ADVERTISEMENT

    Opinion: Bring it, Columbus

    Columbus lost the bid for the Democratic National Convention, but we gained so much more. We better know who we are. We put ourselves out there, with the big boys and girls, to be judged. For, maybe the first time, as a city, we said “Hi, World. Pick us, choose us, and love us.” We did it because collectively, as a community, we believe in ourselves. We think we have a lot to offer, and we do. We would have been amazing hosts.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    We are on our way to becoming a world class city. We know it. We believe we can get there. The community, humanity, openness and yes swagger, the Democratic National Convention Committee witnessed on their visit is real. The hardships, the grit, and the uneasiness we minimized are also real.

    We still have far too many of our neighbors struggling with poverty, and were not yet connected in the ways we should be. Our people are still trying to figure out better ways to navigate this City. We have gaps. Many of us feel it. We know we don’t offer the kinds of transportation options that enable everyone in our community to thrive. We’ve come a long way in the last few years as far as transit options. Still we know we need more choices to bring the very best to Columbus.

    These are things we should have moved on a decade ago. We should have talked more. We know this. We were young. We made priorities. We got really good at many things, creating a bustling Downtown core and amazing neighborhoods among them.

    And so, it’s time. Let’s concentrate on us now. The Democratic National Convention didn’t choose us, and that’s okay. We know who we are and who we want to be. We can become a better connected Columbus. Let’s be it. Bring it, Columbus.

    -Elissa Schneider, Transit Columbus Chair and Columbus resident.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    The Confluence Cast: Downtown with Michael Brown

    We're exploring the evolution of downtown with Michael Brown, who has been a cornerstone in the city's development planning and worked both in and outside city government to cheer on its growth. Columbus Underground editor Walker Evans and Mike delve into the city's challenges and triumphs, the synergy between projects, the balance between iconic and neighborhood-level public art investments, and the concerted efforts to address systemic issues like homelessness and affordable housing. Through anecdotes and insights, they highlight Columbus's young, creative energy and the dynamic urban policies that continue to drive its growth.

    COTA Hires New CEO

    Just over a month after Joanna Pinkerton announced she...

    COTA Lands $42 Million Federal Grant for First Transit Corridor

    The Central Ohio Transit Authority has been awarded $41.9...

    COTA to Study Dublin-to-Intel Transit Connection

    The Central Ohio Transit Authority plans to use a...

    The List: 11 Bike and Pedestrian Projects Moving Forward in 2024

    It can take a long time for transportation infrastructure...
    Elissa Schneider
    Elissa Schneiderhttp://www.transitcolumbus.org
    Elissa is an advocate for a better connected Columbus and the board chair of Transit Columbus. She is a Short North resident with a soft spot for a really good dive bar.
    ADVERTISEMENT