Columbus Launches Audit of Underutilized Land
The city identified 66 square miles of public land for potential development to support new housing and business growth.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Commercial
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Columbus has invested $140,000 into the Putting Assets to Work initiative, which identifies 66 square miles of underutilized public and tax-exempt land for potential housing and business growth. The city aims to transform these spaces, such as the West Broad Missionary Chapel site, to increase property values and community utility.
Why it matters
Identifying these parcels helps the city unlock land for new housing and commercial development near key transit corridors. By optimizing these tax-exempt properties, Columbus seeks to boost local economic value and address land shortages.
The initiative identified 66 square miles of land, where the city currently owns 14% and nonprofits or other governments own 24%. One site, the West Broad Missionary Chapel, is valued at $500,000 today but could reach a $2.8 million valuation if redeveloped.
The players
Ben McAdams
A public official who briefed reporters on the citys land utilization strategy.
The details
The Putting Assets to Work initiative functions by cataloging tax-exempt properties and evaluating them for their highest and best use. Strategic recommendations include focusing development near upcoming LinkUS bus rapid transit stations and creating a revolving loan fund to attract private investment. The city is also exploring the formation of a public asset corporation to manage these properties more effectively.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Ben McAdams discussed the initiative during a press briefing.
The Home Front
Columbus is looking to replicate the success of large-scale transformations like the Arena District and the Scioto Mile to revitalize underused areas. This initiative shifts the city toward a more proactive management of its real estate portfolio to support future urban growth.
Residents should track property development announcements near planned bus rapid transit corridors and LinkUS stations to see how local land changes might influence future neighborhood amenities. Owners of homes near identified tax-exempt sites may see long-term shifts in local infrastructure and nearby commerce.
The takeaway
Columbus is prioritizing the conversion of dormant tax-exempt land into productive spaces to fuel future growth. Homeowners can monitor upcoming city council or planning board agendas for news on specific site proposals as these identified areas transition through the development process.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest commercial developments across the city in our Columbus Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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