Franklin County’s Commitment to Economic Opportunity and Innovative Workforce Development
For years, Franklin County has built its reputation on Service, Progress, and Excellence—three guiding principles that have shaped its approach to governance. Recently, the county is embracing a fourth defining value: Opportunity. Under the leadership of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the county has always been a driver in workforce development supporting economic growth and community empowerment.
As the largest county in Ohio and a growing center for innovation, Franklin County in Central Ohio is redefining what it means to create opportunity. By investing in non-traditional workforce program pipelines, focusing on emerging industries, and removing systemic barriers to employment, the county is proving that economic success isn’t just about job creation—it’s about ensuring that all residents have access to meaningful, good paying, sustainable careers.
A Workforce Strategy Built for the Future
Franklin County’s workforce development initiatives address the realities of today’s labor market. The county has embraced a multi-pronged approach that combines economic innovation with social impact, ensuring that workforce programs don’t just fill jobs but create long-term career pathways.
Three standout and proven initiatives: Columbus Fashion Alliance, Broadband Futures, and the Service! Café Overlook — exemplify Franklin County’s dedication to preparing residents with the skills and support needed to prosper in the evolving workforce while addressing the demands of local businesses.
Columbus Fashion Alliance: Creativity as Economic Power
The Columbus Fashion Alliance (CFA) is positioning Franklin County as a leader for entrepreneurship and innovative local business models by offering resources, training, and industry connections for emerging designers, seamstresses, and apparel businesspersons. Recognizing fashion as both an economic driver and a powerful form of cultural expression, Franklin County supports CFA’s efforts to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where creative talent can flourish.
Columbus Fashion Alliance provides production labs, mentorship programs, and business development services, empowering local creatives with the resources and support needed to thrive in an industry historically dominated by a few major cities.
"One of the things that I've learned in business over several years is that having a great idea, product, or service isn’t enough”, said Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce. “Business planning is often the difference between success and failure. With entrepreneurial work comes a level of attention to planning and detail that can make or break an idea."
Franklin County’s investment in CFA reflects a broader commitment to expanding economic opportunity through innovative and emerging industries.
"We'll continue to invest in small businesses”, said Board President, Commissioner Erica C. Crawley. “We have done that before this climate, and we'll continue to do that, well into the future."
By supporting Columbus Fashion Alliance, Franklin County is ensuring that local talent can build careers without leaving home, strengthening both the local economy and the city’s standing as a hub for fashion and the creative industry.
Broadband Futures: Expanding Digital Access for Economic Mobility
While the Columbus Fashion Alliance fosters opportunities in the creative economy, another major challenge Franklin County is tackling is digital accessibility. With technology shaping the future of work, the Broadband Futures program ensures residents aren’t left behind in an ever-growing digital economy.
Broadband access is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for economic participation. Yet, many Franklin County residents remain disconnected due to affordability issues or lack of infrastructure. The Broadband Futures program is tackling this challenge by investing in digital equity initiatives designed to bridge the digital divide.
By expanding affordable high-speed internet, supporting digital literacy programs, and training residents for in-demand tech careers, Broadband Futures is ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital economy. Broadband Futures goes beyond lowering unemployment; it equips residents with the skills for lasting technology careers. The program also provides ongoing support and mentoring through the first year of employment, ensuring long-term success.
Broadband Futures is also developing a pipeline of skilled fiber-optic technicians to support the county’s growing need for broadband infrastructure.
"Lately, we’ve been making significant investments in broadband, and this program is another great example of that commitment,” said Commissioner John O’Grady. “Broadband expansion is the future, and it’s clear this is an essential direction that benefits all residents."
By treating broadband as essential infrastructure, Franklin County is expanding access while developing a workforce that meets the demands of a growing economy.
Café Overlook: Workforce Development with a Second-Chance Model
Not all workforce development happens in traditional industries or settings. While tech careers open new doors for many, some residents face systemic barriers that prevent them from entering the workforce at all. That’s where the Café Overlook program comes in.
Cafe Overlook 2022 ribbon cutting (Image credit: Cafe Overlook)
Café Overlook is a workforce initiative designed to provide second-chance employment for individuals who have faced systemic barriers to work, including those who were previously incarcerated or economically disadvantaged.
Since launching in 2022, the program has provided over 150 individuals with job training and a pathway to sustainable careers, starting with livable wages. “Café Overlook has been transformational for many of our neighbors who want to move up the economic ladder with a rewarding job they can take pride in,” said Board President, Commissioner Erica C. Crawley. “This program provides basic assistance, training, and opportunities for entrepreneurship, allowing many to enter right into a new, middle-class career."
Located in the Franklin County government complex, Café Overlook is run by local restaurateurs and food service innovators through the nonprofit Service! Relief for Hospitality Workers. The program connects participants with culinary training, career coaching, and wraparound support services such as housing assistance and healthcare access.
"The restaurant’s success is thanks to the passionate local restaurateurs and social service organizations who go above and beyond to help employees,” said Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce. “Their dedication shows in everything they do, such as helping employees with housing, healthcare, and other services."
Many graduates of the program have secured higher-paying jobs in the restaurant industry or transitioned into other stable career fields. "About 150 employees have completed the program thus far, with many now working in higher-paying jobs in the industry,” said Commissioner John O’Grady. “Others have been able to use what they’ve learned and moved onto stable middle-class careers in other fields."
By eliminating employment barriers, Café Overlook is equipping participants with industry skills and access to career advancement opportunities.
The Future of Workforce Development in Franklin County
These programs — Columbus Fashion Alliance, Broadband Futures, and Service! Café Overlook—reflect Franklin County’s holistic approach to workforce development. Whether through creative industries, digital access, or second-chance employment, the county is investing in people, industries, and infrastructure to build an economy that works for everyone.
"In Franklin County, we believe that economic opportunity should not be dictated by zip code, background, or past circumstances,” said Board President, Commissioner Erica C. Crawley. “Through these initiatives, we’re not just helping individuals find jobs—we’re building an economy that works for everyone."
With a continued focus on equity, accessibility, and innovation, Franklin County is setting a national example for how local governments can lead the way in workforce development. These efforts reaffirm a simple truth: when you invest in people, you invest in the future.
Author: Kenneth N. Wilson has served as Franklin County Administrator since 2015, overseeing 15 agencies, 1,400+ employees, and a $2 billion budget. He is dedicated to maintaining Franklin County’s distinction as one of the nation’s best-governed and fiscally sound counties. Wilson holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Ohio University and a B.A. from Michigan State University’s James Madison College. He currently serves as President of the National Association of County Administrators, Vice Chair of the National Association of Counties, and serves on multiple local and national boards and committees focused on economic and workforce development, emergency management, and human-centered initiatives.
