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

This influential initiative is aimed at transforming our community into a more vibrant and inclusive place to live, work and thrive.

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

Maggie Colombini

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

Thuy Pham – Hilltop Business Owner / Highland West Native

Susan Keeny – Columbus Landmarks Foundation

Josh Roth – Professional with focus in economic development

Eric Green – Hilltop Business Owner and Neighborhood Legacy Group

Impact reports

2022 | 2023

990 - Public Financials

2022 | 2023

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.

it’s true! we’ve never been more hopeful for the hilltop!