Worthington is known for its strong sense of community, its walkable districts and its rich history. But here’s a reality that’s often misunderstood: many of the businesses driving our economy and employing our neighbors aren’t technically located within the city limits—they’re within the Worthington School District boundaries.
And yet, they’re Worthington through and through.
They contribute to our schools. They sponsor our events. Their employees dine in our restaurants, coach our kids’ teams and help create the culture that makes this community thrive. Just because their mailing address doesn’t say “City of Worthington” doesn’t mean their impact stops at the city line.
More than ever, it’s important to understand the bigger picture: decisions made within Worthington’s city limits ripple out across the entire school district—and directly affect the businesses and employees who call greater Worthington home.
These businesses are employers. In fact, our Chamber estimates over 17,000 employees are tied to the 550+ businesses we represent, many of whom operate just outside the city limits but remain deeply invested in this community.
And here’s another reality: housing matters to them, too.
A recent conversation with a Chamber member summed it up best:
“We love being here. But it’s getting harder to retain staff when they can’t find anywhere nearby they can afford to live.”
That’s not just a housing issue. That’s a workforce issue.
That’s a Worthington issue.
According to Worthington’s own housing assessment, nearly 97% of the local workforce lives outside the City of Worthington. That’s a challenge we can’t afford to ignore.
As the community revisits its Comprehensive Plan and continues shaping its future, we urge residents and leaders alike to recognize the full scope of our economic ecosystem. Policies around zoning, housing, transportation and business development don’t just impact those inside a map boundary—they impact an entire region of business owners, employees and families who contribute to the Worthington identity every single day.
At the Chamber, we remain committed to representing all Worthington businesses—regardless of which side of the city line they’re on. Because community isn't built on borders. It's built on connection, contribution and collaboration.
