fostering a vibrant, prosperous, and growing hilltop
As a private, economic community development corporation (CDC), we are committed to the mindful economic growth and development on The Hilltop.
In 2020, the city of Columbus published the "Envision Hilltop" Plan
envision hilltop
A community plan for shared success
Three key pillars. We're focused on PLACE.
The Envision Hilltop Plan has three pillars: People, Place, and Home. Under each pillar, there are three topic areas of goals and recommendations.
people
Health & Recreation
Educatoin & Schools
Employment & Income
Place
Business & Economy
Mobility
Safety & Crime
HOME
Housing Quality
Mixed-Income & Affordability
Homeownership
As subcommittee chair for Business & Economy, we champion this part of the plan to ensure it is implemented.
Business & Economy Goals
- Reinforce and strengthen key gateways into the neighborhood
- Use existing contributing structures and encourage new development in historic business district at catalyst sites
- Increase local employment options that pay a living wage
Executive Committee & Employees
Morgan DeBoth
Executive Director
Betty Jaynes
Chair
Cleve Ricksecker
Vice Chair
Dean Smith
Treasurer
Victoria Klein
Secretary
Vincent Fasone
Member at Large
Board Members
Neal Bronder – Retired partner in Reiner Construction and Former Greater Hilltop Area Commissioner
O. Jerome Buckner – Hilltop Business Owner / Highland West Native
Maggie Colombini – Heartland Bank, Assist. Branch Manager and Westside Native
Eric Green – Hilltop Business Owner and Neighborhood Legacy Group
Susan Keeny – Columbus Landmarks Foundation
Josh Roth – Professional with focus in economic development
Adam Seeley – Attorney with a focus on economic development and local government counseling
A Brief History
About Us
Welcome to the Hilltop RISE Economic CDC, a private community development corporation dedicated to fostering mindful economic growth and development on The Hilltop. Our journey began in 2016 when we identified a pressing need for an Economic CDC during a meeting with then-Council Member Stinziano. After overcoming a few challenges, we officially incorporated in March 2022, organized a press conference with the Mayor in July 2022, and began recruiting an Executive Director in the fall of 2022. Since then, we’ve been on a mission to revitalize and uplift The Hilltop community.
Mission and Vision
At Hilltop RISE Economic CDC, our mission is to facilitate mindful economic growth and development on The Hilltop. We’re committed to supporting new and existing businesses, property owners, and the community by connecting them to vital resources, opportunities, and educational tools. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to building strong and resilient communities through purposeful economic growth and development.
Our vision for The Hilltop is simple yet powerful: to be a thriving, united, and prosperous community. We believe in taking pride in our past while making ambitious plans for our future. Our focus extends to both the W. Broad and Sullivant Ave corridors, acknowledging the rich potential of these areas while being mindful of the Greater Hilltop.
Why an Economic CDC
We recognized several crucial reasons for establishing the Economic CDC for The Hilltop. We needed a dedicated advocate and a full-time expert with a proven track record to champion our community. Our belief in The Hilltop is about unifying, strengthening, and advocating for the area we call home.
Taking Action
We understood that The Hilltop deserved more than just studies and plans shelved on a shelf. Our meetings with the community, informed by the Envision Hilltop Community Plan, led to the recommendation for the formation of a CDC that could effectively utilize resources and unlock The Hilltop’s true potential.
Find us in the news
August 2024 News Update
We’re excited to share some fantastic news and updates from Hilltop RISE this August! As we continue to work towards a vibrant and unified Hilltop, we have some inspiring projects and initiatives to celebrate.
July 2024 News Update
Welcome to July! We have exciting updates to share with you as we continue our journey toward revitalizing and enhancing our beloved Hilltop community.
June 2024 News Update
As we welcome the month of June, we have some exciting updates and initiatives to share with you. Hilltop RISE is committed to fostering a cleaner, more vibrant community, and this month’s newsletter highlights our efforts and accomplishments in this regard.
May 2024 News Update
As we welcome the month of May, we are excited to share the latest updates and accomplishments from Hilltop RISE, along with upcoming opportunities for engagement and collaboration in our neighborhood.
April 2024 News Update
As we step into the month of April, we are excited to share the latest updates and achievements from Hilltop RISE, along with upcoming opportunities for community involvement and engagement.
March 2024 News Update
February has been an exciting month for us, marked by significant milestones and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and livability of our community.