Delaware County Review

This national week of recognition was created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2016 to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.

This is a great opportunity to think about the importance of economic development in all communities, including the City of Westerville, and how Westerville’s exceptional quality of life is a direct result of our economic development strategy and programs. 

So, why is Economic Development important?

…it’s in our City Mission statement: “The City of Westerville is dedicated to providing exemplary municipal services to our community and fostering prosperity while embracing our unique heritage and character.” This means that the City focuses on setting policies and offering services that are business-friendly and encourage a virtuous cycle of investment in our community. Here are just a few examples:

• Infrastructure: Westerville is proud to be home to WeConnect Data Center & Fiber Network, the nation’s first municipal data center. This innovative community asset provides businesses of all sizes with ultra-high speed and ultra-low latency network connectivity.
• Transportation & Mobility: Rising fuel prices and inconsistent transportation can be significant barriers to finding employment. The on-demand COTA//Plus ride service is a convenient transportation option for residents and employees of Westerville businesses. Transfers to and from COTA transit stops are free and promotional codes for free rides are available for students, older adults and riders with disabilities. Standard fare is $3 per ride.
• City Services: In June 2021, the Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) received a class 1 Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) rating following an evaluation and assessment of the department. ISO rates fire departments/districts on a 10-point scale, with class 1 being the best rating and class 10 being the worst. The announcement upgraded WFD’s rating from a class 2, which has held steady since 2015. ISO ratings provide guidance to insurance underwriters related to property risks associated with fire protection services. In addition to validating the quality of the department, this rating goes directly to the property insurance premiums insurers charge residential and commercial customers.

…it’s also the primary source of revenue for those and all other exemplary City services. While the City receives a small percentage of all property taxes, the two percent local income tax rate levied where a person works accounts for more than three-quarters of the City’s General Fund. 

At the City of Westerville, our focus is on creating an environment that:

• Fosters high quality private investment and reinvestment; 
• Expands the local tax base; and 
• Presents high quality job opportunities throughout the city. 

This is accomplished through the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, adopted in 2015. Through our strategy, we work to understand the needs and drivers of private investment, including development, redevelopment, and job creation. We listen to our stakeholders in the business community and leverage our community partners - including the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Westerville City Schools, Otterbein University, and the Westerville Public LIbrary - ensure that we’re responsive to the evolving needs of our businesses and their workforce. 

Westerville is made better by its thriving business community and diverse workforce. From the merchants of Uptown to the medical and corporate professionals in Westar and beyond, we thank the organizations that choose to call Westerville home.

Learn more about the City of Westerville’s Economic Development programs here, and reach out to connect with the team: rachel.ray@westerville.org or rob.rishel@westerville.org.

Original source can be found here.