Franklin University: Handbook for Exchange Visitor- J Program

Franklin University: Handbook for Exchange Visitor- J Program 82
Columbus is the 15th largest city in the United States and the capital of Ohio. It’s situated at
the crossroads of two major highways, and is conveniently located within a 550-mile radius
of more than half the population of the United States. Nearly 80 percent of the country is
located within a 90-minute airplane trip.
Columbus has a diverse economic base, a strong arts community (it was recently recognized
as the ―Indie Art Capital of the World‖) and three major sports franchises, plus the largest
college campus in the country, The Ohio State University.
At 2.2 square miles, Downtown Columbus is one of the largest downtowns in the country.
Since 2002, public and private investments in downtown development have more than
doubled, leading to revitalization of the City’s core. And the creation of the 2002 Downtown
Business Plan led to a residential boom and the first increase in downtown residents in 50
years. Plus, more than 100,000 people work in the downtown area — and even that number
continues to rise.
In addition, 10 million visitors are drawn to downtown annually for an increasing number of
services and amenities. Today, downtown is central Ohio’s center of vitality, boasting five
theaters, the Ohio Statehouse, an amphitheater, a hockey arena, various parks, and numerous
can’t-miss performances and events. Coming soon are many exciting new projects such as a
riverfront park, an urban ecology center, a county courthouse and additional housing units.
To see videos with people in the community telling their stories about downtown,
click here.
For any information about economic development within not only downtown, but
also the entire City of Columbus, click here.