Downtown Development Panel
Athletic Club of Columbus
What You’ll Learn
This panel will explore the future of downtown Columbus through the lenses of economic development, public private partnerships, real estate redevelopment, civic leadership, and social equity. Attendees will gain insights into how large-scale projects are shaping the city’s growth, how public policy and private investment intersect, and how community leaders are tackling issues like housing, business attraction, and downtown vibrancy.
Date: November 13, 2025
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: The Athletic Club of Columbus
Space is limited, please register if you would like to attend.
Moderator
Mark Lundine
Economic Development Administrator, City of Columbus
Mark leads the City’s Economic Development Division, overseeing business expansion, job creation, infrastructure investments, and small business programs. His team has supported 70,000+ new and retained jobs and facilitated $7.4B in private investment over the past decade. He is also a leader in public private partnerships and sustainability initiatives, including launching Columbus’ regional C-PACE program.
Panelists
Amy Edwards Taylor
President, Downtown Columbus, Inc.
Amy has spearheaded nationally recognized projects including the Scioto Mile, Columbus Commons, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and The Peninsula. With more than $500M in public private partnerships catalyzed under her leadership, she has transformed the heart of Columbus into a vibrant downtown. She also lectures at OSU’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
Zachary Woodruff
Chief Real Estate Development Officer, Columbus State Community College
Zachary directs campus and community redevelopment projects while leading Columbus State Community Partners. Previously, as Whitehall’s City Administrator and Economic Development Director, he oversaw $350M in new private investment and thousands of new jobs. Recognized among Columbus Business First’s 40 Under 40 and CEO’s Future 50, he is a proven development leader.
Shannon Isom
President & CEO, Community Shelter Board
Shannon leads communitywide strategies to prevent and end homelessness in Columbus and Franklin County. She previously served as CEO of YWCA Dayton and held leadership roles in healthcare strategy with CareSource and Miami Valley Hospital. With an MBA in Healthcare Administration and a strong record of nonprofit leadership, she is a champion for equity and sustainable community impact.
Council Member Nicholas J. Bankston
Columbus City Council
Nicholas J. Bankston serves on Columbus City Council, where he focuses on equitable neighborhood development, affordable housing, and community investment. A lifelong Columbus resident with experience in public policy and civic engagement, he has championed initiatives that connect growth with opportunity for all residents. Council Member Bankston brings a policymaker’s perspective to how development decisions shape the city’s future.