1.9B Bond Package + Columbus Rankings Shock

Hey, it's Gagan. Yep, the only Gagan Timsina in the world.

And here are the “Top 10 Neighborhoods for People Living in Columbus”

In today's newsletter:

• Mayor Ginther Proposes Record $1.9 Billion Bond Package: Largest includes $500 million for affordable housing

• Columbus Ranks 6th Best City for Working Moms: Strong employment rates and quality of life metrics drive recognition

• New Albany Economic Development Success Story: $47 billion in private investment over 27 years creates powerhouse suburb

• Bridge's End Brewing Opens in Shawnee Hills: Craft brewery boom continues in growing western suburb

• Columbus Named Top Summer Travel Destination: National recognition highlights city's growing tourism appeal

SPONSORED BY: GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

MAYOR GINTHER PROPOSES RECORD $1.9 BILLION BOND PACKAGE FOR NOVEMBER BALLOT

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced the largest bond package in city history, totaling $1.9 billion, with a record-breaking $500 million dedicated to affordable housing. [Columbus Dispatch]

Key Highlights:

• Five separate ballot measures totaling $1.9 billion

• $500 million for affordable housing and neighborhood development (largest in city history)

• $250 million each for safety services and recreation/parks

• $400 million for public services including streets and highways

• $500 million for public utilities infrastructure

What Makes It Significant:

Bond levies don't raise taxes - funded by 25% of income tax revenue and utility fees

City has never needed additional funding sources to repay bonds since 1956

Previous affordable housing bonds ($50M in 2019, $200M in 2022) have created over 4,000 rental units

Voters will decide on November 4th ballot

This massive investment proposal represents the city's most ambitious infrastructure and housing initiative to date. The $500 million affordable housing component alone could transform Columbus's rental market, potentially creating thousands of new units for residents earning $20 per hour or less.

For property investors, this signals strong municipal commitment to addressing housing shortages, which could stabilize rental markets and support property values citywide. The infrastructure investments in utilities, roads, and safety services will enhance neighborhood appeal across all districts.

COLUMBUS RANKS 6TH BEST CITY FOR WORKING MOMS IN NATIONAL STUDY

Columbus earned recognition as the sixth-best large metropolitan area for working mothers, according to a comprehensive study by CoWorking Cafe. [WSYX]

Key Highlights:

• 78.1% of mothers in Columbus are employed (8th among large metros)

• Average commute time of just 23 minutes (9th nationally)

• $52,000 annual median income for working mothers

• 5.1 coworking spaces per 100,000 residents (10th among large metros)

• 130 schools per 100,000 children (14th nationally)

What Sets Columbus Apart:

Strong employment opportunities for mothers with families

Relatively affordable cost of living ranked 11th nationally

Quality educational options supporting family stability

Growing remote work infrastructure with abundant coworking spaces

This recognition reinforces Columbus's appeal to young families and working professionals, two key demographics driving housing demand. For homeowners and investors, cities that rank highly for working families typically see sustained population growth and stable property values.

The combination of strong employment rates, reasonable commutes, and quality schools creates the foundation for long-term residential market strength. Areas with good school districts and family amenities will likely see continued appreciation.

NEW ALBANY'S $47 BILLION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS STORY

New Albany celebrated Economic Development Week by highlighting 27 years of unprecedented growth in the International Business Park, now home to $47 billion in private investment. [City of New Albany]

Key Highlights:

• 9,000+ acres with 36 million square feet of commercial space

• 26,000 employees generating nearly 80% of city's general revenue

• $1.18 billion in new investment in 2024 alone

• Amgen's $900 million expansion (largest life sciences project in Ohio history)

• Pharmavite's $200 million facility opening this month

What Makes It Notable:

Income tax from business park employees funds city services without property tax increases

Major life sciences and technology companies choosing New Albany for expansion

Infrastructure investments like Taylor Farm Park and Rose Run expansion enhance quality of life

Strategic clustering in semiconductor manufacturing, IT, and high-tech logistics

New Albany's transformation from small suburb to major economic hub demonstrates how strategic business development can create exceptional residential opportunities. The city's ability to fund services through business income tax rather than residential property taxes makes it increasingly attractive to homebuyers.

Properties near the business park benefit from proximity to high-paying jobs while maintaining suburban character. This model of economic development typically drives sustained property appreciation and attracts affluent residents seeking premium amenities.

BRIDGE'S END BREWING OPENS IN GROWING SHAWNEE HILLS

Central Ohio's craft brewery scene expanded with the opening of Bridge's End Brewing in Shawnee Hills, marking another milestone in the area's commercial development. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

• New brewery at 9320 Dublin Road with European-focused beer lineup

• Owner Bill Schirmer invested in ground-up construction project since 2021

• Full food menu including pizza, sandwiches, and entrees

• Second craft brewery to open this week alongside Camp Brewing in Marysville

Growing Shawnee Hills Scene:

Maumee Bay Brewing's Shawnee Station opened last year

Rise Brands developing entertainment complex on former Bogey Inn site

27-hole indoor-outdoor putting course and live entertainment venue planned

Growing dining and entertainment options attracting residents and visitors

The continued investment in Shawnee Hills dining and entertainment venues signals growing confidence in this western Columbus suburb. New breweries and entertainment complexes typically indicate rising disposable income and population growth in an area.

For property owners in Shawnee Hills and surrounding areas, these amenities enhance neighborhood appeal and can drive property values higher.

The planned Rise Brands entertainment complex will further establish this corridor as a destination, benefiting nearby residential properties.

COLUMBUS GAINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION AS TOP SUMMER TRAVEL DESTINATION

Columbus earned spots on multiple "best summer destinations" lists from major publications including AFAR, Travel + Leisure, and The Wall Street Journal. [Experience Columbus]

Key Highlights:

• Named among best summer travel destinations by national publications

• 81% of overnight visitors return to Columbus

• Columbus Arts Festival expected to draw 400,000+ attendees

• Stonewall Columbus Pride brings 700,000+ visitors (largest in Midwest)

• Red, White & BOOM! attracts 400,000+ for fireworks celebration

Tourism Infrastructure Growing:

Two highly anticipated restaurants opening: ISLA (14-seat tasting menu) and Metsi's (modern Italian)

Free experiential trails and 3-Day Columbus Attractions Pass

Literary tourism growing with Columbus Book Festival and James Thurber House

Recognition as top food city by Condé Nest Traveler

National tourism recognition drives economic activity that benefits the entire metro area. Cities that become travel destinations typically see increased investment in hospitality, dining, and entertainment infrastructure.

This creates jobs, attracts new residents who discover the city while visiting, and supports property values in walkable neighborhoods near attractions.

Short-term rental investors particularly benefit from tourism growth, while all property owners gain from the increased visibility and economic activity that tourism brings to the region.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: The proposed $1.9 billion bond package represents massive infrastructure investment that could enhance neighborhoods citywide. New Albany's success model shows how strategic economic development can fund city services while maintaining property values.

Home buyers: Columbus's ranking as 6th best city for working moms, combined with growing tourism recognition, signals a city on the rise. Consider areas near the business districts in New Albany or entertainment zones like Shawnee Hills for potential appreciation.

Bottom line: This week showcases Columbus's multi-faceted growth from municipal infrastructure investment to suburban economic development and national tourism recognition. The combination of job growth, family-friendly amenities, and cultural attractions creates a strong foundation for sustained real estate market strength across the region.

Thinking about making a move? Let's chat and connect you with our partners!

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See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina