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Council hears economic development, small-business budget; city highlights $15M invested and 1,330 businesses served
Summary
City officials presented the Department of Development's proposed 2026 operating budget and reviewed 2025 small-business outcomes, including support for 1,330 businesses and more than $15,000,000 invested through programs such as Accelerate Columbus and capacity grants. Presenters also described infrastructure partnerships and proposed budget totals; no formal votes were taken.
Chair Bankston convened the fourth 2026 operating budget hearing and invited the Department of Development to present its economic development and small-business proposals. Mark Lundeen, economic development administrator, told council the office "was able to directly support 1,330 businesses in 2025," and said the city saw "over $15,000,000 invested in small businesses," primarily through the Accelerate Columbus program.
Lundeen outlined several targeted programs and place-based investments the department says supported neighborhood commercial corridors. He said the city awarded 56 capacity grants this year (small machinery and equipment grants tied to Accelerate alumni or partner referrals), and that 12 "Power of 1" recipients received significant physical rehabilitations. He credited the Ground…
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