Recognitions

The City View District Plan, a new sub-area component of the City’s Comprehensive Plan featuring a new Columbus Regional Hospital, introduced a development model centered around health and wellness. It aimed to integrate new neighborhood development with community health, emphasizing the connection between people’s well-being and the environment. It offered diverse housing near work and retail hubs, with an expansive park and greenway system for recreation and stormwater management, recognizing the link between nature, people, and healthy living. The Plan was developed in collaboration with Columbus Regional Health and consultant Design Workshop

In 2012 the Planning Department launched the Infill Site Profiles program to highlight redevelopment opportunities. Recognized as the APA-IN Outstanding Best Practice in 2013, the program has led to the development of 15 of the original 34 listed sites. This resulted in over 650 new multi-family housing units and a $52 million increase in assessed property value. Regularly updated, the Profiles continue to support communication between the Planning Department and real estate professionals and developers.

The City of Columbus Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan update, adopted in 2022,establishes a long-term vision for bicycle and pedestrian mobility in Columbus. Based on a data driven approach to existing conditions and extensive public input, it aimed to create a connected, low-stress network for families and casual cyclists, and focused on closing gaps and improving intersection safety. The plan also included a wayfinding strategy and a unique visual identity for the People Trail network.

The City of Columbus Neighborhood Commercial Access and Design Study examined how best to provide walkable, neighborhood-serving commercial centers while minimizing impacts on nearby residences. It evaluated current access to goods and services, identified future needs, and recommended design strategies to ensure compatibility. The study also proposed zoning amendments and design guidelines to support accessible, mixed –use neighborhood development.

The 2014 Strategic Growth Study of Columbus aimed to guide future development by identifying areas with strong infrastructure support. Using ArcGIS, the study analyzed factors like sewer and water availability, fire protection, road conditions, and wetlands to determine development potential. It included detailed profiles of these areas and offered recommendations focused on efficient, well planned growth through infrastructure improvements and policy initiatives.

In response to significant local flooding in 2008, the City of Columbus developed its first comprehensive Flood Risk Management Plan. The Plan evaluated all aspects of local flood risk, developed resources to better prepare for and respond to future flood events, and considered a wide variety of mitigation strategies to better protect Columbus area neighborhoods and the transportation network. A component of the Flood Risk Management Plan, the Flood Response & Evacuation Plan, provided a unique local tool for first responders to assess the specific risk posed by future floods and develop a response plan before that flooding occurs. The Plan was developed in collaboration with consultant Christopher B. Burke Engineering

In 2012, Columbus launched the Infill Site Profiles program to promote development within existing city limits. The program offered concise, two-page profiles for individual infill properties, including details like location, parcel size, ownership, zoning and land use. It aimed to connect the Planning Department, property owners, developers, and real estate professionals by providing clear, up-to-date information, which helped to reduce barriers and encourage development on properties served by existing city infrastructure.

In August of 2011, the City of Columbus Bartholomew County Planning Department launched a new website. Designed with public input, it featured current and long-range community planning information and user friendly tools built with common software, like Google Maps. The site improved public awareness of local planning issues and helped the community better understand the Department’s services.

The City’s first Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, adopted in 2011, marked a major evolution of the original 1980s park-focused People Trail System. It addressed the community’s growing transportation and recreational needs by proposing a comprehensive city-wide network of multi-use paths, bike lanes, sidepaths, and sidewalks. The plan outlined where each facility type would be most appropriate, provided design specifications, and prioritized projects needed to complete the system. It aimed to promote safe and sustainable transportation, enhance quality of life, support public health, and create new opportunities for tourism.