RESS COLUMBUS — It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. With a picture-perfect downtown filled with beautiful murals, presentable storefronts and a historic courthouse with a lush lawn as the crowning jewel, a thousand words would not be able to describe what is and what is to become of downtown Columbus.
What was conceived and launched by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce under the direction of former chamber executive director Billy Kahn, A Better Columbus (ABC) was incorporated as a freestanding nonprofit in 2021. The vision for a better Columbus is for the nonprofit, according to its mission statement, “to create a vibrant community, connecting residents, visitors and busigrowth nesses to encourage growth while celebrating our heritage.”
With its eye on growth and beautification, ABC keeps the long-standing and historic heritage front and center. In 2021, ABC drafted a proposal to create a historic business district downtown.
The organization contacted businesses about a special one-time grant from the City of Columbus to help improve the storefronts of certain downtown businesses. These grants were to be used to move air conditioning units situated on the awnings and in front of a building to the back of the building and the renovation and painting of the street-facing storefronts.
Kahn, Founder and spokesperson, is proud of its first steps in creating a place tourists and residents will want to visit. One of Columbus's first projects on the mural map is the giant color mural on Spring Street and Milam Street.
This welcoming mural, painted by muralist and artist Tyler Kay, was the first of three murals to entice tourists to downtown. Upon hearing of the murals, many couples flock to Columbus to have their picture taken before these beautiful works of art.
A strategic partnership agreement with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce sanctions the mural projects.
Recently, ABC partnered with the chamber, Rotary, and the Lions to purchase 12 new trash receptacles to the tune of $8,000.
A modest Kahn says, “ABC is about getting things done, to make Columbus a better place, its about collaboration. That is really the key.” ABC helps to foster collaborative partnerships and to fund projects that will beautify and bolster growth downtown.
He looks for more bistros and a museum.
ABC’s next major project is hanging baskets of artificial florals. The florals are specially treated to reduce UV ray damage. Each hanging basket costs ABC $200. The baskets will be offered to businesses at only $100 each to hang outside their stores. The Rotary Club has agreed to hang each basket for free.
What drives Kahn to bring his time and talents to ABC? His volunteerism extends far beyond his current love. He has been with the Lions Club for seven years, the Rotary Club for six years and started the Columbus Country Market some eight years ago. “I do care about Columbus; I do care about making it a better place.”
The end goal is no end goal. According to Kahn, “There is no end goal. I think it should be ongoing to help make Columbus a better place to live, to work, to visit, to stay, to play, to shop, to dine, to move here.
ABC can help attract tourists, new residents and make current residents feel better about where we are. We can always improve.”
