Population Trends in Columbus and Its Impact on Volunteerism

 

with Michael Wilkos

Senior Impact Director, United Way of Central Ohio

"Building Vibrant Neighborhoods"

 

All over the U.S. neighborhoods are constantly shifting and changing. As the makeup of each community morphs, so does the personality of the neighborhoods.

 

Many factors, including the influx of immigrant populations, impact how Columbus is constantly recreating itself. As scientists study these trends, they are projecting how population shifts will change our world in short and long-term future.

 

Michael Wilkos joins us at our February meeting to share what United Way knows about Columbus's population shifts and will lead us in a discussion on how to prepare our programs for the projected changes as volunteer administrators.

 

Join us February 21!

 

8:30 to 9:00 Networking

9:00 to 9:15 Business Meeting

9:15 to 11:00 Workshop

 

Franklin Park Conservatory

1777 East Broad Street

Columbus, Ohio 43203

 

For directions, use this URL. http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=m&lat=39.967441&lon=-82.953904&mag=3&q1=1777%20East%20Broad%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043203

Profile of Michael Wilkos

 

Michael Wilkos directs the 28-member Neighborhoods Impact Council at United Way of Central Ohio, which looks to advance the quality of neighborhoods through investments, programming, and strategies that make neighborhoods safer and improves the quality of the housing stock.    

 

His responsibilities include shaping the direction and objectives of United Way’s role in neighborhood development, identifying investment opportunities and evaluating results. He administers the Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program, which in 2007 awarded money to 42 neighborhood associations and groups, and generated 1,500 community volunteers in completing those projects.  Additionally, he manages the Neighborhood Training Academy, which offers over 60 classes and trainings on organizational development, fundraising, community organizing and neighborhood economic development topics. Over 700 community participants completed courses in 2007.    

 

Prior to joining United Way in 2004, Michael served as a Project Director for The Danter Company, a Columbus-based national real estate research firm where he directed numerous market feasibility studies.  

 

Michael also worked as director of research and information for the Downtown Development Resource Center and worked to create the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District. During the early and mid 1990s he served as a Business Development Specialist for the City of Columbus Department of Development.  

   

Michael is a founding member and current board officer of the Downtown Residents Association of Columbus (started through Leadership Columbus), as well as, current board seats with the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, the Neighborhood Design Center, and United Neighborhood Centers of America. He is a City Commissioner on the Pedestrian & Transportation Commission and serves on the Franklin County Community Development Advisory Board.  

 

He holds a BA in Geography and a Master of City & Regional Planning from The Ohio State University.