Redevelopment is more than construction or renovation; it empowers the community to have a hand in improving quality of life and the surrounding environment as a result of sound planning practices.

The City of Columbus Indiana Redevelopment Department plays a key role in the enhancement of the quality of life of the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County.  Commission staff work with the Mayor, City Council and members of the Redevelopment Commission to ensure that the City of Columbus develops projects that include: benefiting the overall community; retaining and creating good-paying jobs; supporting local businesses; providing quality housing options; redeveloping properties; and reinforcing our community’s commitment to innovative design and responsible development.

The Redevelopment Department’s staff include a Director, a Project Coordinator and an Administrative Assistant. The Director works in conjunction with diverse community interests and potential developers on all Redevelopment projects.  A variety of economic development options are utilized to make Columbus competitive for future job growth and development, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF). This innovative economic development tool provides the Commission staff and locally-elected leadership the option of providing financing to support future growth and development.

Redevelopment Commission Mission Statement:

We are committed to being consistent, accessible and transparent in all of our actions and decisions to improve our community.  We believe in balanced growth and revitalization.  This is achieved through creative public and private engagement that seeks to promote and encourage business growth, expand economic and employment opportunities, and improve our quality of life.  The Redevelopment Commission administers and funds projects after extensive public review and approval.

The Columbus Redevelopment Commission is composed of five (5) voting members with three (3) appointed by the Mayor and two (2) by the City Council. In addition, membership includes one (1) non-voting member of the school corporation and one (1) non-voting liaison from the City Council.   All of the members are local residents. The Commission meets in regular session – open to the public, once a month.  Records of the Commission’s meetings and agenda are maintained online and posted to this website

In April, the Columbus Redevelopment Commission hosted the 1821 Bicentennial Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Over 100 attendees witnessed the grand opening of the 1821 Trail, which was the seminal project of the Columbus/Bartholomew County Bicentennial. Keynote speakers included Bicentennial Steering Committee Co-Chairs, the Mayor, Columbus Redevelopment Commission representatives and Community Development leadership. The 1821 Trail showcases art and architectural elements, while bridging an important People Trail connection gap downtown.