January 2024 News Update

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Dear Hilltop RISE community,

As we step into the new year, we’re excited to share our January newsletter filled with aspirations, collaborations, and community-driven initiatives. January marks a fresh start, and we’re committed to making 2024 a year of empowerment, growth, and positive change.

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Empowering Business Series: Dynamic Topics to Elevate Success Our Empowering Business Series is evolving with dynamic topics tailored to support local entrepreneurs and businesses. From strategic marketing to financial planning, our series aims to provide valuable insights and resources to foster growth and success in the Hilltop community. These series will take place the second Tuesday of each month at the Hilltop Library. 

Renewed Commitment to the Envision Hilltop Community Plan We’re thrilled to renew our commitment to the Envision Hilltop Community Plan, working collaboratively towards a vibrant and sustainable future. We spent a few days this month assisting in the process of updating plan data surrounding the “Place” pillar. Through strategic planning and community engagement, we aim to bring the vision of the Hilltop community to life in 2024.

Continued Sponsorship from The City of Columbus We’re grateful for the continued sponsorship from The City of Columbus. This support enables us to implement vital programs, contribute to community development, and empower local businesses. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on the Hilltop.

Welcoming a Practicum Student from the Community Healthworker Program We are delighted to welcome a Practicum Student from the Community Healthworker Program at OSU. Imane Medjdoub speaks four languages and will assist us as we work with our diverse business community. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to holistic community well-being and health. Together, we look forward to contributing to the health and vitality of The Hilltop community.

As we embark on this new year, we express our gratitude for your ongoing support. Stay tuned for exciting updates, events, and opportunities throughout 2024. Together, we will continue to empower, uplift, and build a stronger Hilltop community.

Take good care,

Morgan DeBoth
Hilltop RISE Executive Director

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More To Explore

October 2026 HR Newsletter

This past month, our staff spent a few days in Athens with our peers from around the state in economic and community development at the Ohio CDA’s annual conference. The theme of this year’s conference was “Rooted in Place.”

Due to our work being hyper-focused on the Hilltop, it’s easy to forget that our community’s challenges are being faced by similar communities all over Ohio (and elsewhere). Among many other things, we learned how other communities are addressing their challenges, about creative funding solutions for redevelopment projects, and the statewide advocacy the Ohio CDA is working on. It was exciting to see examples of great work being done throughout the state, particularly in and around Athens.

Back in Columbus, our Executive Director participated in a Zone In Gallery event hosted by Council Member Melissa Green for District 6 residents. You can learn more about Zone In Phase II and how to visit the in-person Zone In Gallery here. Don’t forget to submit public comments for Phase II by October 24th.

Hilltop Rise Director October 6, 2026

September 2026 HR Newsletter

We had a busy and rainy August! Our staff and Board Chair kicked off the month by attending 2026’s third CDC Thinktank hosted by Eastland Development for Growth & Equity (EDGE) along with Columbus Redevelopment Corporation (CRC), Linden Economic Development Alliance (LEDA), and the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods. We learned about the redevelopment efforts taking place in the Eastland area and collaborated with the other partners. Later in August, EDGE celebrated its official launch event to the community which we also attended.

Hilltop Rise Director September 1, 2026