The Near East Area Commission

09/04/2026

From our community engagement committee conversation on last evening’s meeting Here’s a resource found that could potentially yield to be beneficial to our neighbors. Feel free to check it out.

Emergency Storm Relief

The Reeb Center has received funding to be able to support south side neighbors with storm relief financial assistance, applications will start next week 9/8-9/10, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Available online and in person at The Reeb Center. (See more info on flyer attached).

Here are the eligibility requirements:

· Individuals assisted must be within limits of the City of Columbus
· Funds are prioritized by zip code with focus on 43205, 43206, and 43207
· One time allotment per household
· No income requirement
· Must be storm disaster relief related from August 2026
· Funds will only be paid directly to vendors
· Invoices are required at time of application

09/03/2026

Near East Area Commission elections are coming up on Thursday, September 10th. This year, District 2 is the only contested race and the only district that will appear on the ballot. If you live on the NES, please some vote. All other seats will be filled without a public vote at this time. Please share with your neighbors and help spread the word.

09/02/2026

This month, we’re doing things a little differently at our Community Engagement Committee Meeting. Let’s call it what it was. A tornado came through our community, and we want to talk about it. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 tornado touched down in Olde Towne East on August 11, with estimated peak winds of 90 mph. The tornado traveled approximately 1.3 miles, causing damage to trees and structures throughout the area. Now that we know what happened, we want to hear from you. How were we impacted? What did we learn? What worked well, and where were the gaps? See you tomorrow!

08/30/2026

🎷 NEAC Commissioner Thompson is in the Community! Engaging with our neighbors and enjoying the Olde Towne East Jazz Festival 🎶✨

The festival is going until 8:30 PM, so there’s still time to come out, connect with the community, and enjoy some smooth jazz sounds right here in the neighborhood.

🎶 Live Jazz🍴 Food Truck On Site
🤝 Community • Connection • Culture

Bring your family and friends and come enjoy the evening with us! Olde Towne East is the place to be!

08/19/2026

NEAC Election Application Period Extended!

The Near East Area Commission has extended the application deadline to August 31, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Candidates must be 16+, collect 50 signatures, and meet district or At-Large requirements. This is a nonpartisan opportunity to help represent and strengthen the Near East Side.

📍 Submit completed materials: 1393 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
📞 Contact Mr. Jesus Ovalle to drop off packets.
🌐 Election packet & information: www.neareastareacommission.org

08/18/2026

Back to School Kickoff! 🎒📚

NEAC Commissioners were proud to join the Ohio Avenue community for their Back to School Kickoff! 💙

We’re excited to support our youth and families as they prepare for another successful school year. Thank you to everyone who came together to make this event a celebration of community, connection, and opportunity!

Here’s to a safe, successful, and amazing school year! 🍎✨

08/12/2026

MEETING CANCELED | THURSDAY, AUGUST 13

Due to the recent severe storms and their impact across our community, this Thursday’s NEAC General Body Meeting has been canceled. Right now, our priority is checking on our neighbors and supporting safe cleanup efforts throughout the community. If you have been impacted by the storms, please let us know. Stay safe!

Upcoming Meetings:
• Planning & Zoning resumes Thursday, August 20
•Community Engagement Thursday, September 3
• General Body meetings resume Thursday, September 10

08/06/2026

This affects our community. We hope you can make it out and provide your feedback.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝟕...

Columbus has launched its first-ever Participatory Budgeting program, setting aside $9 million in capital funding for community-selected projects. Each of the city's nine Council districts will receive $1 million, giving residents the opportunity to help decide how those dollars are invested in their neighborhoods.

Join us on Tuesday, August 19 to share your ideas, connect with your neighbors, and help identify projects that could make a lasting impact. Potential projects include:
✔️ Parks and playgrounds
✔️ Sidewalks and accessibility improvements
✔️ Street lighting
✔️ Traffic safety improvements
✔️ Neighborhood beautification

Your voice matters, and this is your opportunity to help shape how $𝟏 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 is invested in District 7.

📅 Tuesday, August 19 at 6:00 PM
📍 Martin Luther King Library, 1467 E. Long St., Columbus OH 43203

To reserve your seat, contact Cassie Kelly at [email protected].

Want to learn more about Columbus' $9 million Participatory Budgeting initiative? Read the full NBC4 story here:
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/columbus-residents-can-help-decide-how-9-million-in-city-funds-is-spent/amp/

08/04/2026

Commissioners Benson and Thompson attend the National Night Out: Music in the Park & Back-to-School Drive at Linwood Park. This well-attended community celebration brought together residents of all ages for an evening focused on connection, safety, and preparing students for a successful school year.

Families enjoyed free school supplies, food, games, bounce houses, and live entertainment, while the beautiful sounds of a talented musicians created a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere throughout the event.

We extend our sincere appreciation to South of Main Civic Association and South of Main Futures for organizing such a meaningful event and for their continued investment in our neighborhood. It was also wonderful to see Columbus Police Cadets engaging with community members and helping foster positive relationships with our youth.

Special thanks to everyone who donated school supplies and volunteered their time, as well as State Senator Hearcel F. Craig, whose presence demonstrates his continued commitment to supporting the Near East community.

Events like these remind us that when neighbors, community organizations, public officials, and volunteers come together, we build stronger, safer, and more connected neighborhoods.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s National Night Out a tremendous success! We look forward to continuing to serve and strengthen the Near East community together.