variety of community events to reach diverse demographics and connect residents to available resources. Partnering with organizations that assist vulnerable populations is also key, ensuring inclusive and effective outreach. Engagement tactics include distributing hot cards to raise awareness and direct traffic to the plan’s website, providing access to iPads for convenient sign-ups for project updates, and conducting sentiment activities to capture community input. This multi-faceted approach ensures broad, accessible engagement and fosters a strong foundation for community collaboration. Examples include Rise Up CBUS!, Jazz in the Park, and Carols on Cleveland.

RISE UP CBUS! This event is designed to elevate community pride and support Mayor Andrew J. Ginther’s Opportunity Rising initiative, which aims to ensure equitable growth and prosperity for all Columbus residents. Attendees can learn about various resources provided by the city and community partners, enjoy free food and music, and connect with neighbors. The initiative focuses on addressing systemic racism and creating equal opportunities 22

Engaging the public means meeting people where they are, rather than making people come to us on our terms.

in key areas such as safe housing, supportive jobs, clean air, and access to high-speed internet. By collaborating with partners and residents, Opportunity Rising seeks to dismantle racism and enhance economic stability, health, and safety in neighborhoods. Linden residents had the opportunity to join their Neighborhood Program Specialist at the Rise Up CBUS! at Feddersen Community Center (4/25/24) and Cremeans Park (7/18/24).

OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

CAROLS ON CLEVELAND The event “Carols on Cleveland” started in 2021 and has become an awaited annual holiday season celebration. The 2024 event took place during the second week of December at 1410 Cleveland Avenue and was a significant community celebration for Linden families. This family-friendly holiday gathering provides up to 500 registered families with toys, holiday meals, warm winter gear, and a historic Linden ornament.

Local partners, including vendors and various community organizations, contribute to the event, including the City of Columbus, Dept. of Neighborhoods, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, North and South Linden Area Commissions, CareSource, St Stephen’s Community House, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Eta Nu Nu Chapter, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Ohio History Connection, and the Neighborhood Design Center.

New in 2024 was a literacy room, where nine different men read their choice of children’s story to the room. The goal of the room was to highlight the One Linden Plan’s call for improved literacy onelinden.org

rates, while also encouraging fathers to read with their children. Each man was affiliated with one of the event’s partners. The literacy room also provided free children’s books for participating families.

This annual event highlights Linden’s resilience and community spirit, and the celebration underscores the progress and unity of this community. The choice of the Four Corners hub as the venue reflects a longstanding community vision for enhancing local well-being.

“Carols on Cleveland” not only supports families in need but also fosters a sense of pride and togetherness within the neighborhood.

±1,000

youth registered

JAZZ IN THE PARK Residents were also engaged during Jazz-InThe-Park at John Maloney Park for an evening of free live jazz music. The event, brought by the South Linden Area Commission, featured live performances, food trucks, and a friendly atmosphere. The event was sponsored by various organizations, including the City of Columbus, Dept. of Neighborhoods, Clever Bee Academy, Greater Linden Business Network, Liberty Tax, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Franklin County Auditors Office.

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE TRACKING THE 10 BIG IDEAS De Lena P. Scales, Linden Neighborhood Program Specialist, reconvened an Advisory Committee composed of 29 members representing approximately 50 organizations. Some of these individuals and organizations participated in the 2018 plan. The goal was to meet monthly from August 2023 until August 2024, to track the success of the One Linden Plan.

After a kick-off meeting to introduce the members and level set the group knowledge regarding the history of the plan and initiatives, such as 614 for Linden and the 2023 re-engagement efforts, the group was ready to discuss the plan’s progress.

During each subsequent meeting, they focused on reviewing the implementation table on the data tracking, listing current partners, identifying challenges and barriers, and listing potential programs to achieve to complete the action item.

They worked collaboratively to identify a pathway forward with attainable solutions informed by recent data, partners’ updates, and interactive activities.

The Linden neighborhood has a solid foundation of community leaders and dedicated residents committed to working toward a brighter future.

Learn more about their recommendations in the Plan Audit section of this report.

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DATE

MEETING TOPIC

08.30.2023

Meeting #1: Kick-off Meeting

09.27.2023

Meeting #2: Student Success

10.25.2023

Meeting #3: Student Success

11.29.2023

Meeting #4: Reduce Crime & Improve Perception

01.31.2024

Meeting #5: Reduce Crime & Improve Perception

02.28.2024

Meeting #6: Address Early Childhood Experiences

03.27.2024

Meeting #7: Connect the Community

04.24.2024

Meeting #8: Support Resident Health

Meeting #9: 05.29.2024 Support Entrepreneurs & Develop Business + Build Community Investment 06.26.2024

Meeting #10: Stabilize & Expand Housing Options

07.31.2024

Meeting #11: Connect Residents to Employment

08.28.2024

Meeting #12: Reimagine Cleveland Avenue

12

months process

12

meetings

29

Advisory Committee members

±50

organizations represented

onelinden.org

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Community profILE The following section is an update on the original data shared in the One Linden Plan in 2018. Between the plan’s release and this update, Greater Linden grew for the first time in decades, at a rate of 7.3%, according to a Learn United presentation.

onelinden.org

Despite a decrease in housing units, most census tracts within Greater Linden experienced this growth, with rates reaching as high as 17.4%.

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Community CHANGES POPULATION & DEMOGRAPHICS For comparison purpose, this Community Profile utilizes for its datasets the same combination of multiple boundaries as the One Linden Plan (2018). Specifically, the combined seven census tracts included in the original study area, zip code 43211, and the study area boundary itself define the areas of analysis for the datasets.

Unlike the combined census tracts, the zip code boundary fully encompass the study area, but neither fully align with its boundary. Some data sources only provide data for specific geographic boundaries, meaning that some datasets used in this study must rely on census tracts or zip code 43211 instead of the study area boundary.

For clarity, each data presented throughout the document specifies the boundary used for analysis. When comparing to previously collected data in the One Linden Plan, the same boundaries are used for consistency in analysis. The map on this page shows the boundaries used for this study.

Reference: “Conflict Boundary Considerations” (page 4, One Linden Plan, 2018).

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COMMUNITY PROFILE

Linden has a significant portion of families with children compared to Columbus, at 41% of households compared to 28% for the city.

30% of family households with children in Columbus are female householders with no spouse, and while the portion for Linden households is higher (66%), it did fall from 2016’s 71%. While married/ cohabiting households with children make up 63% of family households with children in Columbus, the Linden area made modest gains between 2016 to 2022, increasing from 19% to 28%.

38% of Linden residents have more than a high school education, compared to 66% for Columbus.

Despite this gap with the city, educational attainment in Linden is improving. Between 2016 to 2023, the number of residents without a high school diploma fell from 25% to 20%, a much larger decrease than for Columbus during the same period.

Average Household Size

Family Households with Children

by Study Area Boundary (2023) Esri BA Market Profile

by Census Tract (2016-2021) Esri ACS Population Summary

Percent Change from 2016 Married-couple

30%

Male head, no wife

7%

Female head, no husband

1,934

2.7

597

People per House

269 13%

Single mothers make up 69% of households with children.

Linden households grew by 3% between 2016 to 2023.

Highest Level of Educational Attainment

by Study Area Boundary (2023) Esri BA Demographic Profile Bachelor’s/Grad/ Prof Degree

Percent Difference from 2016 +5.5%

+0.5%

Some College/ Associate’s Degree

-2.2% +1.1%

High School Graduate No High School Degree

-0.3% -3.0%

0%

-5.2% 20%

Columbus

+3.5%

40% Linden

The share of residents with a high school diploma or higher in Linden rose from 75% to 80%. onelinden.org

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Household Income, Net Worth, Disposable Income

Families below Poverty Status

by Census Tract (2018-2022) Census ACS (S1702)

by Study Area Boundary (2023)

Linden

Esri BA Demographic Profile

Income is the amount of money you earn, while net worth is the total value of your assets minus any debt.

2018

2022

2018

2022

All families

41%

36%

15%

14%

Linden

Columbus

Household Income

$33,000

$61,068

Families with children

51%

51%

24%

21%

Net Worth

$13,864

$58,526

Married-couple families with children

29%

25%

11%

9%

Disposable Income

$28,997

$52,754

Female householder, no husband present with children

60%

58%

41%

39%

Household net worths are 42% of household incomes in Linden, compared to 96% for the city.

Population by Poverty Level

by Census Tract (2022)

Poverty Status for all Families

by Census Tract (2016-2022) Census ACS (S1702)

Census ACS (S1701)

45% Below Poverty Level 100% to 199% of Poverty Level 200% of Poverty Level and Above

-6%

30%

39.7%

34.1%

-2%

15%

26.2%

Linden residents below the poverty level fell by 10% between 2016 to 2022, while those above 200% of the poverty level grew by 20%.

30

Columbus

0%

Linden

Percent Difference from 2016

Columbus

The percentage of families below the poverty level fell in Linden at a slightly faster rate than the city, but the gap between them remains large.

Linden has witnessed a marked surge in New American residents, resulting in a richer tapestry of racial and ethnic diversity. The most pronounced growth has been observed among mixed-race and Hispanic communities, contributing to the city’s evolving multicultural landscape.

Between 2016 to 2022, the number of New Americans originating from Latin America increased significantly in the study area, by 83%. This increase accounts for the majority of change to the New American population in the study area during this period. 70% of New Americans in Linden are from Latin America.

Linden Population Pyramid

Percent of New American Population

by Study Area Boundary (2023)

by Census Tract (2022)

ESRI Business Analyst Age by Sex Profile

Census ACS (B05006, B05012)

Male

> 85 Years

While many New Americans residing in Columbus are from this region, a larger portion originate from Africa and Asia. More specifically, New Americans originating from Mexico make up 38% of the area’s New American population.

COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN FOR LINDEN NEW AMERICANS

Linden

Female City of Columbus

75 to 84 Years

65 to 74 Years

55 to 64 Years

45 to 54 Years

35 to 44 Years

Americas

25 to 34 Years

18 to 24 Years

5 to 9 Years

School Age

15 to 17 Years

10 to 14 Years

<5 Years

onelinden.org

Central America

Linden: 69.9% Columbus: 22.1%

Caribbean

Africa

Uncategorized Africa

South America

5%

0%

5%

10%

Columbus

Mexico

38.3%

7.9%

Honduras

13.5%

1.4%

Uncategorized Africa

9.6%

2.3%

Haiti

7.1%

1.3%

Dominican Republic

6.6%

2.0%

Somalia

5.1%

9.1%

Other Western Africa

4.8%

2.1%

Ghana

3.7%

4.6%

Vietnam

2.3%

1.4%

Kenya

1.7%

2.6%

Linden: 25.0% Columbus: 36.9%

Western Africa

Venezuela

1.6%

1.0%

Eastern Africa

El Salvador

1.5%

2.7%

Asia

South Eastern Asia

Pakistan

1.3%

0.7%

Linden: 5.0% Columbus: 34.5%

South Central Asia Western Asia

Ecuador

1.3%

0.4%

Europe

Eastern Europe

Turkey

1.2%

0.3%

Ukraine

0.1%

0.9%

Uzbekistan

0.1%

0.2%

Linden: 0.1% Columbus: 6.2% 10%

% OF NEW AMERICAN POPULATION

Linden’s foreign born population is 4%.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

31

EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMY 63% of Linden study area workers work in 5 industries as of 2023, while 47% of Columbus residents work in these same industries: •

Educational Services (26%)

•

Transportation & Warehousing (10%)

•

Other Services (except Public Administration) (10%)

•

Health Care & Social Assistance (9%)

•

Retail Trade (8%)

Linden has an unemployment rate that is 3 times as high as the Columbus average. While the area has some work to do to close this gap, conditions are improving in the area. Linden unemployment dropped slightly between 2016 to 2023, to 11.5%.

Both Linden and Columbus have a higher concentration of white collar jobs than blue collar or service jobs. As of 2023, 64% of Columbus jobs were white collar, compared to 39% for Linden.

While white collar jobs are generally better paying, they are also less accessible to all community members. Linden has a more even distribution of jobs across all 3 sectors, creating job opportunity for residents of varying skills and backgrounds.

Household income disparities between the study area and Columbus remain a major issue. Study area incomes are just above half of Columbus incomes, and an even greater gap persists between net worths. At an average of $14,000, Linden’s average household net worth is only 24% of the average Columbus household’s net worth.

Top 5 Linden Businesses and Jobs by Industry

by Study Area Boundary (2023) Esri BA Business Summary

By Total Businesses Linden Industry

Columbus

Count

Percent

Count

Percent

1. Other Services (except Public Administration)

56

22.8%

3,270

11.7%

2. Retail Trade

38

15.4%

3,346

11.9%

3. Health Care & Social Assistance

21

8.5%

2,882

10.3%

4. Accommodation & Food Services

18

7.3%

2,565

9.1%

5. Construction

17

6.9%

1,391

5.0%

By Total Employees Linden

Columbus

Industry

Count

Percent

Count

Percent

1. Educational Services

685

26.2%

57,994

10.7%

2. Transportation & Warehousing

266

10.2%

14,853

2.7%

3. Other Services (except Public Administration)

252

9.6%

29,210

5.4%

4. Health Care & Social Assistance

222

8.5%

87,041

16.1%

5. Retail Trade

219

8.4%

64,917

12.0%

Slightly more than one in four Linden employees work in educational services.

32

Home Zip Code of Workers Employed in the Linden Plan Area

Change in Linden Residents Employed in Central Ohio Zip Codes

by Study Area Boundary (2021)

by Study Area Boundary (2021)

Census OnTheMap

Census OnTheMap

The zip codes for the North and South Linden neighborhoods were the only zip codes that increased their number of employees from across the region working in Linden.

Zip Code

2015

2021

Change

43224

65

80

23%

43211

49

56

14%

43229

75

74

-1%

43219

63

59

-6%

43026

45

42

-7%

43230

64

55

-14%

43232

54

46

-15%

43207

50

37

-26%

43227

42

29

-31%

43214

49

28

-43%

43081

53

29

-45%

Total

1,771

1,676

-5%

Of the 10 zip codes assessed, Linden residents are more likely to work in 8 out of 9 zip codes than zip code 43211.

onelinden.org

Gain/Loss

Zip Code

Area

Residents Employed, 2015

Residents Employed, 2021

Percent Change

Gain

43201

Short North/ Campus

94

150

60%

Gain

43016

West Dublin/ Amlin

67

90

34%

Gain

43204

Hilltop/ Victorian Village

91

120

32%

Gain

43212

South Upper Arlington / Grandview Heights

106

139

31%

Gain

43082

North Westerville

62

81

31%

Loss

43211

Linden

77

68

-12%

Loss

43232

Eastland

136

104

-24%

Loss

43207

South Side/ Obetz

182

138

-24%

Loss

43085

Worthington/ Linworth

95

72

-24%

Loss

43222

Franklinton

53

19

-64%

COMMUNITY PROFILE

33

Labor Force Participation

Spending Potential Index

Census ACS (DP03)

Esri Retail Demand by Industry

by Census Tract (2016-2022)

by Study Area Boundary (2023)

Linden

Columbus

NAICS CODE

Linden

Columbus

Retail Trade, Food Services & Drinking Places

45

80

441

Motor Vehicle & Parts Dealers

45

78

442

Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores

44

80

Electronics and Appliance Stores

45

85

444

Building Material & Garden Equipment & Supplies Dealers

41

72

445

Food and Beverage Stores

46

80

446, 4461

Health and Personal Care Stores

47

79

447, 4471

Gasoline Stations

49

82

448

Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores

47

83

451

Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, and Book Stores

43

84

452

General Merchandise Stores

46

80

453

Miscellaneous Store Retailers

43

76

454

Non-store Retailers

44

79

722

Food Services & Drinking Places

44

83

2016

2022

2016

2022

In labor force

61.7%

60.5%

70.1%

70.5%

44-45, 722

Not in labor force

38.3%

39.5%

29.9%

29.5%

Earnings for Workers Living vs Working in Study Area

443, 4431

by Study Area Boundary (2021) Census OnTheMap

Workers that work in Linden tend to earn more than those that live in Linden.

Earnings for Workers Living in Study Area 2015 Count Total Workers

5,670

$1.250 per month or less

1,803

$1,251 to $3,333 per month

2,718

More than $3,333 per month

1,149

34

Share

2021 Count

Share

6,254 32%

48%

20%

Earnings for Workers Working in Study Area

1,730

2,714

1,810

2015 Count

Share

2,096 28%

43%

29%

336

707

1,053

2021 Count

Share

1,676 16%

34%

50%

224

438

1,014

13%

Industry Summary

26%

61%

The Linden residents are around half as likely to spend across industries compared to Columbus.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Unemployment Rate for Select Demographics

by Census Tract (2016-2022) Census ACS (S2301)

Linden

Columbus

2016

2022

Difference

2016

2022

Difference

Population 16 years and over

20.6%

15.0%

-5.7%

6.9%

5.2%

-1.7%

Black or African American alone

19.3%

16.3%

-3.0%

12.6%

8.3%

-4.3%

Less than high school graduate

27.0%

13.8%

-13.2%

12.7%

9.0%

-3.7%

High school graduate (includes equivalency)

14.5%

18.5%

4.0%

7.9%

6.9%

-1.0%

Some college or associates degree

14.2%

13.2%

-1.0%

6.2%

4.6%

-1.6%

Bachelor’s degree or higher

21.9%

9.0%

-12.9%

2.6%

2.5%

-0.1%

Both Linden and Columbus lag behind national average potential retail spending, according to Esri’s Spending Potential Index. Linden retail demand across industries is just above half of Columbus retail demand, with an average demand of 45% of the national average compared to Columbus at 80%.

The Spending Potential Index is based on the amount spent by households on products and

onelinden.org

services compared to the national spending average for those same products and services (represented as 100). For example, an index of 50 is 50% below the national average.

Labor force participation has remained generally the same for Linden between 2016 to 2022, dropping only slightly from 62% to 61%.

Nearly all education levels had a drop in unemployment, but lag significantly behind Columbus unemployment rates.

36% of Linden families are in poverty as of 2022, a drop from 2016’s 42%. While 51% of families with children are in poverty, the structure of the family with children greatly impacts the likelihood of being in poverty.

Only 25% of married-couple families with children are in poverty, compared to 58% of female householders with children and no spouse.

35

246

businesses

2,616

employees

15

employee/residential population ratio (per 100 residents)

Renter and owner incomes rose significantly in Columbus and Linden, with renter incomes rising at a much faster rate (65%).

While owner incomes remain higher than renter incomes, the income disparity between the two groups is much lower in Linden (renter incomes are 83% of owner income) to Columbus (renter incomes are 55% of owner income). Disparities between Columbus and Linden are also much higher for owners (a $48,000 difference) compared to renter incomes (a $16,000 difference).

36

Travel Time to Work

Population by Job Type

by Census Tract (2016-2022) Worked at Home

+5.3%

by Study Area Boundary

Columbus Linden

Census ACS (S0801)

Esri BA Demographic Profile

+10.3%

The Linden area has an almost uniform number of jobs across sectors.

+0.5% -2.2%

Mean Travel Time

+0.4% -5.3%

30 Minutes or More

Linden

+0.2% +5.0%

20 to 29 Minutes

Percent Difference -0.4% from 2016 -3.3%

10 to 19 Minutes Less than 10 Minutes

31.1%

38.8%

+3.6% 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

Work from home had the largest increase, whereas commute over 30 min. had the largest decrease for Linden workers.

30.1%

Mode of Transportation

Columbus

by Census Tract (2016-2022)

Columbus Linden

Census ACS (S0801)

16.2%

-0.5%

Bike or Walk

+0.6%

19.6%

-0.9%

Public Transportation

-5.8% -0.9%

Carpooled

+3.8%

Percent Difference from 2016

White Collar -8.2%

Drove Alone

+0.5% 0%

20%

40%

60%

Linden residents are more likely to carpool or take public transportation than the Columbus average.

Blue Collar Services

80%

64.2%

Median Household Income

Census ACS (S2503)

Census ACS (S1903, S2001, S2503)

by Census Tract (2016-2022)

by Census Tract (2016-2022)

Linden Columbus Renter-Occupied Owner-Occupied

Percent Change from 2016

+28%

$90,000

Black

$23,864

$60,000

$0

Less than high school graduate Bachelor’s degree

Percent Change from 2016

$48,564

$30,000

+25% +65%

$87,786

+44%

Renter-occupied Owner-occupied

The gap between renter and owner incomes remains large, but is shrinking due to renter incomes increasing at a faster rate than owner incomes.

+7%

$34,286

White

$32,574

As Columbus has gained more high-income residents, the share of Linden’s moderate income households earning $50,000 to $100,000 annually increased from 22% in 2017 to 32% as of 2023, while the slight majority (52%) of households have incomes under $35,000, compared to 64% in 2017.

Income by Tenure

$39,427

40% of Linden households had incomes of less than $25,000 in 2023, compared to 18% for Columbus. Only 8% make over $100k, compared to 27% for the city. Columbus incomes are much more concentrated in middleincome ranges, while Linden’s tend to concentrate in lowerincome ranges.

+11%

$28,082

+115%

$46,761

+67%

$32,574

+65%

$39,427

+25%

40% of Linden households earn less than $25,000. While Linden households tend to be lower income, Columbus incomes are more evenly distributed.

Households by Income

by Study Area Boundary (2023) Esri BA Market Profile

Linden

Columbus

6.1% 1.5%

<$24,999 $25,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $74,999

10.9%

7.8%

$75,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999

39.5%

17.3%

17.8%

16.4%

$150,000+

21.4% 13.6%

Income disparities still persist but with a gap decrease.

onelinden.org

27.7%

19.8%

37

HOUSING The total number of housing units in the study area dropped by 7% between 2010 to 2023 in Linden but rose by 14% for Columbus. Most of this loss can be attributed to the demolition of vacant units which served as a means to stabilize the neighborhood’s housing stock. The share of owneroccupancy units remained similar during this time while renter-occupancy units increased by 9%.

Linden Housing Occupancy

by Study Area Boundary (2016-2023) Esri BA Market Profile

2016

2023

#

%

#

%

Housing Units

8,731

7,495

Vacant Housing Units

1,926

22%

892

12%

Owner-Occupied Units

2,442

28%

2,661

36%

Renter-Occupied Units

4,362

50%

3,942

53%

Over half of vacant units in Linden were removed from the housing stock between 2016 to 2023.

Housing Unit Occupancy

by Study Area Boundary (2010-2023) Esri BA Market Profile

Linden

Columbus

Year

Housing Units

Owner

Renter

Vacant

Housing Units

Owner

Renter

Vacant

2010

8,041

35%

43%

21%

372,996

43%

47%

11%

2020

7,493

33%

55%

13%

415,577

39%

53%

8%

2023

7,495

36%

53%

12%

426,834

41%

51%

8%

The proportion of renters increased at a higher rated than owners for both Linden and Columbus.

38

Emergency Shelter Households Served

by Zip Code (2016-2023)

Zip Codes with at Least 50 Parcels Owned in Study Area

by Study Area Boundary (2023)

Community Shelter Board

Franklin County Auditor

Despite a changing housing market, Linden residents are less likely to receive emergency shelter than in 2016.

Zip Code

Zip Code Area

Count

43211

Linden

2,833

Neighborhood

2016

2023

% Change

43219

North Central

200

43213

Whitehall/ E. Columbus

336

245

-27%

43229

Northland

151

43224

North Linden

353

288

-18%

43224

North Linden

149

43204

Hilltop/Valleyview

393

288

-27%

43206

South Side

393

354

-10%

43206

German Village/ Southside

120

43232

Eastland

408

355

-13%

45414

Dayton

110

43205

Olde Town East/Franklin Park

469

371

-21%

43026

Hilliard

101

43211

Linden

487

390

-20%

43065

Powell

91

43207

South Side/Obetz

538

456

-15%

43207

Far South

80

43215

Downtown

582

362

-38%

43214

Clintonville

72

43223

Greater Hilltop

590

638

8%

43147

Pickerington

71

43085

Worthington/Linworth

65

43068

Reynoldsburg

63

43201

Short North

58

43202

South Clintonville

57

43215

Downtown Columbus

57

43017

Dublin

57

43235

NW Columbus/ Crosswoods

56

43081

Westerville

54

43086

Westerville South

54

43054

New Albany

53

43230

Gahanna

52

43220

Upper Arlington

50

Zip Code

According to the Community Shelter Board, the number of households served emergency shelter fell by 20% between 2016 to 2023 for zip code 43211. This is a similar trend to the other zip codes assessed. Between 2019 to 2023, eviction filings were at their highest point for most zip codes in 2019.

45% of Linden property owners reside within zip code 43211. The majority of other Linden property owners that own more than 50 properties reside within Franklin County, except for 45414 which is a Dayton, OH zip code.

Notably, VineBrook Homes is located in this Dayton area zip code and owns 110 single-family properties within the study area, all purchased between 2018 to 2023. onelinden.org

12 of the 23 zip codes with ownership of more than 50 Linden parcels are located outside of Columbus.

Only 46% of housing units are owned by residents of the 43211 zip code.

39

Top 10 Zip Codes for Foreclosures

Zip code 43211 had the third highest number of foreclosures in Franklin County between 2021 to 2024, accounting for 7% of all foreclosures during this period. Rising housing costs will continue to exacerbate this trend, with 2023 foreclosures equal to both 2021 and 2022 foreclosures combined.

by Zip Code (2021 Q1-2024 Q1) Franklin County Auditor

Zip Code

Count

% of Total Foreclosures

43229

32

3.5%

43219

42

4.6%

43224

44

4.8%

43228

44

4.8%

43232

51

5.6%

43123

53

5.8%

43223

54

5.9%

43211

67

7.4%

43204

79

8.7%

43207

90

9.9%

The yearly total for foreclosures in Linden more than doubled between 2021 to 2023, while Franklin County only saw a 21% increase during this same period.

Eviction filings fell for all zip codes between 2019 to 2020 but have quickly climbed since COVID-related eviction moratoriums were lifted, with some zip codes exceeding their 2019 figures by 2023. While zip code 43211 has yet to return to its pre-COVID levels of eviction filings, it is quickly rising to that point, with the 7th highest eviction filing rate in Franklin County at 13.5%.

Top 5 Zip Codes for Foreclosures by Quarter

by Study Area Boundary (2021 Q1-2024 Q1) Franklin County Auditor 18

43211 43123 43223

12

43204 43207

6

0

40

2021 Q1

2021 Q2

2021 Q3

2021 Q4

2022 Q1

2022 Q2

2022 Q3

2022 Q4

2023 Q1

2023 Q2

2023 Q3

2023 Q4

2024 Q1

OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

Franklin County Eviction Filing Rate

Linden Yearly Eviction Filing Totals

by Zip Code (2018-2023)

by Study Area Boundary (2019-2023)

Franklin County Auditor

Franklin County Auditor 800

761 677

665

2022

2023

591 501

400 71

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

270

0

270

2019

23

70

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

70

71

WHITEHALL

2020

2021

Eviction filings fell because of COVID related moratoriums, but are rebounding to pre-2020 levels.

Top 10 Zip Codes by Eviction Filing Rate

104

by Study Area Boundary (2019-2023) Franklin County Auditor 21.9%

43217 18.3%

43232

Railroads

21% - 22%

Roads

16% - 20%

Franklin County

11% - 15%

Columbus

6% - 10%

Linden

0% - 5%

onelinden.org

The eviction rate for zip code 43211 is much higher than the Franklin County average of 9%.

43213

16.8%

43207

16.5%

43227

15.2%

43223

14.6%

43211

13.5%

43224

13.4%

43219

12.6%

43228

12.6%

41

Housing Choice Vouchers as a Percent of Renter Households

by Zip Code (2024)

The 43211 zip code has the second highest number of tax delinquent parcels in Franklin County, totaling over $2 million and making up 9% of all delinquent parcels in the county.

HUD

71

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

12% of households in 43211 receive housing choice vouchers as of 2024, and it is the 5th highest zip code for voucher recipients in the county.

270

Top Zips for Housing Choice Vouchers as a Percent of Renter Households

270

23

70

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

70

71

42

Railroads

10.1% - 17.1%

Roads

5.1% - 10.0%

Franklin County

2.6% - 5.0%

Columbus

0.1% - 2.5%

Linden

0.0%

by Zip Code (2024) HUD

WHITEHALL

104

The majority of rentals that accept Housing Choice Vouchers are within Columbus boundaries.

Zip Code

Avg HCV %

43203

17.1%

43109

14.0%

43222

13.7%

43205

12.2%

43211

11.9%

Affordable housing is vital to Linden, with 12% of households receiving Housing Choice Vouchers.

Franklin County Tax Delinquent Parcels

by Zip Code (2024) Franklin County Auditor

Top Zip Codes for Tax Delinquent Parcels by Total Balance

by Zip Code (2024) Franklin County Auditor

$5,311,076.40

43215

43227

$2,884,584.25

43207

$2,801,598.69

71

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

270

270

23

70

43219

$2,393,587.84

43211

$2,269,123.64

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

70

WHITEHALL

$0 71

$3,000,000

$6,000,000

104

Top Zip Codes for Tax Delinquent Parcels by Count

by Zip Code (2024)

Percent of Total Franklin County Tax Delinquent Parcels

Franklin County Auditor 800

Columbus

51 - 100

Linden

0 - 50

onelinden.org

4.9%

0

43223

43204

777

101 - 200

400

6.3%

762

Franklin County

201 - 400

8.7%

43211

43207

556

Roads

5.7%

503

401 - 600

Zip code 43211 has the second highest number of tax delinquent parcels in Franklin County, making it susceptible to future foreclosures.

434

601 - 777 Railroads

8.6%

43219

43

Households with 30% or More of Income Towards Housing Cost in the Past 12 Months

by Census Tract (2016-2022)

$20,000 to $34,999

$35,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $74,999

+1.2%

+0.6%

+8.1%

Note: no Linden renter or owner earning $75,000 or more spent more than 30% of their income on housing costs.

+14.5%

+8.4%% Less than $20,000

+5.5%

20% 0%

Percent Difference from 21016

-0.9%

+19.4% -20.5%

+1.1%

40%

+31.8%

+13.8%

+15.6%

-1.4%

-1.7%

60%

Linden Columbus

Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied

+3.9%

80%

+13.4%

100%

+2.4%

Census ACS (S2503)

$75,000 or more

Housing costs are rising substantially for Linden renters; 87% of household monthly costs were under $999 in 2016, but shrank to 48% by 2022.

Households with Mortgage

by Census Tract (2022) Census ACS (S2507)

The number of households that spend more than 30% of income towards housing increased or stayed the same for all residents, regardless of income, in Linden between 2016 to 2022. This aligns with citywide trends. Renters are much more likely to spend more than 30% of their income on housing in Linden, at 53% of all renters compared to 31% of owners. 93% of renters that earn less than $35,000 are spending more than 30% of that income towards rent.

44

Linden

Columbus

2018

2022

2018

2022

With Mortgage

53%

51%

73%

71%

Without Mortgage

47%

49%

27%

29%

Mortgages are significantly more affordable in Linden than for Columbus, with a lower average payment and less income towards the payments.

Housing Units by Value and Projected Value

75% of Linden housing was valued under $100,000 in 2023 but are projected to fall to 58% of the total housing stock by 2028. In contrast, the share of housing priced above $100,000 is expected to rise.

A similar trend is occurring for Columbus, but for housing under $200,000, which is expected to fall from 40% to 28% while the share of housing above $200,000 will rise. Housing market trends in Linden align with trends in the city’s housing market, but home values are still significantly more affordable than the Columbus average.

by Study Area Boundary (2023-2028) Esri BA Market Profile

The proportion of homes valued under $99,999 is expected to shrink and all housing above $100,000 is expected to grow by 2028. $750,00+

Columbus Linden

+0.4% +0.9%

$500,000 to $749,999

+2.7% +4.7%

$400,000 to $499,999

+2.6% +1.3%

$300,000 to $399,999

+5.2% +0.6%

$200,000 to $299,999

+5.0%

-6.1%

< $99,999

-17.8%

0%

by Census Tract (2016-2022)

% Projected Percent Difference in 2028

-7.0% +5.2%

$100,000 to $199,999

Monthly Housing Costs by Tenure

+2.2%

40%

80%

-25%

Census ACS (S2503)

Linden

No Cash Rent

onelinden.org

Less than $499

$500 to $999

$1,000 to $1,499

$1,500 to $1,999

$2,000 to $2,499

+1%

+4%

+1%

+3%

+1%

+4%

+12%

0%

+1%

-1%

+3%

-1%

+4%

-3% -4%

-0.5%

10%

-4%

20%

-4%

-11%

30%

Percent Difference from 2016

-6%

40%

+20%

-2%

+3%

50%

Renter-Occupied

+35%

60%

Columbus

Owner-Occupied

-31%

70%

$2,500 or more

While renter’s housing costs are rising at alarming rates for Linden and Columbus overall, housing costs have remained relatively stable for homeowners.

45

Code violations in Linden were much lower by 2023 than in 2018, dropping by 35%. Columbus overall saw a drop in code violations during this time, but the drop was much smaller than Linden’s, at 12%. The number one code violation type in Linden was for environmental health, which accounted for 49% of all violations between 2018 to 2023.

Code Violations by Type

by Zip Code (2018-2023)

City of Columbus Code Violation Records Linden

Environmental Health Housing

7%

Vacant Structure Zoning Other

19% 49% 10%

Code Complaints per Capita1

By Select Zip Code (2018-2023) City of Columbus Code Violation Records 43214 106

2018 - 2022 Total Code Complaints

+43% +63%

321

43201

432

43227 43205

940

43206

608

43211

777

43203

727

0

200

Percent Change from 2013-2017 Total Code Complaints

+46%

+95% +15% +37% +20%

400

600

800

1000

*Normalized by 1,000 residents

Code Complaints per Capita1

16%

by Top Zip Code (2018-2023) City of Columbus Code Violation Records 43224

Columbus

43227

6%

43207 43204 43223

22% 45%

43205

20%

Normalized by 1,000 residents.

46

43203 43211

7%

1

43206

43222 0

700

1400

Code complaints per capita rose in Linden between 2013 to 2023, but appear to have peaked in 2018, as complaints are gradually falling since.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELLBEING Zip code 43211 was the 5th highest zip code in Columbus for 911 calls between 2018 to 2022.

While the rate of 911 calls in the zip code are high, they also fell significantly, by 21%, during this period. The number one call type was for disturbances, accounting for 13% of all calls.

The types of 911 calls received in Linden mostly align with Columbus.

The largest difference is for ShotSpotter alerts, with the proportion of total calls in Linden 3.3% higher than Columbus.

Top 10 43211 311 Requests

by Zip Code (2019-2023)

Columbus Center for Public Health and Innovation Bulk Items Pickup

14,696

Code Enforcement

6,330

Illegal Dumping

4,508

Trash Service Request

3,973

Trash Receptacle Replacement

3,135 2,264

4%

Abandoned Vehicle on Street (R.O.W.)

2,017

4%

Refuse/ Miscellaneous

1,777

3%

1,150 2%

Yard Waste

1,022 2%

onelinden.org

26%

by Study Area Boundary (2018-10/2023) Columbus Department of Public Safety

Linden

Columbus

Count

% of Total

Count

% of Total

DISTURBANCE

17,516

13.1%

341,144

12.7%

INFORMATION / ASSISTANCE

15,165

11.3%

234,296

8.7%

TRAFFIC VIOLATOR / COMPLAINT

7,964

5.9%

145,941

5.4%

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

6,936

5.2%

102,256

3.8%

UNKNOWN COMPLAINT

6,844

5.1%

124,729

4.6%

BURGLARY ALARM

6,740

5.0%

176,562

6.6%

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

6,193

4.6%

82,233

3.1%

SUSPICIOUS PERSON

5,411

4.0%

112,809

4.2%

SHOTSPOTTER ALERT

5,224

3.9%

17,057

0.6%

PERSON WITH A GUN

3,574

2.7%

41,621

1.5%

11% 8% 7%

6%

Repair of Street Lighting

Trash Receptacle Repair

Percent of Total 43211 requests

Top 10 911 Call Types

The number of 311 requests remained generally the same between 2019 to 2022.

47

Linden is much more likely to experience all types of crime compared to Columbus, according to Esri’s Crime Index. The difference in their indexes is greatest for assault, personal crime, robbery, burglary, and murder.

The Crime Index indicates the likelihood of a crime occurring in an area, and assesses the following crime types: assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, murder, rape, and robbery.

The index values are based on the national average, represented as 100. So crime indexes above 100 are above the national average for that type of crime, while below 100 indicates a lower than average amount of crime.

Between 2018 to October 2023, the number one violent crime in Linden was domestic violence (18% of all violent crime). For property crime, the number one crime was motor vehicle theft (26% of all property crime).

Crime Index

by Study Area Boundary (2023) Esri BA Crime Summary

Columbus Linden

Murder Index Robbery Index Burglary Index Personal Crime Index Assault Index Property Crime Index Motor Vehicle Theft Index Rape Index Larceny Index Not a concern

Strong concern

Crime Indexes Greater than Total Crime Index2

by Study Area Boundary (2023) Esri BA Crime Summary Columbus Linden

Total Crime Index Assault Index Personal Crime Index Burglary Index

Esri represents the likelihood of overall crime occurring for an area through its total crime index. This graphic compares specific crime type indexes for Linden that are above the area’s total crime index. These indexes are also compared to the same index types for Columbus.

2

48

Robbery Index Murder Index Not a concern

Strong concern

Franklin County Crime Index

by Zip Code (2023) Esri BA Crime Summary

Railroads Roads Franklin County 71

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

270

Columbus Linden Moderate Concern

270

23 70

Concern BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

WHITEHALL

Slight Concern

70

Not a Concern 104

71

Zip code 43211 has the 11th highest crime index of the 44 zip codes assessed.

onelinden.org

49

Total Crime Heat Map

by Study Area Boundary (2018-Oct 2023) Columbus Department of Public Safety

MCGUFFEY RD

Violent crime and property crime are taking up an increasing portion of all crime in the neighborhood. While the number of other types of crime fell between 2018 to 2022, violent crime rose by 9% and property crime rose by 41%. The total share of these two crime types rose from 69% of all crimes in 2018 to 83% in 2022.

Between 2018 to 2022, crime in Linden peaked in 2019. The area did see a dip in crime in 2020 and 2021, likely due to the COVID pandemic.

This trend was reversed in 2022 as crime once again rose, and while the area had a higher number of crimes in 2022 than in 2018 (a 2% increase), it has yet to reach its 2019 peak.

CL EV EL AN DA VE

EAST HUDSON ST

EAST 17TH AVE

Crime in Linden increased slightly between 2018 to 2022, by 2%.

Linden

High Crime

Low Crime

50

Violent Crime Heat Map

Property Crime Heat Map

Columbus Department of Public Safety

Columbus Department of Public Safety

by Study Area Boundary (2018-Oct 2023)

MCGUFFEY RD

MCGUFFEY RD

by Study Area Boundary (2018-Oct 2023)

EAST HUDSON ST

CL EV EL AN DA VE

CL EV EL AN DA VE

EAST HUDSON ST

EAST 17TH AVE EAST 17TH AVE

Domestic Violence is the number one violent crime in Linden, making up 18% of all violent crime.

Linden

High Crime

Low Crime

onelinden.org

Motor vehicle theft is the number one property crime in Linden, making up 26% of all property crime.

Linden

High Crime

Low Crime

51

39% of Linden households receive SNAP benefits, a drop from 47% in 2016. This drop may in part be attributed to an increase in incomes for residents in the neighborhood, meaning that less residents would qualify for these types of benefits. The drop in households receiving benefits aligns with citywide trends.

4 of the 7 Linden study area census tracts are not within a grocery store’s half mile radius, with the other 3 tracts having low to medium access to these stores. 3 of 7 census tracts have low to medium access to grocery stores within 1 mile of the store locations, and the other tracts have medium to high access.

15% of Linden residents are uninsured, compared to 9% for Columbus.

Medicaid is a vital resource for the area, making up 51% of insured residents, compared to 25% of Columbus residents

Health Insurance Coverage

by Census Tract (2022) Census ACS (B27010)

With health insurance No health insurance coverage

Linden 15%

13% 1%

(-1%)

According to the CDC, Linden ranges from high to very high on their Social Vulnerability Index. The SVI is measured by census tract, with all Linden tracts considered to have a high to very high index. The tracts surrounding Linden vary greatly in their SVI. Tracts directly west of Linden tracts tend to have low to medium vulnerability, while tracks east of Linden tend to have high to very high vulnerability.

Health Insurance Average Spending (Linden)

$2,302

Health Insurance Average Spending (Columbus)

$3,809

85%

51%

(+1%)

21%

Medicaid Average Spending (Linden)

$1,094

Columbus 9%

(-3%)

11% 1%

Medicaid Average Spending (Columbus)

$1,869

Linden has a higher proportion of residents without health insurance coverage than the city.

52

Two or More Types Tricare/Military/BA Health Care Medicare/Medicaid Employer-based/Direct-purchase

25%

91%

(+3%)

54%

The CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index utilizes Census data to determine socially vulnerable areas throughout the United States. 16 variables are measured that cover socioeconomic status, household characteristics, racial and ethnic minority status, and housing type and transportation. Scores range from 0 to 1, with 0 being the least vulnerable and 1 the most vulnerable.

CDC Social Vulnerability Index

by Census Tract (2022) CDC

71

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

Households Receiving SNAP Benefits

270

270

by Census Tract (2016-2022)

23

70

Census ACS (DP03)

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

70

2016

2022

Count

%

Count

%

Linden

3,097

47%

2,715

39%

-14%

Columbus

59,168

17%

48,748

13%

-21%

Since 2016, less Linden households rely on SNAP benefits, but the area still utilizes these benefits at a much higher rate than the city average.

71

% Change

Railroads Roads Franklin County

onelinden.org

WHITEHALL

104

North Linden rates high and South Linden very high on the Social Vulnerability Index, along with other communities in Columbus that form the upside down “T” Redline Map.

Columbus

Very High

Medium to High

Low

Linden

High

Low to Medium

Very Low

53

Grocery Store Access by Census Tract .5 Miles

Grocery Store Access by Census Tract 1 Mile

Columbus Public Health

Columbus Public Health

by Census Tract (2024)

by Census Tract (2024)

71

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

71

GAHANNA

315

270

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

270

270 270

23

70

70

71

54

23

70

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

WHITEHALL

70

WHITEHALL

104

71

104

Railroads

75.1% - 100.0% (High Access)

Conventional Grocery Store

75.1% - 100.0% (High Access)

Conventional Grocery Store

Roads

50.1% - 75.0% (Medium to High Access)

Ethnic Grocery Store

50.1% - 75.0% (Medium to High Access)

Ethnic Grocery Store

Franklin County

25.1% - 50.0% (Low to Medium Access)

Columbus

0.1% - 25.0% (Low Access)

Linden

0.0% (No Access)

Linden census tracts range from no access to medium access for grocery stores within a half-mile radius.

25.1% - 50.0% (Low to Medium Access) 0.1% - 25.0% (Low Access) 0.0% (No Access)

Linden census tracts range from low to high access for grocery stores within a onemile radius.

Franklin County Infant Mortality per 1,000 Births

Franklin County Low Birth Weight Births

Ohio Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics

Ohio Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics

by Zip Code (2014-2023)

by Zip Code (2018-2022)

71

71

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

270

BEXLEY 70

71

12.6 - 17.9 Railroads 10.1 - 12.5 7.6 - 10.0 5.1 - 7.5

Columbus

2.7 - 5.0

Linden

N/A

23

70

DOWNTOWN

onelinden.org

270

270

23

70

Franklin County

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

270

Roads

GAHANNA

315

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

WHITEHALL

70

104

71

Zip code 43211 has the highest rate of Infant mortality in Franklin County, at 17.9 per 1,000 births.

12.6% - 15.8% 10.1% - 12.5% 7.6% - 10.0% 5.0% - 7.5%

WHITEHALL

104

Zip code 43211 has the highest percentage of low birth weights in Franklin County, at 16%.

N/A

55

Franklin County Mothers Smoking While Pregnant

by Zip Code (2018-2022)

Ohio Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics

Based on Celebrate One data, health outcomes for zip code 43211 infants are some of the worst in the county.

The following metrics were assessed, with the Linden zip code in the top 5 for all but infant deaths due to prematurity: 71

56

•

Preterm Birth: 18%

•

Infant Mortality: 17.9 per 1,000 births

•

Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: High

•

Low Birth Weight: 16%

•

Smoking Mothers: 21%

•

Infant Deaths Due to Prematurity: N/A

•

Teen Births: 47.9 per 1,000 births

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

270

270

23

70

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

70

71

Railroads

20.1% - 34.8%

Roads

10.1% - 20.0%

Franklin County

5.1% - 10.0%

Columbus

0.9% - 5.0%

Linden

N/A

WHITEHALL

104

Zip code 43211 has the 4th highest percentage of mothers smoking while pregnant in Franklin County, at 21%.

Franklin County Preterm Birth Rate

Franklin County Sleep-Related Infant Death Rate

Ohio Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics

Ohio Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics

by Zip Code (2022-2023)

by Zip Code (2014-2023)

71

71

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

270

270 270

270

23

70

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

70

71

Railroads

15.1% - 17.9%

Roads

10.1% - 15.0%

Franklin County

5.9% - 10.0%

Columbus

N/A

23

70

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

WHITEHALL

70

104

71

WHITEHALL

104

High

Zip code 43211 has the highest rate of preterm births in Franklin County, at 18%.

Medium Low N/A

8 out of 40 zip codes assessed have a high rate of sleep related infant deaths, including zip code 43211.

Linden

onelinden.org

57

Franklin County Teen Birth Rate

by Zip Code (2018-2022)

Ohio Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics

Franklin County Trees per Square Mile

by Census Tract (2023)

Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks, Esri Business Analyst

71

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

71

GAHANNA

315

GAHANNA

315

UPPER ARLINGTON

HILLIARD

270

270

270 270

23

70

70

71

23

70

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

BEXLEY

DOWNTOWN

WHITEHALL

70

WHITEHALL

104

71

104

Railroads

58

Roads

30.1 - 84.2

Franklin County

10.1 - 30.0

Columbus

3.8 - 10.0

Linden

N/A

Zip code 43211 has the 3rd highest teen birth rate in Franklin County, at 47.9 per 1,000 births.

2,001-3,830

501-1,000

1,501-2,000

101-500

1,001-1,500

0-100

Linden has a higher than average number of trees per square mile, at 1,651 trees.

EDUCATION COVID-19 greatly impacted school systems throughout the country, and Columbus was no exception.

The effects of the pandemic still impact today’s schools and should be considered when assessing education data. Linden feeder pattern schools were impacted just as much as other schools throughout Columbus. In fact, there are a variety of factors that likely impacted Linden households more than those in higher income neighborhoods: lack of internet or computers at home, increased cost of meals previously provided during school hours, lack of child care for parents who must work during school hours (or lack of income to pay for said child care), increased impacts on mental health, and various other factors.

Enrollment at all 3 of the Linden K-6 public schools fell by 17%20% between 2016 to 2023. Of the 2 Linden public high schools, Columbus Alternative High School enrollment dropped by 7%, while Linden-McKinley STEM Academy enrollment rose by 14%.

onelinden.org

All Linden public school’s attendance fell between 2016 to 2023. While most drops in attendance for Linden schools are around or under the Columbus City Schools average of 9%, Linden-McKinley STEM Academy had a much larger drop of 20%.

Both Columbus Alternative High School and Linden STEM Academy have higher rates of attendance than the Columbus average, while other Linden schools are below the average, with Linden-McKinley STEM Academy at the lowest attendance for 2023 (18% below average).

High school graduation rates are improving for Linden public schools, reflecting wider trends across the city. In the 20222023 school year, Columbus Alternative High School’s graduation rate of 97% greatly outperforms the city average (80%), Linden-McKinley STEM Academy is significantly behind, at a 58% graduation rate.

absenteeism increased drastically across the city between 2017 to 2023, from 36% to 58%. For the 2022-2023 school year, the average rate of chronic absenteeism for Linden public schools was higher than the city average, at 71%, compared to the city’s 58%.

Only around half of K-6 students are meeting early literacy requirements for Columbus City Schools, with Linden public schools lagging slightly behind with rates between 43-48%.

Internal trends for the Linden public schools show that K-6 schools generally perform similarly to one another, while the two high schools vary significantly in their results, with Columbus Alternative High School lagging significantly behind Linden-McKinley STEM Academy across observed metrics.

Since the release of the One Linden report, chronic

59

Columbus City Schools Metrics

Student performance was impacted by the COVID pandemic, but K-3 literacy improved between 2016 to 2023.

Study Area Feeder Pattern Schools (2016-2022) Ohio School Report Cards, Graduation Rate

2022 - 2023

% Change

2016 - 2017

2022 - 2023

% Change

2016 - 2017

2022 - 2023

% Change

2016 - 2017

2022 - 2023

% Change

2016 - 2017

2022 - 2023

% Change

2016 - 2017

2022 - 2023

% Change

K-3 Literacy

2016 - 2017

Early Literacy

District Wide

Chronic Absenteeism

N/A

N/A

N/A

89.8%

82.0%

-8.7%

71.3%

79.6%

11.6%

36.3%

57.8%

59.2%

N/A

53.4%

N/A

23%

35.6%

54.8%

Hamilton STEM Academy (K-6)

Graduation Rate

478

395

-17.4%

85.6%

77.4%

-9.6%

N/A

N/A

N/A

59.6%

80.4%

34.9%

N/A

48.0%

N/A

17.8%

25.0%

40.4%

Linden STEM Academy (K-6)

Attendance Rate

464

379

-18.3%

86.1%

82.9%

-3.7%

N/A

N/A

N/A

55.6%

55.0%

-1.1%

N/A

43.0%

N/A

14.3%

12.5%

-12.6%

Windsor STEM Academy (K-6)

Enrollment

427

340

-20.4%

83.3%

78.8%

-5.4%

N/A

N/A

N/A

66.6%

77.2%

15.9%

N/A

44.0%

N/A

3.1%

16.2%

422.6%

796

743

-6.7%

91.7%

85.6%

-6.7%

94.4%

96.8%

2.5%

31.9%

51.7%

62.1%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

639

728

13.9%

80.3%

64.0%

-20.3%

55.4%

57.5%

3.8%

72.2%

87.7%

21.5%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

LindenColumbus McKinley Alternative STEM High School Academy

School

60

market studies INTRODUCTION To assess the progress of the One Linden Plan, the NDC engaged the consultant team Development Strategies to conduct housing and retail market studies.

Their main tasks included:

•

•

Identifying trends and changes in the retail and housing markets since the One Linden Plan was finalized in 2017.

Updating demand projections

for retail and housing in the Study Area.

•

Auditing the priorities and strategies outlined in the One Linden Plan based on the

market analysis results.

This section summarizes their findings, which include illustrations from their detailed existing conditions presentation.

Regional Context

Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

onelinden.org

61

SOCIOECONOMIC & DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS

Regional Context

Franklin County Migration Trends

Development Strategies uncovered some compelling trends in their socioeconomic and demographic analysis that highlight the evolution of the Columbus region over the last decade. The Columbus region grew substantially during the last decade, adding more than 300,000 new residents since 2010. This remarkable growth can be largely attributed to the rise of high-paying knowledgesector jobs, which have become a magnet for talent.

Columbus is also seeing an influx of college graduates moving in from other parts of Ohio, further enriching our workforce and reassuring its reputation as a brain drain region.

Additionally, the region has benefited from increased immigration, with foreign-born residents now making up about ten percent of Franklin County’s population. This diversity is a vital part of what makes this community vibrant and dynamic.

The Linden neighborhood shows

Franklin County Migration Trends

From 2016 to 2020, nearly 9,000 people immigrated to Franklin County.

Top Countries of Origin (2016-2020)

Linden is home to large Somali and Hispanic immigrant communities.

62

Key Themes

Stakeholder Interviews

WHAT WE HEARD

WHAT THE DATA SAYS

Linden is becoming a more demographically diverse community.

There is a desire to embrace diversity while avoiding displacement of longterm residents in this majority Black neighborhood.

Linden’s home values have risen rapidly; as a result, both renters and owners are facing burdensome housing costs and growing housing insecurity.

Since 2017, Linden has lost around 2,500 Black residents, while gaining around 900 Hispanic residents and 2,000 Mixed-race residents.

Based on proposed 2023 Franklin County Auditor Assessments, the median home value has well over doubled since 2020.

Linden’s housing stock needs to diversify to retain residents “from cradle to grave,” or across their lifespans.

Single-family homes account for 91% of total stock — around 82% of which are small homes, from 600 to 1,400 SF.

Crime and violence—both real and perceived—dissuade inmigration, visitation, and even new housing development in Linden.

Analysis of retail demand and supply reveals a roughly 50,000 SF undersupply of grocery and pharmacy retailers in the Study Area.

Linden residents have few retail options in their community, which are generally limited to service-oriented businesses.

In particular, residents lack access to grocery stories, pharmacies, and retail.

Overall crime rates are 44% higher in Linden compared to Columbus and 95% higher when compared to the national average.

Based on stakeholder discussions held on January 18th, 2024 Source: Esri (2023), Placer.ai (2023), STI (2023), ACS (2022), Franklin County Auditor (2023), Development Strategies

onelinden.org

63

Key Findings Linden Today

an inspiring turnaround. Since 2010, Linden has added around 1,600 residents, reversing years of population decline. Today, the neighborhood is home to 17,700 residents, up from 16,100 in 2010, down from 19,100 in 2000, according to Esri data. This growth has been fueled by a significant influx of New Americans, leading to a more racially and ethnically diverse community, especially among mixedrace and Hispanic populations.

As Columbus attracts higher-income residents, we’re also seeing changes in Linden’s economic landscape.

The percentage of moderate-income households earning between $50,000 and $100,000 has risen from 22% in 2017 to 32% in 2023.

At the same time, the share of households earning under $35,000 has decreased from 64% to 52%.

These shifts reflect the broader changes happening across Columbus and Linden, showcasing the region’s ongoing transformation.

Linden is becoming more diverse

Household income rose slightly.

Retail inventory decreased, but is stabilizing.

Linden in Context

Linden has a higher percentage of people of color than the city.

Retail inventory steadily grew citywide, in contrast to the fluctuating pattern in Linden.

64

HOUSING MARKET STUDY

National Housing Challenge Impact of National Trends

Introduction The consultant team examined the housing landscape in Columbus, with a specific focus on the Linden neighborhood, which has been significantly impacted by broader national and regional trends. Over the past two decades, rising construction costs and an insufficient housing supply have contributed to a critical inventory shortage, exacerbating affordability challenges for residents.

Despite Columbus experiencing substantial job growth, projected to add nearly 100,000 jobs by 2030, housing development has lagged behind, creating a disparity between job availability and suitable housing options.

According to the City of Columbus, this region needs 1 (one) house for every 1 (one) job to accommodate growth, but currently, this ratio is 1 (one) house for every 2.5 (two and a half) jobs.

onelinden.org

Impact of Regional Trends

65

Housing Has Become Much More Expensive In Linden Growth in Home Values

Recession

bus

66

Colum

$100,000

de 43211 ZIP Co

$50,000

$0

2000

+153% since 2018

$47K $24K

2005

2010

2015

+72% since 2018

$119K

$94K

2020

2023

Home values in Linden rose at 2x the rate of the city.

Average Rents $1,400

$1,348 $1,289

$1,300

mb Colu

$1,100

$1,101

Star) Linden Study Area (Co

$691

$1,180

$1,125

$872

$700

$715

+10%

September-23 October-23 November-23

March-23 April-23 May-23 June-23 July-23 August-23

December-22 January-23 February-23

October-22 November-22

$651 May-22 June-22 July-22 August-22 September-22

$600

) illow

October-21 November-21 December-21 January-22 February-22 March-22 April-22

$800

P 11 ZI

+22% +35%

$1,069

432

$900

)

(Z Code

May-21

$1,000

$1,296

illow

us (Z

$1,200

June-21 July-21 August-21 September-21

+ Nationally, construction costs rose substantially over the past two decades, with a 40% increase alone from 2012 to

$141K

$150,000

April-21

The housing context has been shaped heavily by national and regional trends, including the following:

$243K

$200,000

Columbus Housing Context Columbus’ housing landscape is grappling with significant challenges driven by rising construction costs and a growing demand for homes. As the job market expands rapidly, the pace of housing development has not kept up, leading to a widening gap between available units and the increasing workforce. This imbalance is further exacerbated by a disparity between rising housing costs and stagnant incomes, creating a pressing need for innovative housing solutions. Addressing these issues is essential for ensuring that all residents can find affordable housing in a thriving economic environment.

COVID

$250,000

March-21

In Linden, where the majority of the housing stock consists of older single-family homes, the lack of new development has led to a precarious rental market, with rising costs pushing longterm residents towards displacement. This analysis not only highlights the urgent need for diverse and affordable housing options but also underscores the importance of strategic planning to address the community’s evolving needs amid ongoing economic growth.

Linden’s rental market is dominated by single-family and small scale (<10 unit) properties, with few large multi-family developments. As a result, there is a wide disparity between market rents by source. However, given Linden’s housing stock and the regional market, Zillow data is likely more accurate, giving an increase of 35% in less than 3 years.**

Housing Has Become Much More Expensive In Linden Growth in Home Values

2019. This trend has made it more difficult to develop housing of all types, especially affordable and moderately-priced homes. + Construction has failed to keep up with demand nationally, culminating in an inventory shortage of 6.3 million housing units between 2001 and 2022. + To address the supply gap, multi-family construction is ramping up and, in March 2023, reached 960,000 units under construction – a pace of development not seen since the 1970s + Columbus’ job market is expanding rapidly, with nearly 100,000 jobs projected to be added in the Columbus/Central Ohio region by 2030.

Growth in Home Values

+ Regionally, housing development has failed to keep up with growth; there were 2.5 jobs added in the Columbus MSA for every housing unit built between 2009 and 2019, whereas a ratio of 1.5 jobs per housing unit is considered sustainable. + Incomes have failed to keep up with housing costs: from 2000 to 2020, the median rent in Franklin County rose 84% while the median household income rose just 46%.

onelinden.org

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Linden Households are Struggling to Keep Up

Defining Affordability For Buyers Median Home Value

$232K

median housing value in Columbus in 2023

$73K

median housing value in Linden in 2023

home value

per month

67%

of households

48%

of households

in Columbus cannot afford that price

in Linden cannot afford that price

Defining Affordability For Renters

$1,160

per month

$22.40

hourly housing wage

68%

of renter households

68

to rent a 2-bedroom unit of safe and decent quality, including utilities

bare minimum to afford a 2-bedroom unit of safe and decent quality, including utilities

in the study area cannot afford that rent

Housing Cost Burden Owners > 50% of income spent on housing 35% - 50% of income spent on housing

19% of owner households in the study area are severely cost burdened, paying over 50% of their income on housing expenses, compared to 7% citywide.

30% - 35% of income spent on housing < 30% of income spent on housing

Housing Cost Burden Renters > 50% of income spent on housing

35% - 50% of income spent on housing

30% - 35% of income spent on housing < 30% of income spent on housing

One third of renter households in the study area are severely cost burdened, paying over 50% of their income on rent, compared to 21% citywide.

Property Values & Taxes

Linden Housing Context Linden, an early inner-ring suburb, presents a complex housing landscape shaped by its historical context and recent market dynamics. Primarily consisting of single-family homes developed mid-20th century, the neighborhood has experienced significant demographic shifts and economic changes since the 1960s. This stagnation in housing development has resulted in a largely aging housing stock, with minimal new construction in recent years.

The community is predominantly rentalbased, with many single-family homes converted for this purpose, reflecting a growing demand for affordable living options. Despite a broader economic resurgence in Columbus, Linden has seen limited investment in multi-family housing, underscoring the need for greater diversification in its housing supply. Rising home values and rents have led to concerns about displacement and housing instability among long-term residents. While the area shows signs of revitalization, persistent challenges, such as a lack of diverse housing options and issues related to property management, continue to impede its potential for sustainable growth.

Between 2020 and 2023, assessed home values in Franklin County increased by 40% on average.

Based on the estimated 2023 values, in Linden, the average home value more than doubled.

2023 median

2020 median

Newly assessed values are based on recent sales data, which indicates that these increases occurred primarily within the last two years.

Eviction Rates

In the past year, of the over 22,000 evictions filed citywide, around 640 (3%) were of renter households in the Study Area’s ZIP code (43211).

Interestingly, despite the area’s high housing cost burden, this share is lower than the citywide rate (5% of renter households*). *22,170 eviction filings among a total of 463,400 renter households

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Analysis of Linden’s housing supply indicated key themes: + An early inner-ring suburb, Linden contains primarily single-family homes developed in the 1920s and late-1940s to 50s; per Esri, 82% of the housing stock is single-family homes, compared to 56% in the city.

Limited New Construction has Occurred in Linden Recession

Of the 31,135 units delivered in Columbus since 2010, only 100 were delivered in Linden.*

+ Linden’s population began declining in 1960 as construction of the interstate system, loss of urban manufacturing jobs, and widespread disinvestment in cities prompted “White Flight” and growth of farther-out suburbs; consequently, housing development stalled and, today, 89 percent of Linden’s singlefamily stock dates from 1920 to 1960.

Housing Conditions Remain a Challenge Supply Overview - Legacy of Redlining 1936 Federal Home Owners’ Loan Corporation Map (“Redlining Map”) of Columbus depicts Linden as containing a mix of “still desirable” to “high risk” areas, based chiefly on their racial, ethnic, and economic makeup.

While Linden has changed significantly in the nearly 90 years since these maps were published, their effects proved pivotal in shaping historic development trends, job access, and socioeconomic conditions that continue to impact the community today.

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*Mulby Place opened in 2023

Regional Multi-Family Deliveries

Condition Rating for Residential Parcels

Within the study area, nearly 60% of residential parcels south of Hudson Street have a Fair condition rating.

Majority of parcels north of Hudson range from Good to Average.

COVID

Housing Conditions Remain a Challenge Residential Year Built

Linden Rental Market

All units in the study area are Class B or C.

Generally older Modestly lower rental income Sometimes professionally managed Well-maintained May have deferred maintenance

Typically 20+ years old Generally in need of renovation Significant deferred maintenance Have the lowest rental rates onelinden.org

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Access to Jobs Paying Living Wages Will Be Key Job Proximity Index

Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) are regions centered around urban cores with at least 10,000 people, including nearby counties with strong commuting and economic ties.

Housing supply key themes continued: + The Study Area added just 200 units since 2000, equivalent to about two% of the total supply. + Linden is majority (60%) renter and the rental market is comprised primarily of single-family rentals. + Since 2010, Columbus has added upwards of 31,000 multi-family units, of which only 100 units were in Linden, all contained in the senior LIHTC property, Mulby Place. + Three quarters (75%) of all multi-family units in the Study Area are Class C1 and the remaining are Class B, reflecting the lack of new multi-family development and the need to diversify housing options, including new construction + Columbus’ economic and population growth over the last decade has generated new investment in the housing stock, including in Linden: the average home value grew from $24,000 in 2013 to $119,000 by 2023—roughly quintupling—while home values citywide increased 160%.

Multi-family properties are generally categorized into one of three classes based on their rent rates, age, design, amenities, and condition. Class A properties are typically the newest, highest-end, and most “in demand” properties that tend to have the highest rents and most competitive amenity package within the market. Class B properties are usually wellmaintained, comparatively dated, and still professionally managed, though frequently have incurred deferred maintenance and require upgrades, with rent rates considered moderate for the market. Finally, Class C properties are the oldest on the market, generally needing significant renovation and updating, lack all but basic amenities, are often not professionally-managed, and have the lowest rent rates.

Linden Study Area Employment

2010 Jobs

2020 Jobs

From 2010 to 2020 there was a an increase of 72,900 jobs in Columbus.

1

72

From 2010 to 2020 there was a loss of 280 jobs in the Linden Study Area.

2010 Jobs

2020 Jobs

Columbus Job Growth Will Fuel Housing Demand

+ $24,000 in 2013 to $119,000 by 2023—roughly quintupling—while home values citywide increased 160 percent.

low

mid

high

affordability range

Amazon Warehouse Associate

Fast Food Worker

+ Escalating prices are due in part to heightened home “flipping” activity, associated with trends of declining housing vacancy from near 22% in 2016 to 12% in 2023, though substantial appreciation was seen even among homes that received no upgrades.

Home Health Aide

Electrician

Elementary School Teacher

+ Average rents increased 35% from March 2021 to November 2023, despite no new marketrate units delivered. + As prices continue to rise, Linden’s longterm residents are increasingly at risk of displacement; for instance, the neighborhood’s average assessed property value more than doubled between 2020 ($49,200) and 2023 ($107,600). + Rent growth has increased the risk of eviction and resulting housing instability, as 3% of renter households in the 43211 Zip Code faced eviction filings in 2023.2

Long-term COVID-19 programs, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, have temporarily limited the number of successful evictions citywide since 2020, though the potential for rates to rise as these funds expire in coming years is of major concern among philanthropic, non-profit, and institutional leadership in Linden and the city at large.

2

onelinden.org

Software Developer

Registered Nurse

Extremely Low to Low Income < 30% AMI < $25K

30% - 60% AMI $25K - $53K

Low to Moderate Income 80% - 100% AMI

60% - 80% AMI $53K - $67K

$67K - $88K

Moderate to High Income 100% - 120% AMI 120% - 200% AMI $88K - $106K $106K - $176K

Linden Study Area Workers and Residents

Linden Study Area

Living in Linden, Employed Elsewhere

Living & Employed in Linden

people

people

5,930

31

Employed in Linden, Living Elsewhere

1,168 people

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Housing Conditions

Supply Overview—Challenges

+ Overall, Linden’s housing conditions and market performance have improved greatly in recent years – its population is growing once again and, with a marketable housing stock near major regional destinations, the area is primed for revitalization.

rapidly rising property values, rents, and taxes

+ However, many of Linden’s long-term challenges persist, such as the limited diversity of housing options, poorlymanaged and maintained properties, and structural barriers to accessing jobs, transportation, and amenities. With investment emerge new challenges, particularly growing absentee and institutional ownership of single-family homes.3

community perception

The analysis of housing demand in Linden reveals significant and ongoing affordability challenges for residents. Many households struggle to find safe and decent rental options within their budget, highlighting a critical gap between income levels and housing costs. This situation is exacerbated by a limited supply of affordable housing, with a substantial number of residents facing cost burdens that strain their finances. While Linden benefits from its proximity to key job centers, the lack of diverse housing options restricts residents’ access to better employment opportunities.

Furthermore, projections indicate a growing population in the region, underscoring the urgent need for additional housing units to accommodate future demand. Addressing these affordability issues is essential not only for attracting new residents but also for ensuring that long-term residents have viable options to remain in the community. As Linden seeks to revitalize, a balanced approach that includes the preservation of existing affordable units and the development of new housing types will be crucial for creating a sustainable and inclusive neighborhood.

development feasibility

According to data from the Franklin County Assessor, 19% of residential parcels in Linden are owned by entities or individuals outside of Ohio. Just 41% of the Study Area’s residential parcels have owners within the 43211 Zip Code.

3

74

HOUSING CHALLENGES

quality of housing stock eviction and foreclosure risk

lack of trust

absentee ownership

poorly managed properties diversity of stock

age of housing

proximity to affluent neighborhoods

school performance

transit connectivity population retention loss of Black residents

violence

neighborhood amenities historic and ongoing systemic racism

speculative and

Supply Overview—Opportunities

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES proximity to job centers and downtown LIHTC, mixedincome, and senior development permanent for-sale affordability through community land trust forthcoming Linden Green Line expanding employment opportunities

infill development historic and attractive housing stock

philanthropic and nonprofit investment greenspace and parks availability of developable parcels declining vacancy community organizations and shared identity immigration and New

Americans new community center corridor and transit investment streetscape improvements higher density and mixed-use development rehab potential

Dedicated Affordable Units

Cost of Housing

Affordable Housing Supply

Affordability Metrics and Income Distribution

4,520

qualifying households

10-Year Demand

Linden Neighborhood: Moderate and Aggressive Growth Scenarios EXTREMELY LOW INCOME

VERY LOW INCOME

LOW INCOME

MODERATE INCOME

HIGH INCOME

< 30% AMI

30% - 50% AMI

50% - 80% AMI

80% - 120% AMI

> 120% AMI

Household Income

< $26K/YR

$26K - $43K/YR

$43K - $69K/YR

$69K - $108K/YR

> $108K/YR

Affordable Home Price

< $60K

$60K - $110K

$110K - $175K

$175K - $320K

> $320K

Affordable Rent

< $650

$650 - $1,100

$1,100 - $1,700

$1,700 - $2,700

> $2,700

Total Units

320 - 340

155 - 180

180 - 320

110 - 200

60 - 130

onelinden.org

650 units

There are 650 dedicated affordable units in the study area, 1.7% of the city’s supply.

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Owner Affordability

Linden Study Area—For-Sale Demand & Supply EXTREMELY LOW INCOME

VERY LOW INCOME

AMI

< 30%

30% - 50%

50% - 60%

60% - 80%

80% - 120%

100% - 120%

120% - 200%

> 200%

Yearly Household Income

< $26K

$26K - $44K

$44K - $53K

$53K - $69K

$69K - $108K

$88K - $160K

$106K - $176K

> $176K

Housing demand analysis illuminated persistent affordability challenges:

+ More than two-thirds of renter households in Linden cannot afford the “safe and decent” rent of $1,160 without being cost burdened.

Renter Affordability

Linden Study Area—Rental Demand & Supply

EXTREMELY LOW INCOME

VERY LOW INCOME

AMI

< 30%

30% - 50%

50% - 60%

60% - 80%

80% - 120%

100% - 120%

120% - 200%

> 200%

Yearly Household Income

< $26K

$26K - $44K

$44K - $53K

$53K - $69K

$69K - $108K

$88K - $160K

$106K - $176K

> $176K

LOW INCOME

MODERATE INCOME

A household is considered housing cost burdened if housing costs account for more than 30% of monthly income. “Severe” cost burden refers to households paying upward of 50% of income on housing costs.

4

Affordable Rent Range

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HIGH INCOME

Affordable Rent Range

Households

+ Nearly half of households in the Study Area cannot afford the median home value in Linden (estimated at $119,000) without being cost burdened, while two-thirds of the households in the city cannot afford the median home value in Columbus ($232,000); consequently, Linden residents face a lack of housing choices, particularly those closer to jobs or desired amenities.

MODERATE INCOME

Households

+ According to HUD, it costs $1,160 per month to rent a safe and decent two-bedroom unit in the Columbus MSA, translating into a “housing wage” of $22.40/hour, or $45,700 per year without the household facing cost burden.4

LOW INCOME

HIGH INCOME

Housing Affordability

Franklin County Long-Term Population Projections

+ Nearly one-third of renter households and one-fifth of owner households in the Study Area are severely cost burdened, paying over 50% of income towards housing costs. + Approximately 4,500 households in the Study Area qualify for affordable housing, while there are only 650 units (1.7% of the city’s supply) of dedicated affordable housing; hence, there is a need to improve the quality of existing units while preserving their affordability and increase the production of affordable units. + Linden’s location provides accessibility to multiple job centers, including downtown and The Ohio State University. Growing the availability of affordable and diverse housing options can help leverage Linden’s proximity to these job centers and enhance its residents’ access to well-paying employment opportunities. + According to Esri data, comparing existing household affordability with the housing supply suggests that there are gaps at both ends of the household income spectrum: • While there seems to be an oversupply of housing units that are affordable to households earning extremely low to very low incomes (less than 50% area onelinden.org

By 2040 the county will have nearly 1.6 million residents.

To accommodate these new residents annual permitting activity would have to double 20102021 activity.

Linden Neighborhood Long-Term Population Projections

By 2040 the study area could have 19,900 to 21,600 residents if growth follows recent trends.

To accommodate these new residents, 1,000 to 1,500 housing units are needed to support that growth.

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Demand by Typology median income [AMI] or $44,000), this does not account for the condition or desirability (number of bedrooms, suitability, accessibility, etc.) of these units.

• There is an undersupply of units affordable to households earning moderate to higher incomes (above 80% AMI, or $69,000); these households, while willing to pay higher housing costs, may be choosing to own or rent units that are priced lower due to the unavailability of the right or desired product.

• This analysis is indicative of the opportunity to capture some of the growth being experienced by the neighborhood and the city at large by bringing in new residents, while ensuring that longterm residents have enough housing options to choose from to stay in the neighborhood. + If the current regional growth trends continue, Franklin County is projected to have 1.6 million residents by 2040. Considering Linden’s current annual growth rate of 0.7% and factoring in for a population growth interval ranging from conservative to moderate, Linden will need approximately 850 to 1,200 housing units to meet demand over the next 10 years. This includes: • Nearly 40 units (15 for-sale and 25 rental) in current, or pentup, demand that represents housing units needed to create a more balanced market today. This includes replacement housing for units in poor condition, as well as new units better suited to meeting household needs, such as units with more bedrooms.

• 255 to 360 units of housing for older adults (60 to 90 affordable units, 130 to 180 traditional market-rate units, 40 to 55 downsizing units, 8 to 12 independent living units, and 15 to 20 assisted living units). It is important to expand options for older adults so they can stay in the neighborhood if they want

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Current Mix

Traditional Single Family

Duplex/2-Unit Multi-Family

Affordable/ Workforce Apartments

Modest Single Family

Affordable/Workforce Apartments

Duplex/2-Unit Multi-Family

Modest Single Family

Traditional Single Family

A More Balanced Supply

to downsize or move out of their existing home.

Traditional Single Family

• 560 to 665 units of affordable housing for households earning less than 60% of AMI, or $52,800, (450 to 535 rental, 105 to 130 for-sale).

• 200 to 370 units of moderately-priced housing for households earning 60% to 120% of AMI, or $52,800 to $105,600, (70 to 130 rental, 130 to 240 for-sale) and, • 55 to 130 units of market-rate housing for households earning above 120% AMI, or above $105,600 (10 to 30 rental, 45 to 100 for-sale). +

+

Most of this demand will be met through new construction because of relatively low vacancy in the neighborhood, meaning there is limited opportunity to add units by renovating existing vacant units.

Preserving existing affordable housing options will continue to be an important element of meeting housing demand. The demand calculations include a shift in housing types to include more missing middle typologies over time.

The housing analysis for the Linden Study Area

Small Homes /ADUs

Market Rate Apartments

Small Homes/ADUs

Market Rate Apartments

Small Apartments

Small Apartments

Traditional Single Family

Affordable/Workforce Apartments Modest Single Family Duplex/2-Unit Multi-Family

onelinden.org

79

Demand by Typology

A More Balanced Supply

Move out of the neighborhood/find home elsewhere

Multi-generational family

Move into a bigger home/add an ADU unit to accommodate the family

Senior Household

Downsize to an available unit within the neighborhood

Stay in the same unit

Young Professionals

Rent a single-family home, taking it off-market

Move into a market-rate apartment building

Keep renting

80

Single Parent Household

Move into a small home

Linden’s Rental Market is Becoming More Expensive Average Rents (Zillow Observed Rental Index)

$1,180

$1,200

According to Zillow, the median rent in 43211 ZIP code is currently $1,180 - well above the multifamily rent provided

by CoStar.

By this metric, the median rent rose 35% between March 2021 and November 2023.

$1,125

$1,150

$1,100

$1,069

$1,050

$1,004 $1,000

$950

IP 11 Z

432

e

Cod

$900

+ onelinden.org

Housing has become much more expensive

Linden households are struggling to keep up with the housing costs and are at risk of displacement if new, attainable options are not added to the neighborhood.

+

While the neighborhood has seen substantial growth in the number of households,

+

Limited new housing has been built to keep

November-23

October-23

September-23

July-23

August-23

June-23

May-23

April-23

March-23

January-23

February-23

December-22

up with the increased demand.

in Linden in a relatively short time frame. +

November-22

October-22

September-22

July-22

August-22

June-22

May-22

April-22

March-22

January-22

February-22

December-21

November-21

October-21

September-21

July-21

August-21

May-21

highlights the key issues in the local market below. Recently, housing costs have risen significantly, risking displacement for many households without more affordable options.

While the number of households has grown, new housing development hasn’t kept pace, leading to ongoing challenges. Additionally, access to jobs with livable wages is crucial for improving housing stability for residents.

June-21

April-21

$800

$872

March-21

$850

+

Housing conditions remain a challenge and are an important element to address to improve housing stability.

+

Access to jobs paying livable wages will be a key part of improving housing opportunities.

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Retail Environment National Context

RETAIL MARKET STUDY

82

The consultant team assessed the market conditions of the Linden study area to understand not just the current market conditions of the area, but also how they have changed over time and are projected to change into the future. This analysis was also supplemented by a comparison to Columbus to illustrate the unique conditions that are present in the neighborhood.

Additionally, conditions vary across the neighborhood and were

represented as “nodes” of activity that were further assessed to explain these varying conditions throughout the area.

What is market analysis? + Market analysis seeks to determine a realistic program for future retail development by analyzing existing and projected demographic trends, physical conditions, and market performance.

+ Retail markets—even at the most local level—are shaped by (inter)national trends, including emergent technologies, consumer preferences, and economic and political environments. + Brick-and-mortar retail continues to be challenged by the rise of e-commerce and lingering economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retail and Economic Development Study Area Context

The Linden study area benefits from its central location in the Columbus area. It is a close drive to major shopping centers and population centers. Residents with viable transportation have a variety of employment centers to work in which in turn supports the retail market of Linden. Linden also has the opportunity to capitalize on its central location by bringing in visitors from these surrounding areas by offering attractive retail options.

The Primary Market Area (PMA) of Linden represents 70% of market demand. PMA conditions are necessary to understand to address potential market changes in the Linden area. For example, if the PMA is already oversupplied in one type of business, then that business may not be able to thrive in Linden, compared to one that is underrepresented in the PMA.

onelinden.org

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Retail Environment

History of Development in Linden

The history of Linden is varied and influences its current conditions. The population was once larger, and its peak coincided with the rise of the automobile.

This means that the neighborhood itself has a lot of physical space for growth.

Future development in the area has the opportunity to fill in space that is now vacant and build housing types that support the area’s past population density.

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+ Formally annexed by Columbus in 1921, Linden was an early inner-ring suburb that saw much of its population growth and commercial development during the 1940s and 50s. + Since retail development occurred during a period of mass adoption of personal vehicles, much of Linden’s supply is auto-related and designed to serve commuters.

+ Linden’s population decline that began in the 1960s heavily impacted retail, limiting resident support for local retail that once thrived along neighborhood commercial corridors.

Retail Analysis Linden differs from its surrounding primary market area in a number of ways. Both populations are growing at roughly the same rate, but the Linden area is growing slightly faster. Households in Linden also tend to be larger than the surrounding area, and tend to both earn less income and thus spend less annually.

Retail Purchasing Power

The retail supply for both the study area and the primary market area are both undersupplied, with demand exceeding supply. + Today, Linden has a total retail inventory of 300,000 S.F., while its residents can support approximately 650,000 S.F. based on household retail spending patterns.

Retail Purchasing Power MARKET AREA

RETAIL CENTER TYPE

Study Area

Neighborhood

Serving daily needs (i.e. grocery store, pharmacy)

Resident Purchasing Power per Year

$274M Primary Market Area Serving common needs (i.e. big box retailer, hardware store, local chain restaurant)

10-Min Drive Time Serving occasional needs/interests (i.e. movie theater, department store, specialized dining, auto dealerships)

onelinden.org

ResidentSupportable Retail (SF)

660K

Community Resident Purchasing Power per Year

$1.7B

ResidentSupportable Retail (SF)

2.25M

Regional Resident Purchasing Power per Year

$6.5B

ResidentSupportable Retail (SF)

8.72M

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Retail Demand by Product

How Much Retail Can Linden’s Residents Support?

Daily Needs (< 1.5 mile)

Pharmacy 164k SF

Gasoline 23k SF

Groceries 140k SF

Pets 15k SF Household Supplies 13k SF

Common Needs (< 5 mile)

Apparel 98k SF

Bars 13k SF

Media, Hobby. Toys 15k SF

Retailer Services 45k SF

Jewelry 4k SF

Shoes & Access.

22k SF

Auto Services 58k SF

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Dining 106k SF

Occasional Needs (< 10 mile)

Furniture 70k SF Sports Goods 14k SF

Electronics 38k SF

Hardware 101k SF

Alcohol & Tobacco 47k SF

Auto Dealerships 209k SF

Appliances 8k SF

Craft Supplies 3k SF

Supply Supply

Retail Environment Retail Environment

Demand Demand

Demand And Supply

By Product Linden Market Demand And Supply

By Product Type:Type: Linden Study Area Area

Almost all retail categories are undersupplied in the Linden study area. The only categories that are oversupplied for the study area are auto-oriented retail (besides gas stations) as well as retailer services. The Linden retail market is severely lacking in retail categories that support resident health and wellbeing, such as grocery and drug stores.

Retail Environment

Supply

Retail Environment Demand and Supply ByType: Product Linden Study Area Demand And Supply

By Product LindenType: Study Area Over-Supplied Goods in Linden PMA Over-Supplied Goods in Linden Study Area Trucks & Motorcycles Over-Supplied

Under-SuppliedGoods GoodsininLinden LindenStudy PMA Area Under-Supplied $67M $131M

Autos,&Cars, Vans, Lumber Building Materials

Goods in Linden Study Area $63M$34M $42M $24M $63M

Hardware Autos, Cars, Vans, $18M Retailer Services Trucks & Motorcycles $13M Automotive Lubricants, Automotive Lubricants, $900K Including Oil, Greases, Etc. Retailer Services Including Oil, Greases, Etc. $800K

$18M $14M $13M

Demand

$131M

$25M

Drugs, Health Aids, BeautyAids, Aids, $348M Drugs, Health Aids, Beauty $107M Including Cosmetics Goods in Linden Study $243M Area Under-Supplied Including Cosmetics $8M Meals & Alcoholic Beverages Drugs, Health Aids,Consumption Beauty Aids, Groceries & Other Food Items For Immediate Including Cosmetics Off The Premises Automotive Fuels MealsGroceries & Alcoholic Beverages For & Other Food Items ImmediateOff Consumption Consumption The Premises

Automotive Lubricants, Household Fuels$900K $13M $3M Including Oil, Greases, Etc. $800K

Nearly all product productcategories categories are undersupplied Nearly all are undersupplied in $19M in Linden, with the exception of auto-oriented Flooring & Floor Coverings Linden, with the exception of auto-oriented retailretail $12M and Nearly retail services services. all product categories are undersupplied in Computer Hardware, Software, Linden, with the exception of auto-oriented$53M retail

Because of the this undersupply, vast residents’ majority & Supplies, Including Gaming $46M of Linden As aand result, vast majority ofthe Linden retail services residents’ day to day retail spending is captured day to day retail spending is captured outside $12M Paint Coverings outside the& Wall community. of the Ascommunity a of result, the vast majority $6M of Linden residents’

Groceries & Other Food Items Meals & Alcoholic For OffBeverages The Premises Automotive Fuels Immediate Consumption Consumption Furniture, Sleep Equipment & Outdoor/Patio Furniture Automotive Fuels “Women’s” Wear

$89M $16M $8M

$154M

$97M $62M $40M $9M$16M

$4M$9M

$70M

$107M

$70M

$230M $30M$40M $206M

$54M $32M $30M $23M $4M $500K

$74M “Women’s” Wear $56M $23M “Women’s” Wear $22M All Other Merchandise $500K $1M Alcoholic Drinks Served $25M At The Establishment $10M $22M AllSleep OtherEquipment, Merchandise Furniture, $16M $1M &Furniture Outdoor/Patio Furniture $300K

The Linden market area on the other hand has a very different supply of retail categories. day to day retail spending is captured outside of the community There is a much smaller gap Furniture, Sleep Equipment, leakage $16M Retail attracts outside spending Retail &Furniture Outdoor/Patio Furniture leakage $300K Retail attracts outside spending Retail between supply versus demand Supply Retail attracts outside spending Retail leakage Supply Environment RetailRetail Environment for categories, and a larger Demand Retail outside spending leakage Retail Source: Placer.ai (2023), STI (2023) Demand And Supply attracts

By Product Type: Linden Market Area Demand Demand And Supply By Product Type: Linden Market Area number of retail categories are oversupplied compared to the Supply Demand and Supply By Product Type: Linden Market Area Retail Environment Demand neighborhood. The market area Demand And Supply By Product Type: Linden Study Area Over-Supplied Goods in Linden PMA Under-Supplied Goods in Linden PMA Over-Supplied Goods in Linden PMA Under-Supplied Goods in Linden PMA is generally undersupplied in the Drugs, Health Aids, Beauty Aids, $67M $348M Lumber & Building Materials same categories as Linden, but the Including Cosmetics $243M $34M Drugs, Health Aids, Beauty Aids, $67M $348M Lumber & Building Materials Including Cosmetics $243M $34M supply is much closer to matching Under-Supplied Goods in Linden Study Area Over-Supplied Goods in Linden Study Area Meals & Alcoholic Beverages $154M $42M Hardware For& Immediate the demand. $89M $154M $24M$42M Meals AlcoholicConsumption Beverages

Source: Placer.ai (2023), STI (2023) Image Source: Adobe

Source: Placer.ai (2023), STI (2023)

Hardware Autos, Cars, Vans,

Trucks & Motorcycles Automotive Lubricants, Including Oil, Greases, Etc.

$24M

$63M $25M

$131M

$14M $25M $18M $14M $13M $13M Household Fuels $3M Automotive Lubricants, $900K $13M Household Fuels Including Oil, Greases, Etc. $3M $800K $19M Flooring & Floor Coverings $12M $19M Flooring & Floor Coverings $12M Computer Hardware, Software,

Automotive Lubricants, Including Oil, Greases, RetailerEtc. Services

$53M in Nearly all product categories are undersupplied & Supplies, Including Gaming $46M

Linden, with the exception of auto-oriented retail Computer Hardware, Software, $53M and retail services & Supplies, Including Gaming $46M $12M Paint & Wall Coverings $6M $12M of Linden residents’ As a result, the vast majority Paint & Wall Coverings $6M

day to day retail spending is captured outside Retail attracts outside spending of the community

attracts outside spending RetailRetail attracts outside spending onelinden.org

Retail attracts outside spending

Drugs, Health Aids, Beauty Aids, For Immediate Consumption Including Cosmetics Automotive Fuels

Automotive Fuels

$97M $62M

Groceries & Other Food Items Groceries & Other Food Items Off The Premises Off The Premises

Groceries & Other Food Items Meals & Alcoholic Beverages For Off The Premises Furniture, SleepConsumption Equipment Immediate Consumption & Outdoor/Patio Furniture Furniture, Sleep Equipment & Outdoor/Patio Furniture Automotive Fuels “Women’s” Wear

$107M

$89M

$8M $97M $62M $70M $230M $206M

$16M

$54M $9M $32M

$230M $206M

$40M

$54M $30M $32M$74M $4M $56M $74M “Women’s” Wear $23M “Women’s” Wear $56M Alcoholic Drinks Served $25M $500K At The Establishment $10M Alcoholic Drinks Served $25M Merchandise $10M $22M At All TheOther Establishment

Retail leakage $1M

Retailleakage leakage $300K Retail

Furniture, Sleep Equipment, &Furniture Outdoor/Patio Furniture

$16M

leakage

Source: Placer.ai (2023), STI (2023) Image Source: Adobe

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Source: Placer.ai (2023), STI (2023)

Source: Placer.ai (2023), STI (2023)

Where do Linden Residents Shop?

Essential Retail—Frequented Grocery Stores

Essential Retail—Frequented Big Box Stores

Share of Linden residents

% that visited in 2023

Common Retail—Frequented Community Shopping Centers

The undersupply of retail options in Linden compared to resident demand suggests that residents are leaving the neighborhood to meet their daily retail needs. This translates into dollars that are not being spent at Linden businesses. It also poses an issue for the 20% of Linden households that lack a personal vehicle. Meeting retail demand in Linden not only supports the local economy and job market, but also walkability. If stores that meet residents daily needs are in close proximity to their household, then they do not need to rely on a vehicle to satisfy these needs. This is beneficial for residents without access to vehicles, as well as older populations and those with mobility issues.

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Retail Environment

Retail Supply and Demand Conclusions

Categories of Retail

Regional Comparison

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Neighborhood & Community

“Category Killers”

Dining & Drinking

Online Effect

B-Street

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+ Nearly all categories of retail are deeply undersupplied in the Study Area; + Much of Linden residents’ retail spending is captured outside of the Study Area,

a consequence of late-20th century migration, policy, and financial trends that consolidated retail investment in largescale suburban destinations.

Linden Retail Market Inventory

Around half of retailers are auto-related, followed by food and beverage stores. However, together, both retail categories account for only 10% of occupied retail space.

As compared to the eight percent of households citywide that lack vehicle access (Esri, 2023).

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+ This lack of accessible retail poses a major challenge for the approximately 1,400 households (20%) that lack personal vehicles.6

While Linden’s retail stock declined between 2012 and 2021, vacancy remained low at under 4%.

Challenges to Marketability Retail Rent Rates

Based on conversations with local commercial brokers, tenants, and landlords, move in-ready retail space in and around Linden typically leases at $12 to $18 PSF.

Rent rates are an important factor when retailers determine an optimal location for their brick and mortar business. While an area may have a clear need for a particular type of retailer, the costs of operation vary by retail sectors, and some may not be able to afford to meet the area’s demand if rents are too high for them to make a profit.

The cost per square foot of retail space in Linden are currently too high for most new businesses to consider opening in the area. While new supply of retail spaces could potentially lower the cost of renting these spaces, the cost per square foot is also too low to incentive building in the area. + Rent rates for move-in ready space fall within the $12 to $18 per square foot (PSF) range, which is too high for many local businesses and prospective entrepreneurs, yet too low to make feasible newly-built or rehabbed development.7

Retail Supply

Regional Primary Market Area

Linden Regional PMA: “True” Retail

For the sake of comparison, per CoStar, retail space delivered in Columbus since 2010 has an average rent of $24 PSF. Storefront retail— the type most common in and appropriate for Linden’s relatively dense urban building stock—delivered citywide since 2010 has a market rent of $32 PSF.

Total: 1.1M SF

7

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Retail Node Analysis

Supply Analysis

Overview of Retail Nodes NODE 1: HUDSON & I-71

For this retail analysis, 3 nodes were selected in Linden due to their opportunity for catalytic retail development. These nodes were selected due to their central locations, existing assets, and potential to add new housing.

The three nodes are all located along major corridors, which provides easy access for shoppers that are both living in the Linden area as well as traveling from surrounding communities. While these nodes are all located along major corridors, they do differ in their retail conditions, with varying amounts of vacancy, availability of retail space, and rental costs for retailers.

The three nodes identified in the prior plan still present the greatest opportunity for catalytic retail development within the Study Area given their central locations, existing assets, and potential to add new housing. + Node 1: Hudson & I-71 offers the best opportunity for large-scale development of a grocery store or big box retailer in the Study Area due to the availability of large parcels, proximity to the interstate, and outside and seasonal visitation trends associated with activities at Fairgrounds.

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57K SF

6%

$9

$125M 10.5K

NODE 2: MYRTLE & CLEVELAND

145K SF 2%

$18

$490M 7.5K

NODE 1: HUDSON & I-71

65K SF

0%

$12

$320M 5K

Overview of Retail Nodes NODE 1: HUDSON & I-71

KEY TRENDS

17 AC

57K SF

82K SF

Area Retail Inventory Total Commercial Inventory

6% $9 9K SF

Retail Vacancy Retail Rent PSF New Retail Deliveries since 2010

EXISTING TENANTS

Overview of Retail Nodes

+ Node 2: Cleveland & Myrtle, or “Downtown Linden”, has potential to act as a regional destination featuring a cluster of Caribbean restaurants and other unique dining offerings, supported additionally by the development of comparatively dense multi-family housing along Cleveland Avenue. + Node 3: 11th & Cleveland can build on existing placemaking efforts and the recently completed Linden Fresh Market to act as a center for locallyserving neighborhood and community retail, ideally bolstered by new multifamily and for-sale housing on major thoroughfares and within surrounding neighborhoods, respectively.

NODE 2: MYRTLE & CLEVELAND

KEY TRENDS

21 AC

145K SF

170K SF

Area Retail Inventory Total Commercial Inventory

2% $18 3K SF

Retail Vacancy Retail Rent PSF New Retail Deliveries since 2010

EXISTING TENANTS Ena’s Caribbean Kitchen

LJ’s Auto Service

Marlan J. Gary Funeral Home

Overview of Retail Nodes NODE 3: 11th AND CLEVELAND

KEY TRENDS

25 AC

65K SF

230K SF

Area Retail Inventory Total Commercial Inventory

0% $12 0K SF

Retail Vacancy Retail Rent PSF New Retail Deliveries since 2010

EXISTING TENANTS Big Mal’s Linden Cafe Linden Fresh Market

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Retail Node Analysis Node 1: Hudson & I-71

Node 1 Node 1 has the highest amount of vacant retail space amongst the 3 nodes. Due in part to this higher level of vacancy, it is also has the lowest rents for retail space. This combination of available retail space and low rents make it ideal for potential retailers who are unable to afford to set up shop in other parts of the neighborhood. The node also serves the highest number of households and workers. This large pool of households also has the largest income amongst the 3 nodes.

The area is ideal for the large-scale development of a grocery store or big box retailer for its availability of large parcels. A grocery or big box retailer would also be supported by the node’s close proximity to the interstate, which brings in outside visitors throughout the year, and the Fairgrounds, which bring in outside visitors seasonally. These new developments could potentially serve as anchors for the node which it is currently lacking.

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Node 1: Hudson & I-71

Node 1: Hudson & I-71

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Retail Node Analysis

Node 2: Cleveland & Myrtle

Node 2 Node 2 has the lowest household income of the 3 nodes as well as number of workers. While there are less workers and lower incomes for the area, it actually has the highest amount of retail spending per household. The node has the largest amount of retail space as well as the most annual retail demand.

This concentration of retail activity along the major commercial corridor makes it ideal to serve as a regional destination for the community.

The area already has multifamily developments and unique retail destinations which support the node as the “downtown” for Linden, and could be further supported by increased retail activity and additional multifamily development.

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Node 2: Cleveland & Myrtle

Node 2: Cleveland & Myrtle

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Retail Node Analysis

Node 3: 11th & Cleveland

Node 3 Node 3 has the lowest number of households served among the 3 nodes. The area only has 65,000 square feet of dedicated retail space and currently has a 0% vacancy rate, meaning that the area will likely need additional retail development to occur before new retailers are able to move into the space, unless another retailer closes in the area. The area does have a large number of vacant lots as well as large parcels that are available for development making it an ideal location for new construction.

The Linden Fresh Market is a recently developed anchor for the community, serving as a vital resource to the community serving free healthy foods as well as a pharmacy.

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Node 3: 11th & Cleveland

Node 3: 11th & Cleveland

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Retail Node Analysis

Demand, Supply, and Development Opportunity Conclusions

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Economic Context

Informal Economic Activity

Informal Economic Activity The division between the informal economy and formal economy is ambiguous. The formal economy is dependent on labor from the informal economy. + Linden’s informal economic assets like skill sets and social networks were built in response to market failures and provide earnings (and, therefore, retail demand) that are not quantified adequately by formal economic metrics. + Informal economic activities can readily be formalized via entrepreneurial and employment strategies for residents.

By the Numbers

$1.6 Trillion

Annual Value of the Informal Economy in the US

7%

Share of US GDP attributed to Informal Economy

Up to 40%

Proportion of US labor force engaged in Informal Economy

What might the informal economy look like in Linden?

Development of under recognized skill sets and wealth that can interact with the formal economy Provision of goods such as groceries, that are undersupplied in the market Care for residents and children, forming supportive social networks

How can we recognize the assets of Linden’s informal economy?

Job training, apprenticeship, and certification that formalizes skill sets Access to seed capital for entrepreneurship and business incubation, as well as providing wages for elder and child care Opportunity to provide subsidized retail space and small-scale vendor space, such as farmers markets Remove barriers to accessing good jobs, while formalizing overlaps between informal and formal economies

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Future Retail Demand

Population & Income Growth

+ As a means of strengthening Linden’s retail environment, community stakeholders and city leadership should explore creation of a novel citywide program to underwrite permanently affordable groundfloor retail space in rehabbed or newly constructed buildings located in historically disinvested neighborhoods and leased to qualifying small businesses.

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+ In concept, this program would operate like a tax credit, providing a subsidy in the form of gap financing for development to make feasible rents that are affordable for small businesses, ideally at or below $12 PSF. + Commercial space should be developed at high-visibility locations, particularly the selected nodes in Linden,

supported additionally by curated anchor tenant, like a big box retailer. + This document can serve as a guide in curating highquality and qualified valueadding tenants to the Linden community that provide essential goods, like groceries, and/or reflect neighborhood cultural identities, based on resident feedback.

Population & Income Growth

+ For this proposed subsidy program to succeed, it would need to be created in tandem with expanded programming to identify, support, and incubate new and prospective small businesses and entrepreneurs already located in the community.

• Tenant businesses should be curated on the basis of their capacity to meet underserved community needs, create employment opportunities, and catalyze further local economic development.

• While priority should be given to local businesses, affordable space could also be leased as studio or exhibition space for local artists and performers. + Specific details of this program would need to be developed as part of a larger small business ecosystem strategy for Columbus’ economically distressed neighborhoods.

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Implementation “If you don’t measure it, you don’t mean it” Mayor Andrew J. Ginther

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10 BIG IDEAS ImPLEMENTATION The One Linden Plan contains a range of metrics, strategies, and recommendations that work in an integrated way to address key factors that were identified and prioritized. Members of the working groups, the advisory committee, and event attendees developed the 10 Big Ideas. The 10 Big Ideas are goals with action items that capitalize on Linden’s strengths as opportunities to make transformational change in the Linden community.

Assessing our progress as a community

Since 2022, internal and external partners began assessing the plan’s progress. The following section outlines the plan’s Big Ideas and their 148 action items from the original plan, laying out the progress taken on each since the plan’s launch.

PLAN EVALUATION Each Big Idea combines multiple issues to focus on a shared goal.

These are re-examined in today’s context and given primary objectives for success moving forward. The key partners who have contributed to positive work on these ideas—city departments, community organizations, and more—are spotlighted, along with data from their efforts.

Action items from the original plan are sorted by working groups— education and workforce; health and safety; housing; retail and small business; and transportation. The original plan action items are then assessed on a scale from none (no progress) to achieved. The full scale

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is on the following page. Each has an accompanying advisory report, where committee members convened to evaluate the idea’s progress so far.

Finally, the original implementation tables were updated to include adjusted action items based on advisory committee feedback, documented partners, and assessed progress made. The 2018 recommended action items are assessed on the progress scale. The 2024 adjusted action items will guide continued action, leverage current partnerships, and establish new ones.

IMPLEMENTATION TABLES Reading the Implementation Tables

Five Key Areas

Action Item Actionable items are specific steps that contribute to achieving the larger goal. By breaking down the Big Idea into smaller, manageable parts, one can track progress incrementally and avoid overwhelming stakeholders.

Time Frame The time frame outlines the expected duration for implementing each actionable item. This will help set realistic goals and assist in managing resources effectively.

Adjusted Action Item

Appendix More information on each Big Idea can be found in the Appendix section, starting on page 168.

Suggested updated action items are based on advisory committee input and market study assessment. These are listed in black below the original action items in grey.

Actual Partners Actual partners are non-profits, city government, and local Linden organizations and private sector entities that are contributing to accomplishing the actionable item from the 2018 Plan and when applicable, the 2024 recommendations.

Key Partners A Key Partner is working to achieve at least one of the 148 action items defined in the plan.

Progress Progress measures the advancement of each of the original plan’s actionable items. This provides a snapshot of what has been achieved and what remains to be done. The key defines how progress is measured.

Outcomes and Metrics Outcomes and metrics are measurable or observable results of the actionable item. If we accomplish the actionable item, we will see the stated outcome or metric. onelinden.org

The One Linden Plan focuses on five key areas that guide its implementation throughout the community. These goals were developed alongside community members through several working groups that represent a range of Linden stakeholders.

Education & Workforce

Progress Scale Key None: 0 Partners Started There has been no visible progress on the goal, with both measurable data and conditions remaining unchanged or worsening, despite internal discussions.

Retail & Small Business

Partial Some progress has been made toward the goal through the creation of programs and community efforts, but these initiatives are not yet widely implemented, and the nature of the problem has evolved, necessitating new strategies.

Housing

Strong Significant progress has been made on complex goals linked to systemic socioeconomic challenges through successful neighborhood programs and new city services, though connecting residents to these resources remains difficult and the nature of the problems has evolved.

Achieved Specific goals have been fully achieved, such as passing laws and launching successful programs, resulting in significant improvements, but many complex qualitative issues persist, requiring ongoing community efforts to assess future progress.

Health & Safety

Transportation

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Big Idea #1

Stabilize and Expand Housing Options

Progress by the Numbers

Housing is a major foundation for success, providing an anchor for individuals and families as other aspects of their lives may change.

Stabilizing housing means reducing the cost-burden of housing on households, as well as controlling the proliferation of vacant structures in the neighborhood. Expanding housing options could occur by adding to the portfolio of housing types and price points to create a healthier mix in the community. Expansion also refers to the construction of new units on vacant lots, and refurbishing existing vacant/abandoned units to re-populate the neighborhood.

This Big Idea addresses two Key Areas—Housing and Education & Workforce. There are 13 Action Items that include improving structural conditions and increasing homeownership. Two of the action items have been adjusted based on feedback from the community, advisory committee, and actual partners.

In 2018, the Housing and Education & Workforce work groups recommended 13 Action Items. The information below illustrates the progress made to date.

Action items addressed: 13 of 13 Progress Scale

8 4 Partial

Education & Workforce

Housing Recommended Action Items

3

1

Strong Achieved

2

5

Recommended Action Items

2

1

Partial Strong Achieved

Key Partners

Before Before photo of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Homes initiative home.

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After After photo of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Homes initiative home.

Homeport provides 100 units of The Central Ohio Community Land senior living at Mulby Place.

Trust and Nationwide partnered to create homeownership opportunities for 28 Linden residents.

CVS Health invested $13.7 million to renovate Rosewind Estates.

Big Idea #1

Stabilize and Expand Housing Options

Linden Family Home Gets Renovated

Advisory Committee Report

Summarized from the Nationwide Children’s article “Renovating a Beloved Linden Family Home”

Advisory Committee members identified the following challenges and barriers to stabilize and expand housing options:

The Healthy Homes’ home repair program through Nationwide Children’s Hospital helped renovate the exterior of long-time Linden resident Regina Barnett’s home. The house had been in the family since 1976, and although she and her brother had been slowly renovating since 2017, repairs to the exterior were going to be extensive. Barnett applied for the Healthy Homes program and when accepted the inspectors agreed the home needed a new roof, windows, doors, porch railings, and siding.

The overhaul took a little over a month, and Barnett was excited to see that some of her neighbors had been hired on the contractor’s crew. Many of these neighbors had watched her grow up in the house. Barnett commented, “I am forever grateful. They did everything I wanted.” She has recommended the program to family and friends after the success of her house’s renovations.

•

Instances of theft around construction sites

Advisory Committee members identified the following to support potential programs that will stabilize and expand housing options: • •

Connect workers with resources and a path to financial stability Deepen relationships with police to be more visible on streets with active construction

To see the original article, go to: www.nationwidechildrens.org/about-us/populationhealth-and-wellness/healthy-neighborhoods-healthyfamilies/neighbors/healthy-homes-testimonial

Meeting 1: June 26, 2024

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Big Idea #1

Volunteers make landscaping improvement’s to a neighbor’s front yard.

Data Habitat for Humanity - MidOhio

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families

291 homes

impacted through Healthy Homes initiative

50 repairs

$35.2M

completed between 2019 and 2023

40 homes

brought online between 2019 and 2023

invested through Healthy Homes initiative

80 rentals

The improved landscaping around a resident’s ramp.

scattered-site rental projects affected

20 streets

$8M

impacted in plan area

invested in home repair projects with the land trust

CareSource

Habitat for Humanity volunteers made improvements to a neighbor’s plant bed.

$11.3M

raised since 2021 for affordable housing development by CareSource and other investors

50 units

of affordable housing constructed since 2021

average sale price for homes in Linden

Volunteers make improvements to a neighbor’s front yard.

$225,690

average appraisal value for homes in Linden

Homeport

affordable housing projects funded

100 units

Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation

to homes in Linden

110

home repair projects

$134,739

16 projects

28 repairs

183 repairs

of affordable housing options for seniors at Mulby Place

The improved landscaping in a resident’s front yard.

3,000 sq ft

of commercial space at Mulby Place development

Big Idea #1

Stabilize and Expand Housing Options Action Item

Create/support community land trust to acquire and lease property long-term to income-qualifying households

TF

Outcomes/ Metrics

Actual Partners

Offer permanent affordability and prevent displacement

City of Columbus COCIC Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority Central Ohio Community Land Trust Healthy Homes

6-10

Achieved

City of Columbus COCIC Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority Healthy Homes Habitat for Humanity CareSource Central Ohio Community Land Trust Homeport Nationwide Children’s Hospital Ohio Capital Finance Corporation

6-10

Strong

City of Columbus Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority Healthy Homes Nationwide Children’s Hospital

6-10

Strong

Add new housing units by bringing existing units online and constructing new units Increase housing and income diversity, reduce economic segregation

(Years)

Progress

Attract a diversity of incomes to live in Linden (2018 Plan) Attract higher incomes to live in Linden while expanding attainable housing options for long-term residents (2024 Recommendation)

Offer down payment assistance

Reduce barriers to homeownership/wealth-creation

City of Columbus Ohio Housing Finance Agency

6-10

Strong

Offer free or subsidized home maintenance programming for qualifying households (i.e. lawn care, porch painting, gutter cleaning)

Reduce physical burdens of homeownership

City of Columbus Habitat for Humanity Nationwide Children's Hospital Healthy Homes

1-5

Partial

Reduce barriers to homeownership/wealth-creation

City of Columbus Park National Bank Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority JPMorgan Chase

6-10

Partial

Create mortgage lending program for people with lower credit scores (2018 Plan) Create programs to increase resident credit worthiness so that existing programs can be maximally utilized (2024 Recommendation)

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Big Idea #1

Stabilize and Expand Housing Options Action Item

Actual Partners

Increased exterior home quality and reduced maintenance cost for owners

City of Columbus Habitat for Humanity Nationwide Children's Hospital Healthy Homes

1-3

Partial

Create long-time owner-occupied program to stabilize/ freeze property taxes

More long-term residents/ prevent displacement

City of Columbus Habitat for Humanity Nationwide Children's Hospital Healthy Homes State of Ohio Franklin County Auditor Central Ohio Community Land Trust

6-10

Partial

Require landlords to be physically present at eviction hearings

Reduce eviction rate

Franklin County Municipal Court

1-3

Achieved

Create a fast-track or preferential treatment/pricing of Land Bank homes for approved landlords or property owners who meet certain standards/guidelines

Reduce eviction rate, offer lowincome housing options

City of Columbus COCIC

1-3

Strong

Offer universal legal representation for tenants

Reduce eviction rate

Columbus City Council City of Columbus

1-3

Strong

Create tenant-landlord educational program with incentives

Reduce eviction rate, support positive relationships

City of Columbus Greater Linden Business Network Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority

1-3

Partial

Offer educational outreach, financial planning related to home ownership

Increase homeownership rate

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority The Ohio State University

Ongoing

Partial

Offer home improvement grants/loans for qualifying households in target locations

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TF

Outcomes/ Metrics

(Years)

Progress

Big Idea #2

Connect Residents to Employment

Despite Columbus’ low unemployment rate in 2018 (4.82%), the African-American unemployment rate was still 12.61%. The AfricanAmerican unemployment rate in Linden was 19.3%, with the rate in one census tract exceeding 36%. These figures point to a serious mismatch between unemployed persons and employers, one that recruitment, training, education, and transportation strategies will begin to address.

Connecting residents to employment will prepare people for living wage jobs and find ways to ensure longevity and stability in those positions. Working with employers will be key to creating a pathway from unemployment to living wage security.

This Big Idea addressed three Key Areas—Transportation, Education & Workforce, and Retail & Small Businesses, with 12 Action Items that include improving transportation access and incentivizing hiring Linden residents. Eleven Action Items have been adjusted based on feedback from the community, advisory committee, and the actual partners.

Key Partners

Progress by the Numbers

In 2018, the Transportation, Retail & Small Business, and Education & Workforce work groups recommended 12 Action Items. The information below illustrates the progress made to date.

Action items addressed: 6 of 12 Progress Scale Education & Workforce

Transportation

4 2

6

Recommended Action Items

2

Started Partial

1

2

Recommended Action Items

3

None Started Partial

Retail & Small Business

2

Recommended Action Items

1 1 Started Strong

Participants in Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s youth employment program.

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Remember Us Urban Legends (RUUL) Youth Employment Program.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Boost program offers work readiness provides health care job experience. training.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital expanded their youth mentoring.

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Big Idea #2 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Connects Residents to Employment Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s BOOST program offers training and coaching to Linden residents ages 18 and up. This program helps residents in getting fulltime jobs with a starting wage of $18 per hour. More than 250 residents have secured employment after graduating from BOOST and other workforce development programs the hospital sponsors.

Additionally, Linden residents aged 16 to 24 can participate in a paid summer work opportunity through the hospital.

Participants have the chance to learn, build skills, and gain experience in a health care setting. These learning opportunities sometimes lead to full-time employment.

Since 2021, more than 225 Linden residents have participated and 25 have received full-time employment offers.

Connect Residents to Employment Advisory Committee Report Advisory Committee members identified the following challenges and barriers to connecting residents to employment: • • • • • •

Awareness of hiring incentives offered by employers The types of incentives offered by employers to Linden residents Transportation to employment centers from Linden Employers tend to hire outside of Linden Language barriers make job training programs inaccessible to some Residents are not incentivized to train in particular industries due to low pay

Advisory Committee members identified the following to support potential programs that will connect residents to employment: • • • • •

Partner with local businesses to offer trade programs through Linden-McKinley High School Offer workforce counseling and professional development opportunities at recreation centers Support a pop-up employment office Centralize employer resources for job seekers Engage with workforce development partners to build job training program

Meeting 1: July 31, 2024

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Big Idea #2 Data Nationwide Children’s Hospital

A participant of Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s youth employment program.

250+ residents

Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s youth employment program participants.

have secured employment after graduating from BOOST or other workforce development programs the hospital sponsors

229 youth

have participated in a paid summer work opportunity gaining experience in healthcare

25 youth

have received full-time offers after the paid summer work opportunity

51 students

Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s youth employment program participants.

have participated in Nationwide Children’s High School Career Academy and explored healthcare careers since 2022

Speakers panel for Nationwide Children’s Hospital TRIO Upward Bound Math & Science program.

A participant of Nationwide Children’s Hospital TRIO Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) program.

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115

Big Idea #2

Connect Residents to Employment Action Item

Explore emerging transportation options like micro-transit and first-mile-last-mile (2018 Plan) Support the LinkUS Columbus Initiative and associated initiatives (2024 Recommendation)

Outcomes/ Metrics

Actual Partners

TF

(Years)

Progress

CoGo Columbus Lyft COTA Better access to employment centers Bird - Ride Electric Lime Scooters CareSource City of Columbus

1-5

Partial

Reduced transportation costs

COTA

1-5

Partial

Reduced transportation cost and better access to employment

City of Columbus COTA Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Smart Columbus

1-5

Started

Simplification of multi-modal transportation

City of Columbus Smart Columbus COTA

1-5

Started

Increased skills and workforce readiness

CareSource CVS Health Greater Linden Business Network Linden Economic Development Corporation LYFE Savers Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority We Are Linden The Empowerment Team

6-10

Strong

6-10

Started

Consider monthly COTA bus vouchers for individuals participating in other programs (2018 Plan) Expand C-Pass program to all Columbus residents working in the city that meet eligible income requirements (2024 Recommendation) Coordinate carpooling network and communication among residents (2018 Plan) Work with local organizations to build carpooling network (2024 Recommendation) Create integrated cash-based payment system for multiple transportation modes (2018 Plan) Allow for residents to add money to their COTA pass with cash at various locations, such as community centers or pay stations (2024 Recommendation)

Work with Linden employers to identify job skills and offer training to area residents

Offer incentives to Linden employers who hire Linden residents (2018 Plan) Increase awareness of employer resources (2024 Recommendation)

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Reduced unemployment

Big Idea #2

Connect Residents to Employment Action Item

Outcomes/ Metrics

Offer workforce counseling, resume creation, and soft skill building curriculum (2018 Plan)

Hosts events and programming at community gathering spaces to offer these services (2024 Recommendation)

Offer wraparound supports to help people retain employment (2018 Plan)

Improved job linkage and preparation

Build awareness of wraparound resources offered by Columbus (2024 Recommendation) Identify key employers to serve as a pipeline for Linden residents to obtain jobs (2018 Plan) Allow for interaction between employers and residents through job fair events and pop-up employment offices (2024 Recommendation) Consider transitional supports for people moving from public assistance to higher wages facings the loss of benefits (2018 Plan) Work with partner agencies to develop support (2024 Recommendation)

Retain people in the workforce, prevent loss of benefits from deterring higher earnings

Augment Summer Youth Employment Program, consider trade-oriented placements for older youth (2018 Plan) Create centralized information hub for youth employment programs offered by partner organizations (2024 Recommendation) Create formal relationship between Linden McKinley and trade training programs (2018 Plan) Continue to work with established partners while working to build new partnerships (2024 Recommendation)

onelinden.org

Actual Partners

TF

(Years)

Progress

Nationwide Children’s Hospital St. Stephen’s Community House Columbus Metropolitan Library CareSource Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority Godman Guild City of Columbus

1-5

Partial

Nationwide Children's Hospital CareSource Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority

1-5

Partial

Greater Linden Business Network Linden Economic Development Alliance CareSource COTA Godman Guild Ohio State University

1-5

Partial

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority CareSource Godman Guild

1-5

Started

St. Stephen's Community House Columbus Metropolitan Library

1-5

Started

1-5

None

Improved job linkage and preparation

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Big Idea #3

Reduce Crime and Improve Perception

Crime, both real and perceived, is an issue that has plagued the Linden community for decades. To tackle such a deep-rooted social problem, the collaboration of multiple stakeholders is required. One important recognition is that crime largely stems from social conditions and prevention is the best tactic—not incarceration. This Big Idea makes recommendations to help reduce crime and improve the public perception of Linden as a place to do live or do business.

Progress by the Numbers

In 2018, the Health & Safety, Housing, Retail & Small Business, and Education & Workforce work groups recommended 20 Action Items.

The information below illustrates the progress made to date.

Action items addressed: 16 of 20 Progress Scale

This Big Idea addresses four Key Areas—Health & Safety, Housing, Education & Workforce, and Retail & Small Business, with 20 Action Items that include deterring crime through job opportunities and improving community relationships with police. Nine Action Items have been adjusted based on feedback from the community, advisory committee, and the actual partners.

5

3

Partial

Strong

1

1

2

Safe Street initiative uses bike officers to improve communitypolice relations.

Civilian Police Review Board was created to provide civilian oversight of police.

The Columbus Police Athletic League provides opportunities for youth.

Recommended Action Items

2

Partial Strong Health & Safety

8

Recommended Action Items

None Started Partial

118

1

Retail & Small Business

4

Installation of enhanced crosswalks with push button flashing lights has increased comfort and safety for pedestrians.

3

Recommended Action Items

2

Key Partners

Education & Workforce

Housing

Recommended Action Items

2

3

3

Started

Partial

Strong

The City of Columbus initiated a number of street cleaning activities.

Big Idea #3 Columbus Division of Police Statement On April 30th, 2023, the Division implemented the plan to create the 6th Patrol Zone. Zone 6 includes the King-Lincoln Bronzeville, South Linden, and North Linden neighborhoods.

Implementation of the plan decreased the distances officers have to travel to respond to calls for service, which allows officers more time to conduct crime prevention, crime intervention, and enforcement actions. One of the goals of the plan was to ensure the patrol zones aligned with existing neighborhoods to ensure officers were able to most effectively address the unique challenges of each neighborhood.

The small geographic area of the zone and continuity of neighborhoods has increased officers’ ability to more effectively implement initiatives that address the challenges of each neighborhood and to address root causes of crime. The plan has led to more focused, intentional, and effective community engagement.

Reduce Crime and Improve Perception Advisory Committee Report Advisory Committee members identified the following challenges and barriers to reducing crime and improving perception: • • • • • • • • • • •

Level of training in schools to support officer and victim mediation Unsafe biking conditions for bike patrols Empowering and supporting local block watches Attracting new residents to community events The cost of rehab for small business owners with vacant properties Weak private/business network Maintenance of landscaping to beautify streets and alleys Transportation for workers to reach higher paying jobs Lack of awareness on job training programs Lack of awareness or availability for early childhood education Funding for public art that supports a sense of place

Advisory Committee members identified the following to support potential programs that will reduce crime and improving perception: • • • • • • • • • • • •

CPD recruitment events to higher nonwhite officers Connect housing providers with CPD to incentive officers to live locally Provide free CoGo annual memberships to citizen block watches Make officers more accessible for informal police interactions Organize community bike rides to support opportunities for socialization Incentivize public art/murals on vacant structures to support beautification Support neighborhood litter cleanup efforts Perform annual street light survey to identify priority areas for light installation Add lighting to bus stops Support completion of GED and record expungements to connect residents to living wage employment opportunities Provide free bus and/or bikeshare memberships to connect residents to living wage employment opportunities Develop in person and recorded parenting classes to support early childhood education Meeting 1: November 29, 2023 Meeting 2: January 31, 2024

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Big Idea #3

The North and South Linden Area Commission Linden Litter Clean up.

Data

40 volunteers

1 trauma training

made flower arrangements for residents

completed in the Linden area

4 properties

One Linden Health and Safety beautifying the former Linden War Memorial site.

landscaped on 14th Avenue

8 clean-ups led by the Linden Anti-Violence Team

Linden Spring Clean Up (2023)

30+ canvasses

2,010 households

in various areas of Linden

converted from 300-gallon to 90-gallon trash collection Community members at the LAVT Unity BBQ in 2024.

230+ tons

of illegally dumped waste removed from alleys

400 people serviced between two Unity BBQ’s

29 clients

445 tires

currently being served

removed from alleys

The Columbus CARE Coalition booth at Linden Safety Day.

25 clean-ups

57 events attended to share information about LATV

community clean-ups supported by Keep Columbus Beautiful, removing 9 tons of litter

119 lock boxes

Healthy Homes Beautification Event (2024)

distributed as a harm-reduction approach to violence

35 volunteers

City of Columbus Office of Violence Prevention

provided landscaping services

11 properties 120

6 listening sessions completed at East Linden Elementary, Kenlawn Apartment Complex, and Mulby Place

Healthy Homes Beautification Event (2021)

landscaped on 23rd Avenue

Linden Anti-Violence Team1

Volunteers clean up trash on Myrtle Avenue.

1

The Linden Anti-Violence Team is a program of the City of Columbus

3 events coordinated in Linden

Big Idea #3

Columbus Landmarks, North Linden, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital at the NLAC Block Blitz.

Data One Block at a Time2

4 clean-ups

Columbus CARE Coalition3

141 families of homicide victims offered support and resource linkage

led by One Block at a Time

223 canvases

35 families

completed since 2018 to provide support following homicide or community trauma

impacted

35 residents provided with Leisure cards and given Fitbits

NLAC Vice Chair and Columbus Realtor’s beautify a North Linden home.

725 homes provided with literature and resources

2 health fairs

110+ grief baskets

hosted

2 block parties for back to school, providing book bags

shared with families since 2018 to help ease their suffering

Shirley’s Legacy Food Initiative setting up food for volunteers.

110 trauma referrals to families since 2018, checked-in with and linked to care

10 families

103 therapy groups

provided major home repairs

20 assessments

offered in the community since 2018

859 people

conducted on the health of residents at the beginning and end of the program

City of Columbus Department of Public Safety

$2.9M approx. invested in crime reduction infrastructure One Block at a Time is a program of the City of Columbus

2

onelinden.org

provided with free trauma-responsive care training in the community

Volunteers shoveling mulch at a clean-up event.

The South Linden Block Blitz was a one-day community revitalization event in South Linden on E 24th St led by the Columbus Landmarks Foundation. Volunteers worked to help improve five owner-occupied properties with landscaping and general yard maintenance.

55 people trained in Community Resilience Certification Columbus CARE Coalition is a program of the City of Columbus

3

121

Big Idea #3

Reduce Crime and Improve Perception Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

TF (Years)

Progress

Citizen review process

City of Columbus

1-5

Strong

Allow more opportunity for socialization

Civic association, walking club, cooking club, recurring events

City of Columbus North Linden Area Commission South Linden Area Commission LYFE Savers We Are Linden

Ongoing

Strong

Create Linden ambassador program

Certified and compensated neighborhood ambassadors

We Are Linden Community of Caring Development Foundation Remember Us Urban Legends

Ongoing

Strong

Mediation process

City of Columbus LYFE Savers Milo Grogan Area Commission

1-5

Partial

Additional bike officers, hours, and timeline (i.e. May through October)

City of Columbus

1-5

Partial

Sporting events, cookouts

Starfish Assignment City of Columbus Community of Caring Development Foundation St. Stephen's Community House Columbus City Schools We Are Linden

1-5

Partial

28% nonwhite officers

City of Columbus

6-10

Started

Increase officers living in city limits

City of Columbus U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

6-10

Started

Action Item Consider police incident citizen review

Allow for police officer and victim mediation (2018 Plan) Centralize resources for officers and victims to readily access information (2024 Recommendation) Continue and expand bike patrols Increase informal police interactions (2018 Plan)

Have officers attend local events as a community liaison rather than an on duty officer (2024 Recommendation)

Increase minority police recruitment (2018 Plan) Host CPD recruitment events within the communities that they serve to increase minority police recruitment (2024 Recommendation) Incentivize officers to live locally (2018 Plan) Connect housing providers and housing assistance with CPD to incentivize officers to live locally (2024 Recommendation)

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Big Idea #3

Reduce Crime and Improve Perception Action Item

TF (Years)

Progress

City of Columbus North Linden Area Commission South Linden Area Commission

N/A

Strong

Less vacant structures

City of Columbus North Linden Area Commission South Linden Area Commission Nationwide Children’s Hospital Healthy Homes Habitat for Humanity Ohio Capital Finance Corporation

N/A

Strong

More porch lights, automated porch lights for darkness

City of Columbus North Linden Area Commission South Linden Area Commission

N/A

Strong

City of Columbus Ohio State University Nationwide Children’s Hospital

N/A

Partial

Well-lit alleys free of obstructions

City of Columbus

N/A

Partial

Lower unemployment rate Higher incomes

Columbus Metropolitan Library Nationwide Children’s Hospital Godman Guild Columbus Urban League

1-5

Strong

More children prepared for kindergarten

Columbus Metropolitan Library Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus City Schools ABA Moo Moo’s Little Miracles Future Ready Five St. Stephen’s Community House

1-5

Strong

Lower unemployment rate Higher incomes

Columbus Works Godman Guild Nationwide Children’s Hospital One Linden Cooperatives City of Columbus

6-10

Partial

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Linden-specific proactive staff

Secure and reduce vacant properties

Increase lighting on streets

Dedicate proactive code enforcement

Beautify vacant structures (2018 Plan) Incentivize residents to aid in beautification efforts, such as Attractive vacant structures mural paintings and litter clean up (2024 Recommendation) Improve alley lighting/tree canopy (2018 Plan) Improve alley lighting/tree canopy and ensure proper maintenance (2024 Recommendation)

Offer job training with funded recruitment efforts

Offer universal high-quality early childhood education

Connect residents to living wage employment to deter crime

onelinden.org

123

Big Idea #3

Reduce Crime and Improve Perception TF (Years)

Progress

1-5

Partial

1-5

Partial

Host events where residents can dispose of tires and other materials (2024 Recommendation)

City of Columbus Crime Stoppers Franklin County Municipal CourtEnvironmental Division Ohio EPA North Linden Area Commission South Linden Area Commission

Install entry signage at neighborhood gateways (consistent Greater awareness of Linden and with refreshed and cohesive branding efforts) improved perception

South Linden Area Commission North Linden Area Commission

6-10

Started

1-5

None

Action Item Fund public art by local artists and artists of color to create sense of place (2018 Plan) Build a dedicated source of funding for yearly public art projects by local artist and artist of color (2024 Recommendation) Offer proper used tire disposal: temporary programs multiple times per year or year-round permanent collection site (2018 Plan)

Create proximate and safe on- and off-street parking options (2018 Plan) Align parking goals with Zone In Columbus to create proximate and safe on- and off- street parking options (2024 Recommendation)

124

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

5 murals along Cleveland Ave. and/or Columbus Arts Council Hudson St. corridors

Reduce illegal tire dumping, improved neighborhood appearance

At least one parking lot at identified retail nodes

Big Idea #4

Support Student Success

Barriers to student success must be reduced to achieve strong academic outcomes. These include out of school factors like domestic violence, hunger, medical concerns, etc. Addressing these obstacles enables teachers to focus on education—making learning enjoyable and more effective. Strategies encourage identifying student need, direct issue resolution, and linking students and families to resources. Parent engagement and administrator longevity are critical components of setting the stage for a successful learning environment.

This Big Idea addressed three Key Areas—Housing, Education & Workforce, and Health & Safety, with 17 Action Items that include increasing mentorship and addressing housing instability. Seven, Action Items have been adjusted based on feedback from the community, advisory committee, and the actual partners.

Key Partners

Progress by the Numbers

In 2018, the Health & Safety, Housing, and Education & Workforce work groups recommended 17 Action Items. The information below illustrates the progress made to date.

Action items addressed: 9 of 17 Progress Scale

2 1

Education & Workforce

Housing

11

Recommended Action Items

1

Started Partial

Recommended Action Items

1

7

3

Partial Strong

Started

Health & Safety

4

Recommended Action Items

4 Partial

Mayor Ginther and We Are Linden Ambassadors at the annual Block Party.

onelinden.org

Community Caring CDC welcoming youth to the Sports Leadership Academy.

One Linden Schools Initiative leadership at the Kicking Into Kindergarten Resource Fair.

Linden McKinley STEM Academy 8th grade graduation.

Rise Up CBUS! at COMO Elementary’s annual Passion and Purpose Career Fair.

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Big Idea #4 One Linden Schools Initiative (OLSI) The One Linden Schools Initiative (OLSI) serves as the mechanism behind the student success component of the One Linden Plan, ensuring that all children and youth in Linden benefit from coordinated, collaborative community supports aimed at promoting healthy development, academic learning, and school success OLSI is led by leaders at Columbus City Schools (CCS), the City of Columbus, The Ohio State University’s Community and Youth Collaborative Institute (CAYCI), and the United Way of Central Ohio, with support of other partners in the community.

OLSI focuses on improving learning conditions and converting schools in the Linden-McKinley feeder pattern into community hubs. A particular focus has been on Hamilton and Windsor STEM Academies, with expanded attention on LindenMcKinley STEM Academy.

OLSI developed five priorities to guide its work: • Address academic gaps • Meet basic needs to support student learning • Expand access to coordinated health and behavioral services • Enhance positive youth development and out-of-school time programs • Strengthen family and community engagement To learn more, go to: https://cayci.osu.edu/

Support Student Success Advisory Committee Report Advisory Committee members met to provide feedback on Big Idea 4 through three separate meetings. Members identified progress made on action items, partners supporting this progress, barriers to this support, and potential programs that could further support a specific action item. Feedback was gathered through presentations, breakout groups, and panel discussions with relevant stakeholders.

Advisory Committee members identified the following challenges and barriers to supporting student success: • • • • • • • • • • •

Availability of school related information for parents Building connections between parents, faculty, and students Cultural and language barriers Availability of quality mentors and mentorships Lack of mental health access Program funding that supports student success Staffing and access to summer programming Time and transportation constraints for early childhood education Lack of teacher support Programs do not reach families with nontraditional work hours Teachers report a low feeling of appreciation in the workplace

Advisory Committee members identified the following to support potential programs that will support student success: • • • • • • • •

Pathways to support schools hosting community events Identifying specific community organizations to support mentorship opportunities Work with landlords to prevent evictions and keep children in schools Integrate trade programs into summer academic programming Secure additional funding to support early childhood education Provide free bike share memberships as an incentive for student performance The city should provide support to teachers to build relationships with the community Celebrate teacher and school accomplishments Meeting 1: September 27, 2023 Meeting 2: October 25, 2023

126

Big Idea #4

An updated socialemotional learning room at Windsor STEM Academy.

Data

One Linden Schools Initiative (OLSI)1

$2.5M

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

1,000+ kids have been impacted through a partnership with Be The One at Linden-McKinley STEM Academy since 2018

72 girls

grant dollars over 5 years from the U.S. Department of Education through the Full-Service Community Schools Grant

8,469 service units

An updated socialemotional learning room at Hamilton STEM Academy.

community partner services delivered over the past 5 years

322 service counts

have participated in Girls Group at Linden McKinley, a program focused on socialemotional learning

delivered academic learning programs/interventions

10 students

714 service counts

from Linden are participating in Upward Bound Math and Science, a program offering mentoring and tutoring

51 students from Linden have participated in Nationwide Children’s High School Career Academy program since 2022

One Linden Schools Initiative (OLSI) CAYCI School Experience Survey

delivered youth development/ school climate programs/interventions

OLSI and North Linden Elementary staff.

252 service counts delivered health & social services programs/ interventions

Residents playing basketball at the Rise Up CBUS! Linden Pre-K Enrollment Block Party.

1,396 service counts delivered parent/family engagement & support programs/interventions

29% increase

70% decrease

in teacher/staff perceptions of the strength of the learning support systems at the schools from 2022-2024

44% increase in teacher/staff perceptions of the strength of school climate and connectedness from 2022-2024

onelinden.org

in problem behaviors across both schools

25% decrease Lawrence Funderburke presents to the Sports Leadership Academy.

in chronic absenteeism in both schools since 2020 1

More information on OLSI can be found in the Appendix section

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Big Idea #4

Support Student Success Action Item

TF (Years)

Progress

Schools more central to sense of community

City of Columbus YMCA Columbus City Schools Ohio State University Remember Us Urban Legends Nationwide Children’s Hospital TwentyEight19 St. Stephen’s Community House We Are Linden Columbus Metropolitan Library Reviving The Ummahs Heritage The Abubakar Assidiq Islamic Center The Mobile Mexican Consulate Global Health Education and Development One Linden Schools Initiative

1-5

Partial

Formal relationships, contracts, or Memoranda of Understanding(s)

One Linden Schools Initiative City Year Remember Us Urban Legends TwentyEight19 City of Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital St. Stephen’s Community House

6-10

Partial

All students have access to professional mentor to meet with at least regularly and over summer

Community of Caring Development Foundation City of Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital North Linden Area Commission Ohio Dominican University One Linden Schools Initiative YMCA Omega Psi Phi Eta Nu Nu Ours Brother’s Keeper Remember Us Urban Legends St. Stephen’s Community House The Concerned Linden Clergy Group The Parable Project Turn Impact We Are Linden Ohio State University

10+

Partial

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Host more community events at schools (2018 Plan)

Secure sources of funding for events and incentive students and families to attend events by connecting residents to resources through these events (2024 Recommendation)

Support and formalize connections between schools and social service organizations

Increase mentorship opportunities

128

Big Idea #4

Support Student Success Action Item

TF (Years)

Progress

1-5

Partial

Healthy Homes YMCA City of Columbus Improved student health and reduced Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission distractions from health Breathing Association Habitat for Humanity IMPACT Community Action

1-5

Partial

Reduce student mobility

City of Columbus Community Shelter Board Columbus City Schools NNEMAP United Way YMCA IMPACT Community Action Rentful614 Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio Community of Caring Development Foundation

1-5

Started

Increased neighborhood school attendance

Columbus City Schools YMCA City of Columbus Omega Psi Phi Eta Nu Nu Remember Us Urban Legends Community of Caring Development Foundation St. Stephen’s Community House Columbus Metropolitan Library

1-5

Strong

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Dedicated staff for regular student therapy sessions

City of Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital Remember Us Urban Legends National Youth Advocates Program Columbus City Schools Directions for Youth and Families YMCA Ohio State University LYFE Savers

Increase therapy and/or counseling opportunities for students

Make mental health services more accessible to students and offer training support to mental health workers

Offer indoor environment improvements to ensure safe home circumstances (2018 Plan) Work with partner organizations to expand their home repair programs to include interior improvements (2024 Recommendation) Offer tenant supports to prevent eviction and keep children in schools (2018 Plan)

Offer tenant supports to prevent eviction and centralize eviction resources for residents facing evictions to keep students in schools (2024 Recommendation)

Increase summer academic programming

onelinden.org

129

Big Idea #4

Support Student Success Action Item

Offer universal high-quality early childhood education

Increase summer non-academic programming

TF (Years)

Progress

More children prepared for kindergarten

Future Ready Five Columbus City Schools City of Columbus St. Stephen’s Community House Action for Children Columbus Metropolitan Library Nationwide Children’s Hospital Ohio Department of Children & Youth Moo Moo’s Little Miracles Columbus Early Learning Center

1-5

Strong

More children physically fit or with life skills

City of Columbus Columbus City Schools YMCA Remember Us Urban Legends We Are Linden Kingdom Image Arts Ohio State University St. Stephen’s Community House Community of Caring Development Foundation Omega Psi Phi Eta Nu Nu

1-5

Strong

Improved 3rd grade reading guarantee scores by 2020

One Linden Schools Initiative Columbus Metropolitan Library Final Third Foundation St. Stephen's Community House Columbus City Schools YMCA City of Columbus

1-5

Partial

More prepared and effective teachers and staff

Columbus City Schools Future Ready Five

Ongoing

Started

Average staff tenure at Linden schools 5 years by 2025

City of Columbus Columbus City Schools Future Ready Five One Linden Schools Initiative

10+

Started

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Provide after-school literacy programs for grades K-2 (2018 Plan) Encourage school staff to communicate to parents the types of programs available to students (2024 Recommendation) Offer specialized professional development for teachers and staff (2018 Plan) Work with local colleges and partner organizations to develop specialized professional development program for teachers and staff (2024 Recommendation) Reduce turnover of school staff and administrators (2018 Plan) Work with school staff to identify areas of improvement to reduce staff turnover( 2024 Recommendation)

130

Big Idea #4

Support Student Success Action Item

TF (Years)

Progress

Columbus City Schools One Linden Schools Initiative

10+

Started

Improved standardized testing results

Columbus City Schools St. Stephen's Community House Franklin County Job & Family Services Remember Us Urban Legends

6-10

Started

Improved graduation rates, access to financial resources after graduation

Columbus State Community College Remember Us Urban Legends

6-10

Started

Reduced discipline referrals

Columbus City Schools City of Columbus YMCA

1-5

Started

More Linden students attend neighborhood schools

One Linden Schools Initiative We Are Linden Ohio History Connection

6-10

Started

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Cumulatively value teacher/administrator longevity at specific schools to promote stability

Benefits and support for teacher/ administrative commitment to school buildings

Consider monetary/non-monetary incentives for student performance

Consider savings account/trust fund for CCS students to incentivize achievement Continue alternative discipline techniques to reduce tension and keep kids in classrooms (2018 Plan) Assess outcomes of alternative discipline techniques to encourage support in schools for utilizing such programs (2024 Recommendation) Create campaign to increase community pride in Linden public schools

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Big Idea #5

Develop Business and Support Entrepreneurs

Strategies to increase retail activity and develop homegrown entrepreneurs will rely on access to existing resources in the business development space and necessitate new fiscal commitments to build training infrastructure, offer financial resources, and create a favorable environment for secure investments.

This Big Idea addressed three Key Areas—Healthy & Safety, Education & Workforce, and Retail & Small Businesses, with 10 Action Items that include supporting a culture of business creation and incentivizing savings accounts. Five Action Items have been adjusted based on feedback from the community, advisory committee, and the actual partners.

Progress by the Numbers

In 2018, the Health & Safety, Retail & Small Business, and Education & Workforce work groups recommended 10 Action Items. The information below illustrates the progress made to date.

Action items addressed: 1 of 10 Progress Scale

Key Partners

Health & Safety

1

Recommended Action Items

Education & Workforce

5

1

5

None

None

Recommended Action Items

Retail & Small Business

4

Recommended Action Items

3 None

614 for Linden partners created or preserved 195 full-time jobs.

132

Patio seating at Ena’s Caribbean Kitchen for customers to enjoy.

Development Strategies presenting the Linden Retail Market Studies.

1 Partial

The Linden Fresh Market received a 614 Beautiful Grant in 2024 and will undergo renovations.

The Mayor’s Office Assistant Director of Community Affairs gives remarks at the Inaugural Greater Linden Business Network Awards.

Big Idea #5 Linden Economic Development Alliance

Develop Business and Support Entrepreneurs Advisory Committee Report

The advisory committee assessed Big Idea #5 and discovered Linden is well positioned for increased economic opportunity. Linden residents can support 350,000 SF more in retail inventory, but nearly all categories of retail are undersupplied.

Advisory Committee members identified the following challenges and barriers to developing business and supporting entrepreneurs:

This led to the development of the Linden Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) in 2024, an organization that is strategically focused on addressing these economic opportunities. Their focus is to align with the following Big Ideas:

Advisory Committee members identified the following to support potential programs that will develop business and support entrepreneurs:

Big Idea #2 - Connect Residents to Employment Big Idea #4 - Support Student Success Big Idea #5 - Develop Business and Support Entrepreneurs Big Idea #7 - Reimagine Cleveland Avenue Big Idea #8 - Build Community Investment

•

Their current goals are to: • Recruit businesses to hire Linden residents • Work with developers to build or rehab mixeduse buildings • Develop retail space in vacant city lots • Mentor existing Linden-based businesses so they can pay a livable wage

• • •

• •

• • • • • • •

Lack of accessible retail by personal vehicles Move-in ready retail spaces rent is too high for local businesses Retail is consolidated in large-scale suburban destinations

Subsidies for new retail development Develop a Community Development Corporation focused on increasing economic growth in Linden Focus efforts on Cleveland Ave corridor from 11th Ave to North Broadway and Hudson corridor from I-71 to Cleveland Ave Develop retail/office space with the Land Bank Provide education & technical assistance Create a revolving loan fund Create a collaborative partnership with local CDFIs Partner with the United States Department of Health and Human Services Community Economic Development Grant Program Partner with skills trade unions to identify pathways to employment Create a business passport program

Meeting 1: May 29, 2024

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Big Idea #5 Data Greater Linden Business Network

Nominees of the Rembert Empowerment Award at the inaugural Greater Linden Business Network Awards.

300,000 sq ft total retail inventory

650,000 sq ft retail inventory Linden is able to support

$12 - $18 per sq ft of retail space

Linden Economic Development Alliance (LEDA)

5 Big Ideas

from the One Linden Plan aligned with LEDA’s actions and outcomes

Sadicka White of Sadicka & Associates in attendance of the Linden Retail Market study Presentation by Development Strategies.

Nominees of the Linden Business Champion Award at the Inaugural Greater Linden Business Network Awards.

$1,500

loans to fund business registration, accounting, and administrative expenses

5 full time employees and several interns supporting LEDA’s mission

134

NLAC Chair Carol Perkins and the late Carla Fountaine of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in attendance of the Linden Retail Market Study Presentation by Development Strategies.

Big Idea #5

Develop Business and Support Entrepreneurs Action Item

Offer business mentorship for adults

Offer financial/business coursework or extracurriculars at Linden McKinley

Offer financial planning and training mentorship for students

Outcomes/Metrics Higher rate of business creation, more effective business strategies

Stronger student understanding of business practices and financial planning

Actual Partners

TF (Years)

Progress

6-10

None

6-10

None

6-10

None

6-10

None

6-10

None

Establish a physical co-working space (2018 Plan)

Evaluate viability of establishing a physical coworking space and/or connect residents to existing small business development programs (2024 Recommendation)

Establish a physical business incubator (2018 Plan)

Evaluate feasibility of establishing a physical business incubator and/or connect residents to existing small business development programs (2024 Recommendation)

onelinden.org

Increased community collaboration and resources/education. Access to office resources and meeting space

135

Big Idea #5

Develop Business and Support Entrepreneurs Action Item

TF (Years)

Progress

6-10

Partial

Targeted business creation along corridors, more businesses and investment

6-10

None

More retailers and amenities in Linden

6-10

None

More loan originations, higher approval rate, more businesses founded

6-10

None

Higher rate of business creation, increased rates of saving and startups

6-10

None

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Offer accessible business capital

More loan originations, higher approval rate, more businesses founded

Linden Economic Development Alliance Greater Linden Business Network

Offer incentives for Cleveland/Hudson business development/expansion Actively market commercial nodes to retailers with successful track record in similar neighborhoods (2018 Plan)

Actively market commercial nodes to desired and needed retailers with successful track record in similar neighborhoods (2024 Recommendation)

Offer matching funds for local entrepreneurs (2018 Plan) Support and connect business owners in applying to existing local entrepreneur matching fund programs (2024 Recommendation)

Offer incentivized Individual Development Account (IDA) for business capital and start-up funds (2018 Plan)

Work with local banks and financial institutions to create program that will support goal (2024 Recommendation)

136

Big Idea #6

Address Early Childhood Experience

The impact of early childhood on lives of adults cannot be overstated.

Strategies to ensure a positive foundational experience from birth to age five for future success will focus on providing stability and early socialization for children. Practices must be trauma-informed and evidence-based, demanding a need for the highest-quality facilities and staff to work with children.

This Big Idea addressed three Key Areas—Health & Safety, Education & Workforce, and Housing, with 9 Action Items that include ensuring safe and stable indoor environments for infants. Six Action Items have been adjusted based on feedback from the community, advisory committee, and the actual partners.

Progress by the Numbers

In 2018, the Health & Safety, Housing, and Education & Workforce work groups recommended 10 Action Items. The information below illustrates the progress made to date.

Action items addressed: 3 of 12 Progress Scale

3 2

Key Partners

Education & Workforce

Health & Safety

1

1

Started Partial

2 1

7

Recommended Action Items

None

Recommended Action Items

5 Started

1 Partial

Housing Recommended Action Items

1

Started Partial

CelebrateOne and Columbus Public Health partner to combat infant mortality in Linden.

onelinden.org

Children participating in crafts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Linden Fall Festival.

A child receives school supplies at the Rise Up CBUS! Linden Pre-K Enrollment Block Party.

Children enjoying activities at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Linden Fall Festival.

A child pets animals at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Play Streets.

137

Big Idea #6 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Addresses Early Childhood Experiences Nationwide Children’s Hospital is dedicated to improving early childhood experiences.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health consultants at Nationwide Children’s Hospital offer training to child care providers and early learning staff on topics like planning around challenging behaviors and tips to promote family engagement. They also provide consultants to support care providers individually and can be available quickly when needed. Training has been provided to 600 educators and 50 consults have been provided for child care and pre-K classrooms, reaching more than 200 children.

The hospital also created SPARK—a free kindergarten readiness program that helps prepare children for their first year of school. The kindergarten readiness score of the past cohort was 97% kindergartenready. More than 100 Linden children have completed the program.

Address Early Childhood Experience Advisory Committee Report Advisory Committee members identified the following challenges and barriers to addressing early childhood experience: • • • • • • • • • • •

Lack of awareness and access for wraparound social services to at-risk mothers and children Funding for programs that combat infant mortality and support CelebrateOne Personal circumstances such as homelessness, mental health issues, and abusive relationships prevent at-risk mothers from accessing health services Constantly changing programs and funding availability make eviction prevention services difficult to maintain Restrictive rental leases make tenants with larger families, pets, or low credit scores less likely to maintain housing Availability and awareness of resources to support credit building and financial literacy Funding for interior home repair programs Lack of interior repair programs for renters Staffing for early childhood education Communication barriers between parents and early childhood education providers Lack of transportation for Pre-K students

Advisory Committee members identified the following to support potential programs that will address early childhood experience: • • • • • • • •

Build partnership with Restoring Our Own Through Transformation Offer community mediation for eviction processes Develop landlord education program on how to care for rental units Work with local community organizations to address indoor environmental quality Create incentive packages to attract qualified candidates to early childhood education programs Strengthen recruitment message for Pre-K through COTA advertisements and testimonies from participating families Increase Pre-K capacity through the establishment of a neighborhood hub, driven by data collection Close enrollment barriers (birth certificates, immunizations, transportation, etc.)

Meeting 1: February 28, 2024

138

Big Idea #6 Data

A family receives resources at the Rise Up CBUS! event.

CelebrateOne

$1.3M approc invested in reproductive education and planning

One Linden Schools Initiative (OLSI)

250+ attendees

participated in the inaugural Pre-K and Kindergarten Enrollment Block Party in summer 2024

1,500 participants engaged with OLSI at community events

200+ literacy kits distributed at each school

9% increase

A little girl enjoys bubbles at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s PlayStreets event.

A Columbus Police Officer passes out water bottles at the Rise Up CBUS! event.

in empathy, self-control, and compassion for Hamilton students participating in Social Emotional Learning programming

17% increase

in teamwork for Windsor students participating in Social Emotional Learning programming

14% increase

A young resident enjoys the Rise Up CBUS! event.

in helping others for Windsor students participating in Social Emotional Learning programming

22% increase

in calming peers for Windsor students participating in Social Emotional Learning programming

onelinden.org

Erica Bell, Community Relations Coordinator of the Linden Anti-Violence Team, at the Linden Trunk or Treat.

139

Big Idea #6

Address Early Childhood Experience TF (Years)

Progress

Nationwide Children’s Hospital CareSource YMCA Nurse Family Partnership Celebrate One City of Columbus Franklin County Children Services

6-10

Partial

United Way of Central Ohio Future Ready Five City of Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital CareSource Ohio Health Wellness on Wheels LYFE Savers

Ongoing

Started

Align strategy with CelebrateOne goals

YMCA City of Columbus Future Ready Five

Ongoing

Started

Address indoor environmental quality with incentives (2018 Plan) Improved health and limit exposure to harmful conditions (i.e. smoke, Work with partner organizations to expand their home lead, mold) repair programs to include interior improvements and address environmental quality (2024 Recommendation)

City of Columbus Lead Abatement Breathing Association MORPC Nationwide Children’s Hospital Habitat for Humanity

6-10

Partial

Legal Aid Impact Community Action St. Stephen’s Community House Ohio Jobs and Family Service Prevention, Retention, Contingency (PRC) Emergency Assistance YMCA Stable Families

1-5

Started

Action Item

Offer wraparound social services to at-risk mothers and children (i.e. nurse home visits)

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Reduced abuse and neglect, improve skills and learning for infants

Continue combating infant mortality, supporting CelebrateOne Reduced infant mortality rate

Offer eviction prevention services: legal counsel, emergency rent, or connections to new housing options (2018 Plan) Develop a meditation program for community members and landlords to include legal counsel, emergency rent, or connections to new housing options (2024 Recommendation)

140

Reduced school/pre-school mobility

Big Idea #6

Address Early Childhood Experience TF (Years)

Progress

Increased rate of Pre-K enrollment

Columbus City Schools Action for Children St. Stephen’s Community House Columbus Metropolitan Library One Linden Schools Initiative City of Columbus Franklin County

1-5

Partial

Strengthen communication strategy through parent testimonials and increased advertising (2024 Recommendation)

Increased rate of Pre-K enrollment

Columbus City Schools One Linden Schools Initiative Future Ready Five City of Columbus Linden Park Early Childhood Education Center St. Stephen's Community House

1-5

Started

Launch a parents-as-teachers initiative (2018 Plan)

Columbus City Schools One Linden Schools Initiative Nationwide Children's Hospital Proud Linden Parent Program Increased parent education and We Are Linden health and developmental screenings The Parable Project for kids North Linden Area Commission Education Committee Columbus Metropolitan Library Community of Caring Development Foundation

1-5

Started

Action Item

Connect families to high-quality early childhood education programs

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Simplify the recruitment message for Pre-K (2018 Plan)

Build relationship with parents and schools so parents have strong understanding of curriculum for at home learning (2024 Recommendation)

Create a neighborhood hub to increase Pre-K capacity, focus on Linden Park ECEC (2018 Plan)

Increased rate of Pre-K enrollment

One Linden Schools Initiative Columbus City Schools

1-5

Started

Help local providers attain or maintain Step Up to Quality ratings

Increased rate of high-quality local Pre-K options

Future Ready Five Franklin County

1-5

Started

Offer universal Pre-K (income qualifying)

Increased rate of Pre-K enrollment; increase parity in Pre-K quality between low and high income children

Columbus City Schools Future Ready Five Franklin County

6-10

Started

1-5

None

Offer Pre-K and early childhood programming at the Linden Community Center (2024 Recommendation)

Launch Pre-K public awareness campaign (2018 Plan) Increase communications around Early Start Columbus and area Pre-K facilities (2024 Recommendation)

onelinden.org

Increased rate of Pre-K enrollment; increase parity in Pre-K quality between low and high income children

141

Big Idea #7

Reimagine Cleveland Avenue

In its current state, Cleveland Avenue represents a remarkably hostile urban corridor which largely serves the sole purpose of transporting motorists quickly through the community. Cleveland Avenue can and must become an integral component of neighborhood revitalization via roadway design that is conducive of local retail, housing re-investment, and a safer environment for both pedestrians and motorists. Targeted physical and policy changes are required to make Cleveland Avenue safer for non motorized transportation and more attractive for retail and housing investment.

This Big Idea addressed four Key Areas—Transportation, Health & Safety, Housing, and Retail & Small Businesses, with 17 Action Items that include improving pedestrian safety and addressing dangerous conditions. Eight Action Items have been adjusted based on feedback from the community, advisory committee, and the actual partners.

Progress by the Numbers

In 2018, the Health & Safety, Housing, Transportation and Retail & Small Business work groups recommended 17 Action Items. The information below illustrates the progress made to date.

Action items addressed: 11 of 17 Progress Scale

4 1

2

1

2

2

1

Housing

Transportation

Strong

Curb infrastructure improvement at the intersection of Cleveland & Myrtle Avenue.

5

Recommended Action Items

2

142

1

Recommended Action Items

None Started Partial Strong

2

The newly constructed Mulby Place apartments along Cleveland Ave.

6

Recommended Action Items

Started Partial Strong

Key Partners

An updated pedestrian crossing on Cleveland Ave.

Retail & Small Business

Health & Safety

Children practicing how to use pedestrian crossing signs as part of the Walk Safe on Cleveland initiative.

2

Recommended Action Items

3

Started Partial

Walk Safe on Cleveland initiatives improves safety for pedestrians.

Big Idea #7 Vision Zero and Walk Safe on Cleveland At least one pedestrian-involved crash takes place every month on Cleveland Avenue. To address this significant safety issue, the City of Columbus Department of Public Service, in partnership with ODOT, initiated the Walk Safe on Cleveland project in 2018. Design work and public engagement occurred first, and installation of the Walk Safe on Cleveland project was completed in 2024.

Public Service installed enhanced pedestrian crossings featuring a push button system of flashing lights at seven Cleveland Ave intersections: Lehner Rd, Agler Rd, Lakeview Ave, Republic Ave, Kenmore Rd, 19th Ave and Camden Ave. Vision Zero has worked with community leaders to show children and others how to use the new push-button system when they want to walk across Cleveland Avenue. The Franklin County Engineer’s Office plans to install five more enhanced crossings along Cleveland between Huy Road and Melrose Avenue.

Reimagine Cleveland Avenue Advisory Committee Report Advisory Committee members identified the following challenges and barriers to reimagining Cleveland Avenue: • • •

Conflict between on-street parking and transit/bikes at redevelopment sites Land costs and lot sizes for higher-density housing developments On street parking and construction slow down buses

Advisory Committee members identified the following to support potential programs that will reimagine Cleveland Avenue: • •

Work with the Columbus land bank to identify available parcels that are ideal for high density housing developments Work with COTA to reduce bus slow downs related to parking and construction

Meeting 1: August 28, 2024

onelinden.org

143

Big Idea #7 Data City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities

OneLinden.org table at the Leadership Linden Forum on “Reimagining Cleveland Avenue.”

A resident using a pedestrian crossing sign as part of the Walk Safe on Cleveland initiative.

$879.8k

approx in decorative street lighting along Cleveland Avenue

Walk Safe on Cleveland

7 crosswalks

were enhanced with push button flashing lights at intersections along Cleveland Ave

Speakers Panel or the Leadership Linden Forum on “Reimagining Cleveland Avenue.”

Attendees of the Leadership Linden Forum on “Reimaging Cleveland Avenue.”

144

Boyce Safford III, Executive Director of Columbus NextGeneration and Leah Evans, CEO of Homeport.

Big Idea #7

Reimagine Cleveland Avenue Action Item

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

TF (Years)

Progress

Improve pedestrian experience, improve road safety

City of Columbus

1-5

Partial

City of Columbus COTA South Linden Area Commission North Linden Area Commission

6-10

Partial

City of Columbus Code Enforcement South Linden Area Commission North Linden Area Commission City of Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Ongoing

Partial

Increase parking availability and buffer to pedestrians on sidewalk

City of Columbus

Ongoing

Started

Improve bus riding experience

COTA

1-5

Started

Reduce vehicle speeds (2018 Plan) Assess which streets would benefit most from a reduction in the posted speed limit and traffic calming measures (2024 Recommendation)

Create consistent streetscape

Improve aesthetic appeal and pedestrian experience Address unsightly street attributes (i.e. bench advertisements, weeds growing in sidewalk/curb cracks, chain link fences)

Add on-street parking at redevelopment sites (2018 Plan)

Align parking goals with Zone In Columbus initiative (2024 Recommendation)

Improve amenities at high-use bus stops (2018 Plan) Align transit goals with LinkUS Columbus (2024 Recommendation)

onelinden.org

145

Big Idea #7

Reimagine Cleveland Avenue Action Item

Encourage higher-density housing with mixed uses at nodes Rehabilitate or demolish single-family homes along Cleveland Avenue (2018 Plan) Rehabilitate or redevelop single-family homes along Cleveland Avenue (2024 Recommendation) Expand Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) program

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

TF (Years)

Progress

Increased housing stock and energy at target locations

City of Columbus Homeport

6-10

Strong

More consistent built environment along the corridor

Central Ohio Community Land Trust City of Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital Habitat for Humanity

6-10

Strong

Increase market activity

City of Columbus

1-5

Strong

City of Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital

1-5

Partial

City of Columbus Columbus City Council Neighborhood Design Center

1-5

Partial

Offer pop-up gatherings Fund public art campaign (2018 Plan)

Engage neighborhood residents and entities in securing grants for public art and placemaking through 614 Beautiful and other sources (2024 Recommendation)

Increased sense of place and community identity

Incentivize retail investment (2018 Plan)

146

Identify sources of funding or build awareness of existing funding sources that incentivize investment (2024 Recommendation)

Increase market activity

Greater Linden Business Network Linden Economic Development Alliance

1-5

Started

Create marketing campaign to celebrate unique and local Linden restaurants

Increased market activity, customer base, and regional awareness

Greater Linden Business Network Linden Economic Development Alliance

1-5

Started

Replace all neighborhood signage with consistent branding and identity

Increased sense of place and community identity

1-5

None

Big Idea #7

Reimagine Cleveland Avenue Action Item

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Create leading pedestrian crossing signals to give people more time to enter intersection and increase visibility

Convert pedestrian crossings from initiated to automatic crossing along Cleveland Avenue to equalize treatment with motor vehicles (2018 Plan) Identify high priority crossings to be converted to automatic crossings (2024 Recommendation) Replace, maintain, and prune street trees

Reduced pedestrian traffic collisions, increased sense of safety and dignity for pedestrians, improved aesthetic quality, lower speeds and safer environment

TF (Years)

Progress

1-5

Strong

1-5

Partial

1-5

Partial

1-5

Started

City of Columbus

Speed limit enforcement (2018 Plan) Increase presence of officers along major corridors to discourage speeding (2024 Recommendation)

onelinden.org

147

Big Idea #8

Build Community Investment

Successful neighborhoods have market conditions that create a positive return on investment and offer accessible retail amenities. Strategies to build investment in the community will encourage development and incentivize retailers to locate in the community. Improving the aesthetic appeal of the built environment is key to creating public spaces where people can dine, shop, and relax. Investment in targeted, high-quality urban design will make Linden more attractive for private investment while enhancing community vitality and safety.

Progress by the Numbers

In 2018, the Housing, Transportation and Retail & Small Business work groups recommended 11 Action Items. The information below illustrates the progress made to date.

Action items addressed: 7 of 11 Progress Scale

This Big Idea addressed three Key Areas—Transportation, Retail & Small Business, and Housing, with 12 Action Items that include focusing on housing improvements around corridors and public assets. Four Action Items have been adjusted based on feedback from the community, advisory committee, and the actual partners.

Key Partners

Retail & Small Business

Transportation

6

2

Recommended Action Items

1

1

3

3

Started Strong

None

Strong

3 2

Recommended Action Items

Housing Recommended Action Items

1

Partial Strong

The Department of Public Service Mayor Ginther and Columbus City Construction workers paving a improved Linden road infrastructure. Councilmembers at the groundbreaking shared use path (SUP) on Hudson for Hudson Street reconstruction.

Street.

148

Decorative street lighting were added to Cleveland Avenue.

Maloney Park is undergoing renovations to upgrade the facility.

Big Idea #8 Hudson Street Improvements Hudson Street is being rebuilt to safely accommodate all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit users. It is on the Vision Zero Columbus High Injury Network because of its higher density of fatal, serious injury, and/or vulnerable road user crashes. To reduce the number of accidents, the Hudson Street Arterial Rehabilitation project is fully reconstructing Hudson St from I-71 to Cleveland Ave. and modifying the existing median on the east leg of its intersection at I-71.

This corridor serves as the gateway to the Linden community and will become an important east-west greenway corridor as sidewalks are constructed on the north side of the street and a shared-use path on the south side. When completed, the new sidewalk and shared-use path will create connections to a pedestrian safety project on Hiawatha Park Drive, from Hudson to the proposed Community Sports Park at the intersection of Velma Ave/Silver Dr. The project will create equitable access for pedestrians and cyclists by improving connection and supporting active mobility access in and out of Linden.

Build Community Investment Advisory Committee Report Advisory Committee members identified the following challenges and barriers to building community investment:

Advisory Committee members identified the following to support potential programs that will build community investment: • • •

Improve Cleveland Avenue infrastructure with the Department of Public Service Create a Cleveland Avenue SID Work with private developers to construct new owner-occupied mixed use commercial space

Other infrastructure improvements will include upgrading traffic signals, adding new storm sewers, ADA curb ramps, and streetlights.

Meeting 1: May 29, 2024

onelinden.org

149

Big Idea #8

Mayor Ginther riding a street resurfacing roller in 2019.

Projects

approx. invested in housing infrastructure

$1M

Recreation & Parks Department

$44.1M

to convert existing street lights to LED fixtures

$24M

approx. invested in Linden Planning Area park infrastructure

The new Linden Community Center and Park completed in 2021.

$25M

invested in improvements

invested in the Linden Community Center

123 ADA ramps added or improved

The renovations completed at Windsor Pool.

700 feet

$9.2M

A rendering of the renovated Linden Branch Library.

approx. invested in the Windsor Recreation Center

$301k

approximately of roadway improvements on Medina Ave from Hudson St to Briarwood Ave

invested in Audubon Park

4 streets converted

$1.8M

for three months in 2020, streets converted from one-way to two-way streets

approx. invested in Maloney Park improvements

Columbus Metropolitan Library

$19M

approx invested for the Linden branch renovations

150

approx. invested in the Douglas Recreation Center

approx. invested in the Linden Green Line

2,000 feet 1,000 feet

$3.7M $5.5M

approximately of sidewalks added on Hamilton Ave from Minnesota Ave to Weber Rd

approximately of sidewalks added on Hamilton Ave and Briarwood Ave along Linden Park

Department of Development

$17.3M

City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities

Hudson Area Projects

City of Columbus

Department of Neighborhoods A Blueprint Columbus rain garden infrastructure improvement.

$2M

approx. invested in Home Repair Program

Big Idea #8

Build Community Investment Action Item

TF (Years)

Progress

Greater Linden Business Network Linden Economic Development Alliance

6-10

Strong

City of Columbus Attractive public space to host popup Greater Linden Business Network events and recurring programs Linden Economic Development Alliance

6-10

Strong

Create visual anchors, help define smaller districts and bring energy and vitality

6-10

Strong

1-5

None

1-5

None

1-5

None

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Improved condition of streetscape (i.e. plantings, public art, weed control, sidewalk condition)

Consider forming a Cleveland Ave. special improvement district (SID) (2018 Plan) Execute the formation of the Cleveland Avenue special improvement district (SID) and build capacity of the community business associations (2024 Recommendation)

Improve public infrastructure at targeted nodes (2018 Plan) Improve public infrastructure at targeted nodes and maintain completed improvements (2024 Recommendation)

Construct vertically mixed-use buildings at targeted nodes

Offer incentives to develop “turn-key” commercial space

Homeport City of Columbus

Reduce commercial vacancy Offer temporary rent subsidies for new entrepreneurs

Create cohesive business identity for corridors

onelinden.org

Increased customer activity and sense of commercial identity

151

Big Idea #8

Build Community Investment TF (Years)

Progress

Central Ohio Community Land Trust

1-5

Strong

Improve neighborhood perception and assist long-time residents

Central Ohio Community Land Trust

1-5

Partial

Construct higher-density mixed-income units

Reduce income/economic segregation, offer housing product diversity

City of Columbus Homeport

6-10

Partial

Improve Cleveland Ave. infrastructure to create desirable streetscape

Increase investment potential, market confidence, and public perception

City of Columbus

6-10

Strong

Foster a positive customer experience and improve access to neighborhood businesses

City of Columbus

1-5

Started

Action Item

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Reduce residential vacancy, increased market activity and stabilization

Focus on exterior home renovations on targeted corridors, streets, and community assets

Expedite sale of vacant Land Bank properties, increase capacity of Land Bank to sell and acquire property (2018 Plan) Maintain and continue to increase capacity of Land Bank to sell and acquire property while exploring opportunities to redevelop parcels for retail development (2024 Recommendation)

Establish proximate and safe off-street parking at key areas (2018 Plan) Align parking goals with Zone In Columbus initiative (2024 Recommendation)

152

Big Idea #9

Connect the Community

In order to connect the community, physical and psychological barriers need to be addressed. Linden is literally walled off to the west by I-71, making the need for effective and equitable connector streets even stronger. Steps to ease the transition between east and west should be taken, as well as steps to increase the social connectedness within the Linden community. Residents should be empowered to establish and address community priorities with allocated funds. Children and adults should have the opportunity to experience the cultural and natural assets of Central Ohio through free and open year-round programming.

This Big Idea addressed four Key Areas—Transportation, Education & Workforce, and Retail & Small Business, and Health & Safety, with 15 Action Items that includes supporting Safe Routes to Schools and improving access and connections. Seven Action Items have been adjusted based on feedback from the community, advisory committee, and the actual partners.

Progress by the Numbers

In 2018, the Health & Safety, Transportation, Education & Workforce, and Retail & Small Business work groups recommended 15 Action Items. The information below illustrates the progress made to date.

Action items addressed: 8 of 15 Progress Scale

5 1

2

Started Partial Strong Education & Workforce

4 3

onelinden.org

New sidewalks and a shared use path on Hudson Street improved connections east to west.

1

None Started Transportation

3

1

3

Department of Neighborhoods staff promote the Carols on Cleveland event.

Recommended Action Items

2

Recommended Action Items

Started Strong

North Linden Area Commission Chair at the Inaugural Leadership Linden Graduation Ceremony at Columbus State Community College.

3

Recommended Action Items

2

Key Partners

Nationwide Children’s Hospital hosted 19 family-friendly events promoting outdoor play and social interaction, impacting 4,000 residents.

Retail & Small Business

Health & Safety

Recommended Action Items

Partial

A former railroad site will be converted into the Linden Greenline, a 7-mile long, 58 acre linear park.

153

Big Idea #9 Linden Green Line The Linden Green Line is a 7-mile linear park that begins in South Linden travels through 13 neighborhoods before ending at Cooper Park in Westerville, Ohio. More than 130,000 people live within 10 minutes of the 58 acres linear park.

The park will run along several community landmarks: • S.R. 161 • Kilbourne Run • Alum Creek Tributary • Trestle Bridge • Oakland Park Linden Green Line by the Numbers: • 40+ access points • 3,000 businesses within 10 minutes • 10 park connections • 19 schools along the park • 4 community centers along the park

Connect the Community Advisory Committee Report Advisory Committee members identified the following challenges and barriers to connecting the community: • • • • • • •

Transportation challenges for job training hosted at Columbus State Community College Long distances between homes and schools make walking and biking to school difficult A lack of awareness of community resources makes a Linden restaurant passport difficult to implement Business owners may be unaware of advertising opportunities through COTA Poor walking conditions (such as poor lighting and abandoned buildings) make encouraging walking along retail corridors difficult Limited retail opportunities in Linden discourages residents from spending money in their community Nuisance properties along Cleveland Avenue

Advisory Committee members identified the following to support potential programs that will connect the community: • • • • • • • • • •

Improve lighting at corridors that cross I-71 Convert bike lanes to protected bike lanes Offer on-demand job training services at Columbus Metropolitan Library Provide bike locks and helmets to students who utilize bike parking at schools Increase neighborhood watch to ensure safe bike riding conditions for students Improve road safety and conditions to encourage biking Work with local banks and lenders in Linden to increase Community Reinvestment Act dollars in the neighborhood Locate affordable housing near retail corridors to support small businesses Work with COTA to make routes safer from bus stops to schools COTA should promote transit accessible small businesses through their social media

Meeting 1: May 29, 2024

154

Big Idea #9

Linden War Memorial relocated to the Linden Recreation Community Center.

Projects Linden Green Line

We Are Linden Block Party

1.5 miles

9 parties

of linear park with shared used paths added, beginning in South Linden and ending in Westerville

$35.2M

block parties hosted

Leadership Linden graduation ceremony at Columbus State Community College.

5 Trunk or Treats hosted

approx. invested by Columbus Recreation & Parks Department and federal funds

3,000 businesses

Gun Violence as a Public Health Issue at the Linden Recreation Center.

connected to the Linden Green Line

19 schools

connected to the Linden Green Line, including Linden Community Center

community engagement walks hosted

4 tailgates

National Wear Orange Day tailgates

4 turkey bowls

connected to the Linden Green Line

4 community centers

300 walks

Youth turkey bowls flag football league

Rides for Resilience participants.

5 toy drives Community Love toy drives

10 parks

Community of Caring Development Foundation

connected to the Linden Green Line

3k walk

135 miles

Linden Community Pride Wellness Walk

of regional trails connected to the Linden Green Line City of Columbus staff and Linden resident at the We Are Linden Block Party.

onelinden.org

155

Big Idea #9

Connect the Community Action Item

TF (Years)

Progress

City of Columbus Ohio Department of Transportation

10+

Partial

Improved perception, aesthetic beauty, and curb appeal

City of Columbus Ohio Department of Transportation

6-10

Partial

Improved crosstown connectivity

City of Columbus

6-10

Partial

City of Columbus

6-10

Strong

6-10

Started

Remember Us Urban Legends The Parable Project

6-10

Started

Decreased unemployment, increased career skills of residents

City of Columbus Columbus City Schools

6-10

Started

Increased customers at local establishments, media attention, increased awareness of local amenities

Columbus Underground Life in Columbus Experience Columbus Greater Linden Business Network ECDI Food Fort

1-5

Started

Increased customers at local establishments, media attention, increased awareness of local amenities

Simply Living Gardeners One Linden Cooperatives

1-5

Started

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Resurface/redesign corridor streets crossing I-71 (Hudson, Weber, 17th, and 11th)

Improved multimodal connectivity, reduced isolation

Create consistent beautified streetscape along corridors crossing I-71 Install dedicated bike infrastructure along corridor streets crossing I-71 Work with Safe Routes to School Ensure covered and secure bicycle parking at neighborhood schools

Increased rates of active transportation to school, increased health and physical activity. Improved City of Columbus physical infrastructure

Create incentives for students who walk or bike to school Create opportunities for training at CSCC specifically for 43211 residents Create Linden restaurant passport to draw consumer attention and offer rewards (2018 Plan)

Gauge interest amongst Linden restaurant owners and identify passport to oversee program (2024 Recommendation) Install wayfinding signs to direct people to restaurants, stores, and landmarks (2018 Plan) Work with local community organizations to recruit community members to design signage (2024 Recommendation)

156

Big Idea #9

Connect the Community Action Item

Advertise local businesses at CMAX bus stops (2018 Plan) Offer free ad space on buses for businesses that are along or near the route of the advertising bus (2024 Recommendation) Improve pedestrian priority and safety to encourage walking and browsing along retail corridors (2018 Plan) Develop a citizen patrol program or work with existing organizations to bring their programs to the community (2024 Recommendation)

Outcomes/Metrics

Work with local banks and lenders to increase Community Reinvestment Act dollars to fund activities in the neighborhood (2024 Recommendation)

Progress

1-5

None

City of Columbus

1-5

Strong

City of Columbus South Linden Area Commission We Are Linden Nationwide Children’s Hospital LYFE Savers StarFish North Linden Area Commission St. Stephen’s Community House Community of Caring Development Foundation Ohio History Center

1-5

Strong

City of Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital CareSource Liberty Tax Linden Branch JPMorgan Chase Ohio Capital Finance Fund

1-5

Partial

City of Columbus

1-5

Partial

Increased customers at local establishments, media attention, increased awareness of local amenities

Increased sense of safety for pedestrians, increase pedestrian activity along streets

Host social activities for neighbors to meet ice cream socials, festivals, etc.

Provide funds to support social activities (2018 Plan)

TF (Years)

Actual Partners

Increased sense of community, more neighbors know each other, less isolation

Support infrastructure and logistics of resident groups (i.e. civic association) (2018 Plan) Centralize resources for different types of assistance that the city and local organizations provide to support new community organizations (2024 Recommendation)

onelinden.org

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Big Idea #9

Connect the Community Action Item

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Increased sense of community, opportunities for people to explore local and regional amenities

Columbus Metropolitan Library

TF (Years)

Progress

1-5

Started

Offer field trips for Linden residents to visit regional attractions, like the zoo, metro parks, historic sites, etc.

(2018 Plan)

Partner with local organizations to organize trips and spread awareness (2024 Recommendation)

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Big Idea #10

Support Resident Health

Progress by the Numbers

Health is all encompassing—physical, mental, emotional, financial, and more. Strategies to improve the health of Linden residents will work to make the healthier choice the easier choice. When people are healthy, they are more likely to make sound life decisions and can begin to grow and thrive. One of the most striking disparities today is resident life expectancy. The average resident of 43211 will live to be 65, while the average resident of Upper Arlington will live to be about 83. Financial health is another major component of overall health. Getting individuals and families to a place where they are not living paycheck-to-paycheck will allow people to weather other life crises more successfully.

This Big Idea addressed four Key Areas—Transportation, Health & Safety, Housing, and Retail & Small Business, with 21 Action Items that include attracting a grocery store and support stable housing.

Nine Action Items have been adjusted based on feedback from the community, advisory committee, and the actual partners.

In 2018, the Health & Safety, Housing, Transportation, and Retail & Small Business work groups recommended 21 Action Items. The information below illustrates the progress made to date.

Action items addressed: 14 of 21 Progress Scale Retail & Small Business

Health & Safety

2

14Recommended Action Items 2

2

None Started

Key Partners

7

3

Partial

Strong

3 2

Housing Recommended Action Items

1

Started Partial

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Community Care Coach brings the doctor’s office to Linden residents.

onelinden.org

Linden Fresh Market and Charitable Pharmacy opened in 2021.

Linden Primary Care Center offers primary care services to youth.

Walk in for Recovery hosted by Columbus Public Health.

1

Recommended Action Items

1

None Achieved Transportation

2

Recommended Action Items

1 1 Partial Strong

OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels Mobile team provides free health services to Linden residents three days of the week.

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Big Idea #10 Neighborhood Social Services The Department of Public Health’s Neighborhood Social Services organized several activities and interventions in Linden after the One Linden Plan was unveiled.

• One Block at a Time started a microcommunity intervention on Myrtle Avenue to improve the health and wellness of residents.

• The Linden Anti-Violence team worked with residents at risk of continuing violence to improve their health and community connection. They hosted listening sessions, increased advocacy, and worked to reduce violence.

• The CARE Coalition called next of kin to provide care and resources after homicides in the area.

They hosted a community event during Trauma Informed Awareness Week and host office hours at the Linden Fresh Market.

• ReRoute/Family Engagement participated in We Are Linden peace walks to address community violence; participated in the Boys to Men Youth Summit, partnering with the Bethel AME Church to mentor young men; and brought awareness to the Black Girl Rising group on domestic violence, community trauma, and community violence affecting youth and young adults in the Linden area.

Support Resident Health Advisory Committee Report Advisory Committee members identified the following challenges and barriers to supporting resident health: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Issues with staffing primary care physicians Lack of appropriate space for primary care facilities or urgent cares Summer youth employment programs suffer from inconsistent funding, long wait lists, participant attendance, and affordability for families Lack of public spaces for seniors and homebound individuals Poor sidewalk and road conditions makes encouraging walking and biking difficult Needs for anonymous support groups to address mental health issues Lack of awareness on entities that address factors that contribute to asthma Lead abatement programs suffer from a lack of qualified contractors and slow city processes Institutional investors contribute to housing instability, increased evictions, and displacement of tenants Landlords are raising rents at a rate that is not proportional to gains in resident’s incomes Lack of transportation to emergency food services Lack of delivery capabilities for organizations who offer emergency food services

Advisory Committee members identified the following to support potential programs that will support resident health: • Develop school based primary care program • Designate a number of jobs to Linden residents for summer youth employment programs • Create signage that estimates walk and bike times to reach major destinations • Give Columbus Promise students free membership to CoGo • Expand the CoGo system citywide to encourage biking • LinkUS will fund sidewalk and bike lane projects throughout the community • Provide orange safety flags at crosswalks • Utilize open streets programming around neighborhood parks • Increase access to emergency food services by providing transportation or delivery options Meeting 1: April 24, 2024

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Big Idea #10

CARE Coalition presents to Leadership Linden’s inaugural cohort on Trauma Responsive Leadership.

Projects One Block at a Time

1 block

turned into a micro-community intervention area to improve the health and wellness of residents on the block

Linden Anti-Violence Team

1 team

matched to Linden participants in 2023

Linden Anti-Violence team collaborates with various partners to support residents.

9 participants who live in Linden in 2024

$10,000 savings

matched to Linden participants in 2024 so far

offered support and linked to resources in 2023

Shoppers at Linden Fresh Market.

ReRoute

Linden residents served in 2024 Community of Caring Development Foundation hosts a meet and greet at Linden Fresh Market.

$188,925 refunds total refunds for Linden residents in 2024 Primary Care Health

82,000 visits

approx. invested in walk-in clinics, health education, harm reduction outreach, and alcohol & drug prevention

to the two primary care centers in Linden since 2018

CelebrateOne in partnership with the City of Columbus Department of Public Service

$1.3M approx. invested in safe sidewalk infrastructure

onelinden.org

614 File Free

127 served

13-21 years old

$6.2M

10 participants $27,140 savings

141 families

Columbus Public Health

My Bridge 2 Success

who live in Linden in 2023

working with Linden residents to reduce violence and encourage resident advocacy

recipients of the community-based program that participated in the We Are Linden peace walks and the Boys to Men Youth Summit

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

School-Based Behavioral Health Linden Anti-Violence team connects with residents at various community events.

23,000 students served in more than five schools since 2018

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Big Idea #10

Support Resident Health TF (Years)

Progress

Increased physical activity

City of Columbus Remember Us Urban Legends COGO Bike Share MORPC YMCA LinkUS The Parable Project Community of Caring Development Foundation

1-5

Strong

Increase mental health counseling availability

Improved psychological state, decision-making capability

City of Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital ADAMH Southeast Mental Health

1-5

Strong

Public service announcements

Improved awareness of issues and resources to help

City of Columbus

6-10

Strong

City of Columbus NNEMAP Food Pantry Community of Caring Development Foundation St. Stephen’s Community House

1-5

Partial

NNEMAP Food Pantry Delivery City of Columbus Mid-Ohio Food Collective Columbus City Schools Remember Us Urban Legends St. Stephen’s Community House Community of Caring Development Foundation

1-5

Partial

Columbus City Council We Are Linden City of Columbus Columbus Metropolitan Library St. Stephen’s Community House Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Urban League

1-5

Partial

Action Item

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Encourage walking and bicycling, complete the sidewalk network

Offer food education programming (2018 Plan) Partner with Linden Fresh Market and local organizations to offer classes outside of the market (2024 Recommendation) Consider alternative ways to get fresh/healthy foods to households (i.e. working with CCS) (2018 Plan)

Improved nutrition and diet

Foster relationships between community organizations and free food providers to incorporate food access into their services/programming/events (2024 Recommendation) Expand Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) (2018 Plan) Advertise summer youth employment opportunities through schools and youth organizations (2024 Recommendation)

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More Linden youth enrolled in the program

Big Idea #10

Support Resident Health Action Item

Facilitate intergenerational socialization

Offer financial basics classes

TF (Years)

Progress

More stimulation and social interaction for seniors and homebound individuals

Rise Up CBUS! Ohio History Center St. Stephen's Community House Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging City of Columbus North Linden Area Commission South Linden Area Commission

1-5

Partial

Improved financial readiness, less vulnerable during times of crisis or financial emergency

Nationwide Children's Hospital The Empowerment Team Remember Us Urban Legends JPMorgan Chase Habitat or Humanity Columbus Metropolitan Library

1-5

Partial

Improved nutrition and diet

City of Columbus Connecting Kids Inside Out Community of Caring Development Foundation

1-5

Partial

Improved financial readiness, less vulnerable during times of crisis or financial emergency

City of Columbus JPMorgan Chase Park National Bank

1-5

Partial

Healthcare closer to home, increased doctor visits

Ohio State University Nationwide Children's Hospital Ohio Health Primary One Health Grace Clinics of Ohio

6-10

Started

More stimulation and social interaction for seniors and homebound individuals

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging NNEMAP Food Pantry St. Stephen's Community House City of Columbus YMCA

1-5

Started

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Offer cooking education programming (2018 Plan) Increase availability of classes at the Linden Recreation Center and Linden Fresh Market (2024 Recommendation)

Offer credit counseling and improvement

Attract primary care physicians

Engage isolated seniors and homebound individuals (2018 Plan)

Work with senior housing facilities to set up recurring engagement sessions (2024 Recommendation)

onelinden.org

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Big Idea #10

Support Resident Health Action Item

Offer Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to encourage saving (2018 Plan) Work with local banks and financial institutions to create program to offer Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to encourage savings (2024 Recommendation)

Outcomes/Metrics

TF (Years)

Progress

1-5

None

6-10

None

City of Columbus Breathing Association

1-5

Partial

City of Columbus Breathing Association

1-5

Started

Nationwide Children's Hospital Ohio Health St. Stephen's Community House Impact Community Action Franklin County Legal Aide City of Columbus

1-5

Started

City of Columbus

6-10

Strong

City of Columbus Remember Us Urban Legends YayBikes

6-10

Partial

Actual Partners

Improved financial readiness, less vulnerable during times of crisis or financial emergency

Attract urgent care center

Increase lead abatement programs Address indoor environmental factors contributing to high rates of asthma (2018 Plan)

Reduced asthma rates, improved overall health

Create education program around environmental factors that contribute to asthma and the services offered to address these factors (2024 Recommendation) Foster housing stability, prevent evictions and displacement (2018 Plan) Continue work to connect residents to higher paying jobs.

Increase awareness of available housing resources (2024 Recommendation)

Less mobility, more stability

Improve built environment to support walking and biking

Encourage walking and bicycling for transportation

164

Increased physical activity and low/ zero-cost transportation options

Big Idea #10

Support Resident Health Action Item

Continue Linden Farmers Market

Outcomes/Metrics

Actual Partners

Improved access to nutritional foods

City of Columbus Community of Caring Development Foundation

TF (Years)

Progress

1-5

Achieved

1-5

None

Attract grocery store (2018 Plan)

Build on Finance Fund’s study to understand if issues can be addressed, or explore alternative options to opening a full service grocery store (2024 Recommendation)

onelinden.org

Improved access to nutritional foods

165

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APPENDIX

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167

CONSULTANT PLAN AUDIT Following is the Development Strategies audit of the priorities and strategies outlined in the One Linden Plan based on the housing market analysis results as of 2024. Goals were assessed based on the progress made by entities involved in achieving these goals. Plan goals with no established partners or programs were determined to have made no progress, while goals with established city level programs or quantifiable improvements have made strong progress.

Way Forward

One Linden Community Plan (2017)

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onelinden.org

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RELEASED MARCH 2025 COMPLETED BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN CENTER COMMISSIONED BY THE CITY OF COLUMBUS

onelinden.org