Building Worthington's Future

ABOUT

Building Worthington’s Future (BWF) is a non-profit organization focused on respecting Worthington’s heritage and improving our quality of life while ensuring the city’s continued economic vitality into the future. It is our primary goal for the Worthington community to be fully informed about the benefits and impact of development within our boundaries.

Understanding the significance of development to the city, schools, business community, citizens and other stakeholders will help drive educated decision making. BWF advocates for the economic and social well-being of the people of Worthington. We believe successful communities are diverse, accessible, and work to create a strong sense of belonging for all residents.

BWF members are residents and businesses within the Worthington School District. Our initiatives are entirely supported by this dedicated membership – not outside interests.

Membership

Residents Who Care About Economic Vitality

Building Worthington’s Future (BWF) is a group of residents focused on respecting Worthington’s heritage and maintaining our quality of life, while ensuring the City’s continued economic vitality into the future. In 2019 a group of residents came together to learn more about economic growth and the impact growth has on our city. We decided to call our group ‘Building Worthington’s Future’ and in 2020 formalized our group into a non-profit organization. The topic of economic vitality was clearly important as resident membership in BWF has grown to nearly 100 residents in our first year.

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Education

Understanding the Benefits, Risks and Costs of Development

Speakers for Building Worthington's Future have included a range individuals who have presented information to provide members with a well-rounded understanding of economic development. Speakers have included:

Keith Myers, head of real estate for The Ohio State University and founder of the planning firm that created the most recent Comprehensive Plan for Worthington.
Riverlea resident Mark Ricketts, the CEO of National Church Residences, who spoke about their plans to redevelop the senior housing at Stafford Village.
Chris Herman of MKSK Studios, a city planner, who revised the section of the Worthington Comprehensive Plan when the United Methodist Children’s Home closed their operations and made their property available for development.
Jeff McCuen, the CFO of Worthington City Schools, who gave us an overview of the school district’s finances and the impact residential development has on the schools.
Michael DeAscentis, CEO of Lifestyle Communities, who presented his firm’s initial concept for the Development of the Methodist Children’s Home site. (NOTE: this does not constitute backing of the proposal or an automatic backing of any future proposals.)
Worthington City Councilman, David Robinson, who presented “Project Community Park,” an effort by a group of Worthington residents who support the creation of a multi-use public green space on the site of the former United Methodist Children’s Home.
Worthington City Manager, Matt Greeson who presented an overview of City finances and David McCorkle, Worthington Development Director, who discussed current and future development plans of the City.