About LEDA
Investing in Linden's future through community improvement goals that develop opportunity.
Our Journey
The Linden Economic Development Alliance (LEDA), founded on October 1, 2024, is a community development corporation dedicated to advancing Community Economic Development (CED) in the Linden community. LEDA works to revitalize its target service area by creating jobs, connecting residents to employment opportunities, and supporting entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses. The organization also focuses on building community investments, reimagining Cleveland Avenue, and developing commercial spaces. Through these efforts, along with the delivery of vital social programs LEDA effectively integrates broader community goals with sustainable economic growth strategies.
Initial Support From the
City of Columbus
Initial funding to launch LEDA came from the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods. The goal of LEDA is to support businesses located in the Linden community and/or support Linden.
We support through:
- direct and indirect technical assistance and education,
- a micro revolving loan fund,
- business recruitment and retention,
- 19,000 residence, people revitalization to 35,000 residence,
- and becoming a truly walk-able community.
The Linden Community
Linden is a long-standing neighborhood on the northeast side of Columbus, founded in 1908 as Linden Heights Village and annexed into the City of Columbus in 1921. It originally developed as an affordable residential community with homes, small businesses, and commercial streets like Cleveland Avenue anchoring life in the neighborhood.
Over the decades, Linden experienced significant changes: suburbanization, economic shifts, and infrastructure decisions like Interstate 71 drew many residents away, contributing to population decline, reduced investment, and challenges with vacancies and economic opportunities. Today, Linden still faces issues such as poverty, crime, housing vacancies, and limited commercial amenities, but it also has enduring strengths. Those strengths are community organizations, historic neighborhoods, and engaged residents working toward positive change.
Demographically, Linden’s population shifted significantly in the latter half of the 20th century, with a growing majority of African American residents. Efforts to revitalize the neighborhood and improve quality of life have grown stronger in recent years.
The community includes North and South Linden (now called One Linden), local schools, St. Stephen’s Community House, and neighborhood assets such as parks and the Linden Community Center that serve as hubs for activities and resources.
What Is the One Linden Community Plan?
The One Linden Community Plan is a resident-driven, comprehensive neighborhood framework developed in partnership between the City of Columbus, local stakeholders, United Way of Central Ohio, and The Ohio State University. It was created to guide coordinated, long-term revitalization, not just physical improvements but social and economic development as well.
Rather than a top-down project, the plan emerged from broad community engagement and reflects residents' vision for a more thriving, equitable Linden with increased opportunities for housing, jobs, safety, health, and connection to the rest of the city. Implementation is a multiyear process, ongoing through partnerships between city departments, nonprofits, local businesses, and resident groups.
The 10 Big Ideas of the
One Linden Plan
The plan organizes its goals into 10 “Big Ideas,” strategic themes for transforming Linden holistically.
Increase affordable housing choices, preserve existing units, and support stable residency.
Our Focus Areas for
Community Growth
LEDA is specifically charged with advancing the following Big Ideas: Build Community Investment, Support Entrepreneurs and Develop Businesses, Connect Residents to Employment, Reimagine Cleveland Avenue.