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Panel: Central Ohio growth has shifted toward international arrivals; leaders warn of housing strain
Summary
Speakers at a Columbus Metro Club panel said most recent population growth in Central Ohio comes from international arrivals and urged planning now to avoid housing and workforce shortfalls as the region grows.
Michael Wilkos, United Way—s community speaker, told a Columbus Metro Club audience that population growth in Central Ohio has a new makeup and urgent implications.
"Between 2010 and 2024, we have added 323,000 people, while the rest of the state has added just 20,000," Wilkos said, adding that the region averaged about 16,000 new residents a year during the decade. "We are now 71% of our growth is the arrival of people from other countries."
Why it matters: Panelists said the shift toward international immigration affects housing demand, workforce availability and where new housing will need to be built. Without coordinated planning, they warned, growth could outpace housing supply and push low- and moderate-income households…
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