Indiana Main Street
Mayors’ Workshop
2021
Post COVID-19
Columbus
Background
Columbus is a city in and the county seat of Bartholomew County, IN. The population is approximately 47,543. The relatively small city has garnered a unique reputation for noted Modern architecture and public art, commissioning numerous works since the mid-20th century. Located about 40 mi (64 km) south of Indianapolis, on the east fork of the White River, it is the state's 20th-largest city. National Geographic Traveler ranked Columbus 11th on its historic destinations list in late 2008, describing the city as "authentic, unique, and unspoiled." Columbus won the national contest "America in Bloom" in 2006, and in 2004 it was named as one of "The Ten Most Playful Towns" by Nick Jr. Family Magazine. The July 2005 edition of GQ magazine, Columbus was named as one of the "62 Reasons to Love Your Country". Columbus is the headquarters for several fortune 500 companies, most notably the engine company Cummins, Inc.
Mayor
Honorable James D. Lienhoop
Years in Office
5
City Representative
Heather Pope
Director of Redevelopment
Community Stakeholder
Rick Johnson
James D. Lienhoop is the 37th Mayor of the City of Columbus, taking office on January 1, 2016. Lienhoop served City government since 2006, beginning as an interim member of City Council to replace a council member who was called into active duty overseas. He was elected to his own term as Columbus City Councilman, at-large representative in 2012. Lienhoop has been heavily involved in the Columbus community, having served on the board, usually in an officer capacity, of numerous not-for-profit endeavors. A life-long resident of Columbus, Lienhoop has been married to his wife, Pam, for over 30 years. Together they have two children, Jon and Libby.
Data
Population
48,046
Median Household Income
$60,152
Largest 3 Employers
Cummins
Faurecia
Columbus Regional Hospital
Land Area
28.10 mi²
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
41.3%
Poverty Rate
12.7%
Columbus (population 48,046) has grown its population by 9% since 2010. It has long benefitted from the presence of the Fortune 500 company Cummins Inc, and the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller families provided decades of highly-visible philanthropic investment in the city. This included financing the design of one of the world’s greatest collections of modern architecture and design. Beyond Cummins headquarters jobs, the city continues as a site of significant manufacturing activity, including by a wide range of foreign corporations. Although a manufacturing-oriented city without a university, Columbus is highly educated with 41.3% of city residents having a college degree. The challenge for Columbus is attracting next-generation, college-degreed residents. Many Cummins workers choose to live in Indianapolis or its suburbs. The amenities of Columbus currently do not rise to the level of its education or incomes.
Indiana Main Street
Mayors’ Workshop
2021