In Search of a City: Land of Opportunity
Like many people in Columbus, I struggle with the tension between staying in Columbus and moving to a city that better accommodates my lifestyle. Portland, Oregon, for example, appeals to me because it is a Columbus-size city that has made radically different choices than central Ohio for more than 30 years. The result is a compact, transit-oriented city with a healthy core and vibrant downtown.
Columbus, however, offers something far more special: the opportunity to make a difference. For a person with an entrepreneurial spirit, Columbus is a gold mine, whether one channels that spirit into business ownership, advocacy or community organizing.
In Columbus, entrepreneurs are heroes. Witness Liz Lessner (Betty’s Family of Restaurants); Pete Scantland (Orange Barrel Media); John Angelo (Short North Business Association); Adam Brouillette (Couchfire Collective), to name a few. Someone who might go unnoticed in Portland can be a meaningful agent for change in Columbus.
Portland may have its act together. But tell me another city besides Columbus where, if you are competent, hard working and imaginative, people think you are a genius.
Tags: Couchfire Collective, Downtown Columbus, Liz Lessner, Short North, Tip Top
May 19th, 2009 at 7:59 am
For God’s sake Cleve, do us all a favor and move! Trust me, you won’t be missed.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Cleve, as someone who has grown up in Columbus I can tell you that your comment that anyone who has it together looks like a genuis is insulting. Maybe you just do not realize this. I have travelled to many places around the world, lived in the short north on Neil Ave., and have taught in Columbus for 22 years. We are not that pathetic. I love living here. Thanks.
p.s. try to stay positive not passive/aggressive
May 20th, 2009 at 7:43 am
Writing a blog is interesting because I can never predict how people will react. I intended this blog to be a positive one. Living in Columbus is special because a creative person can be a “standout”. The city is incredibly accessible, appreciates talent, and rewards perserverence.
The point of this blog is that Columbus is more rewarding professionally than any other city I have seen. Unlike many cities, Columbus has no entrenched power structure that prevents young, ambitious people from pursuing their passion. And unlike Portland, which draws a disproportionate number of young and talented people, a person in Columbus can make a huge difference.
Ohio is experiencing a “brain drain” to the east and west coasts and several metropolitan areas in between. The tension to which I allude is real and pulls many people out of central Ohio. Moving is the problem. Staying is much more interesting.
I agree with Valerie. I love living in Columbus.
May 26th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Cleve – If it’s any consolation, I took your post to be nothing but positive. The reasoning you put forth is precisely why I enjoy living in Columbus. Those who want to lead Columbus in a more positive direction have the unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor and work to help the city realize its potential. We have the chance to really affect change here, and I relish that challenge.