Department of Neighborhoods Columbus

10/15/2026

✨ Have an idea to beautify your community? Interested in applying for a 614 Beautiful grant? Join our virtual information session on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. to learn more and get your questions answered. 💻 Sign up: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/OGznuClaQaSRatBqiS363A #/registration

🎥 Can’t attend live? A recording will be available on the 614 Beautiful website beginning October 23, so you can watch at your convenience.

📩 Have questions? Email [email protected] and include “614 Beautiful” in the subject line.

10/13/2026

Last week, the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods pulled out all the stops for Customer Service Week to celebrate our exceptional 311 Customer Service Center team! 🙌💛

From daily surprises and games to certificates of appreciation and a grand luncheon, our 311 reps truly had a blast being showered with the love and gratitude they deserve. 🥳🍕🎉

📈 Whether they're scheduling bulk pick-ups or sorting out streetlight needs, they approach every call with unmatched knowledge, patience and care. 📞💪

As the "front door" to our city, they make what seems impossible, possible for Columbus residents every single day. 🚪❤️

Join us in saying a huge THANK YOU to our 311 team in the comments below! 👇

10/12/2026

10/09/2026

The Announcement is Here! 💜

The Commission on Black Girls is launching the COBG Anchor Partner Initiative, a new funding and partnership opportunity designed to invest in organizations doing meaningful work with girls throughout Columbus.

COBG is seeking six organizations to serve as Anchor Partners. Selected organizations receive up to $5,000 to support organizational priorities that strengthen or enhance their work with girls.

We know that organizations across Columbus bring unique approaches, experiences, relationships, and strengths to their work with girls. The Anchor Partner Initiative is an opportunity to invest in that work while also creating space for organizations to connect, collaborate, learn, and build new relationships.

Because when organizations doing meaningful work with girls are better connected, we can expand opportunities, strengthen support, and open even more doors for girls across our community. 💜

📅 Applications open: October 2

⏰ Deadline: October 15 at 11:59 p.m.

💰 Funding: Up to $5,000 per organization

🤝🏾 Six organizations will be selected

Interested in becoming a COBG Anchor Partner?

Review the Grant Guidelines and apply today!

🔗 Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/COBGAnchorPartner

The complete Funding Guidelines are available within the application.

10/08/2026

✨ Meet 4 inspiring members of the 2026 New American Leadership Academy (NALA) cohort! ✨

These incredible leaders are shaping the future of Central Ohio through engineering, tech, healthcare, and community advocacy:

• Lutfullah Ludin 🏗️ – An Afghanistan native and Assistant Project Manager at Engineering Consulting Services (ECS). Lutfullah manages major data center infrastructure for tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft while delivering culturally responsive community support.

• Derrick Etu Miasu 🛡️ – Originally from Cameroon, Derrick is a data science master's graduate now pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity at Franklin University. He is passionate about using technology and his global mindset to protect and empower others.

• Maumi Mohamed 🩺 – Originally from Somalia, Maumi is a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, educator, and founder of the nonprofit SkillHer. She is dedicated to closing healthcare access gaps and advancing health equity across Ohio.

• Akshar Pokala 🧠 – An OSU Neuroscience pre-med student who overcame severe childhood asthma to become a high-endurance athlete. Inspired by his own physician, Akshar is dedicated to pediatrics, empathy-driven leadership, and healthcare volunteering.

We can't wait to see how these changemakers continue to lead by example and lift up our community! 🌟

To be part of the NALA class of 2027, apply here: https://tinyurl.com/NALAapp2027

10/05/2026

Apply for the New American Leadership Academy!

We are pleased to share with you that the application for the 2027 New American Leadership Academy (NALA) cohort is now available.

NALA is an opportunity for New American professionals to foster their personal and professional development by building knowledge in civic engagement and discovering new ways to contribute to their respective communities and the city of Columbus at large. Academy participants receive mentorship and professional development on topics including government, civic engagement, and strategic collaboration along with public speaking, and conflict resolution and management. The bi-weekly sessions will begin in March 2027 and end in November 2027.

Applications will be accepted now through November 13, 2026. For more information, and to apply online, please visit www.columbus.gov/nala.

To access the application directly, please click here: https://us.openforms.com/Form/2ca2d0fb-6030-425d-8e74-d83b7dcb84af

10/01/2026

Meet the inspiring leaders of the New American Leadership Academy (NALA) 2026 Cohort! 🌟 These incredible individuals are dedicated to empowering Central Ohio’s immigrant, refugee, and New American communities.

Take a look at how they are making an impact in Columbus:

🌍 Teslima Jallow (Originally from The Gambia)
• Role: PhD Student in Social Work at OSU & Graduate Research Associate at the Age-Friendly Innovation Center.
• Impact: Brings over a decade of experience across West Africa and the U.S. focusing on aging, climate resilience, and social policy.
• Fun Fact: Loves cooking Gambian food, watching soccer, and is inspired by Nelson Mandela’s quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

🌍 Ruthnavia Louis (Originally from Haiti)
• Role: Founder of Spotless Family LLC & Founding Board Member of Assistance for Refugees and Displaced Haitians (ARDH).
• Impact: Former U.S. Embassy and UN professional who supports local families with employment, immigration, and essential resources.

🌍 Marides Menager (Originally from Haiti)
• Role: Founder of The Link Language Services & Co-Founder of The House of Sisterhood.
• Impact: Holds a law degree and a Master's in Public Law; dedicates her career to bridging language gaps and empowering women through mentorship.

🌍 Njeri Mbure (Originally from Kenya)
• Role: Marketing Manager for the World Heritage Program at Ohio History Connection.
• Impact: Uses her deep expertise in heritage and communications to raise awareness for Ohio’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.

We are so proud to have these change-makers in our community. Join us in celebrating their hard work and dedication to Columbus! 🙌✨

To be part of the NALA class of 2027, apply here: https://us.openforms.com/Form/2ca2d0fb-6030-425d-8e74-d83b7dcb84af

10/01/2026

We’ve been a little quiet over here, but there’s been a lot happening behind the scenes. 💜

Over the past several months, the Commission on Black Girls has been in a planning season: listening to stakeholders, reflecting on what we’ve learned, and identifying opportunities to better support girls and the organizations that serve them throughout Columbus.

And now, we’re getting ready to share what’s next.

We have an announcement coming this Friday.

Stay tuned! 💜

09/30/2026

Yesterday was an incredible day for community connection across Central Ohio! The City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods had an amazing time hosting several conversations for , an initiative powered by The Columbus Foundation.

It was a beautiful day filled with powerful, forward-thinking dialogue where great ideas were shared, and meaningful new friendships were made. Check out the highlights below from two of our hosted events, which tackled critical topics aimed at building a safer, more empowered future for our community:

• Safer Streets for Everyone: One table focused on actionable strategies for reducing fatal car crashes on Cleveland Avenue.

• Empowered Leadership: Another inspiring group of HBCU fraternity alumni discussed leveraging leadership beyond the letters.

Thank you to everyone who pulled up a chair, shared their voice, and brought their unique perspectives to the table. When neighbors come together to listen and collaborate, real change begins!



South Linden Area Commission North Linden Area Commission