Welcome to the Near East Side

The mission of the Near East Area Commission (NEAC) exists to honor the legacy of one of Columbus’ most historically rich communities by fostering inclusive communication, informed advocacy, and responsible development. We are committed to preserving the cultural heritage, amplifying the voices of residents, and strengthening collaboration between neighbors, city officials, and developers to ensure the Near East Side thrives as a vibrant, equitable, and forward-looking community for generations to come.

Recent Meeting Minutes

Recent meeting minutes and agendas for the Near East Area Commission are available to the public for transparency and community involvement. You can access these documents to stay informed about discussions, decisions, and upcoming topics. Agendas are typically posted prior to meetings, and minutes are uploaded once approved.

Check out the Archives

Community Calendar

Have an upcoming event you'd like to share? Our Community Calendar is the perfect place to spread the word! We want to help you connect with others and get the visibility your event deserves. Submitting your event is easy—just provide the details, and we’ll take care of the rest.

This calendar is a shared resource that celebrates the vibrant activities happening on the Near East side.

Share Your Event Now

Get Involved

Your participation is crucial to the success of our initiatives. Whether you're a resident, business owner, or community stakeholder, there are numerous ways to contribute to the betterment of the Near East area. Sign up for updates today.

Request Now

Speaker Requests

Is your organization or business doing work that aligns with our community goals? We invite you to share your initiatives at an upcoming committee meeting. Presentations are a great way to highlight services, share updates, or offer insights to support local planning and collaboration.

Nonprofits, businesses, and agencies are all welcome.

Submit a Speaker Request

Our Committees

The Near East Area Commission operates through three dedicated committees: Community Engagement, Planning, and Zoning. The Community Engagement Committee meets on the first Thursday of each month, while the Planning and Zoning Committees meet on the third Thursday. In addition, Zoning Site Visits take place on the Saturday before the monthly General Body Meeting to assess proposed developments and ensure community-informed decision-making.

Near East Area Retreat

You are invited to join us for the Near East Area Commission Retreat on Saturday, January 31, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Central Community House (1150 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43205).

This retreat is more than a planning meeting, it’s an opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and shape the future of our neighborhood together. As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, we invite you to engage in meaningful conversations about:

Collaborating with elected officials on key priorities
Planning and zoning efforts that impact how our area grows
Community engagement strategies that reflect the voices of our neighbors

A meal will be provided for those who RSVP by January 24. Please take a moment to register using the button below.

NEAC Events and Calendar

Community Voices

“I'm proud to be part of a community that values collaboration and progress. NEAC has been instrumental in bringing people together for the betterment of our area.”

Nora Jacobs, Resident

Our Neighborhood Civics