A Sunday Conversation with Lauren Chambers, CEO of The Mill District

The Mill District is quietly reshaping one of Columbus’s most historic and underserved areas — not through displacement or high-end development, but through community-driven revitalization rooted in resident voices. At the heart of that mission is Lauren Chambers, CEO of The Mill District, a nonprofit formed under the national Purpose-Built Communities model. Chambers sat down for a Sunday Conversation to discuss the neighborhood’s transformation, challenges, and her personal calling to lead this work.

Q: What is The Mill District, and how did it begin?

CHAMBERS: The Mill District is a nonprofit organization that was formed under Purpose Built Communities. This model focuses on neighborhoods that have experienced redlining and historic disinvestment — communities where we ask, “How can we assess, plan, and implement change that benefits everyone who lives here?”

It really started as a grassroots effort. Residents of the area came together informally because they loved their community and wanted to make it better. Former Mayor Teresa Tomlinson encouraged them to organize and think about how to formalize their efforts. Over time, with Purpose Built’s guidance — which you may know from their work in Atlanta’s East Lake community — The Mill District became official.

I joined during the pandemic, in 2022. This work is truly transformational because it’s resident-centered and resident-led. Our goal is sustainability and inclusion — not gentrification. We’re not pushing people out; we’re building a mixed-income community that honors its legacy residents while creating opportunities for everyone.

Q: How do you balance preserving history while driving modern development?

CHAMBERS: It’s a delicate balancing act. You have people passionate about progress and others deeply protective of the past. My job is to make sure every voice is heard and that whatever we do benefits the community as a whole.

We like to think of The Mill District as the midpoint between Midtown and Uptown — with its own identity. Our holistic approach focuses on five key areas: high-quality education, affordable housing, economic opportunity, health and wellness, and community safety.

Q: Speaking of education, what are the biggest challenges families face in the Mill District?

CHAMBERS: Access and consistency. Our two main schools — Fox Elementary and True Springs — are doing incredible work, but we see a lot of transience among families, which can disrupt student progress. True Springs, for example, intentionally enrolls students testing at lower academic levels and helps them catch up. Fox has strong leadership and great potential, but mobility in the neighborhood affects continuity. We’re focused on supporting both schools with resources and early-learning initiatives to make sure our children start ahead, not behind.

Q: Economically, residents face major hurdles — with average household income under $20,000 and low homeownership. How is the Mill District addressing that?

CHAMBERS: We’re preparing for a 2026 rollout of an economic development strategy that focuses on connecting residents to jobs, training, and financial empowerment. We’ve spent the last two years developing a strategic plan with resident input, identifying barriers and opportunities.

Our goal is to strengthen the educational and employment pipeline — from early childhood through college — and to promote financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Breaking generational poverty takes time, but we’re laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth that benefits the people who live here.

Q: What’s been the most powerful example of community collaboration since you took over?

CHAMBERS: Our neighborhood meetings. They’re not HOAs — they’re true community conversations. We’ve done everything from movie nights to “walk the district” events where residents explored all four neighborhoods. Many told me they had never crossed 2nd Avenue, even though it’s part of their own community. Seeing those walls — mental and physical — start to come down has been incredible.

What moves me most is when residents realize their voices matter. They know I’m listening. They hold me accountable, and together, we’re making decisions that reflect their needs.

Q: How does The Mill District work with city government?

CHAMBERS: We have a great relationship with the city. Rob Scott from the city’s community development department has been a tremendous champion — truly boots on the ground. He understands this work and supports projects like our shared commercial kitchen with Food Mill.

For context, the Mill District wasn’t always part of Columbus. It was once its own incorporated area known as “Bibb City,” until 2001. Many legacy residents still remember that era fondly, and they’re very active in our meetings. Their main goal — and ours — is to see this become a safe, thriving community for everyone.

Q: What’s the demographic makeup of the Mill District today?

CHAMBERS: Based on recent census data, it’s roughly 60% white and a little under 40% African American, with less than 1% identifying as other races or ethnicities. We’re focused on equity — ensuring that all residents, regardless of background, feel empowered and included in this transformation.

Q: How do you measure success in this kind of long-term work?

CHAMBERS: It’s not like taking a test and asking, “Did we pass or fail?” Progress is measured in small wins — resident engagement, trust, collaboration, and shared accountability. One of our community mentors told me, “You’re taking a pill and putting it in water. You have to sit still and watch the ripple.” That’s what this work is — slow, steady, transformative change.

Q: What did you do before joining The Mill District?

CHAMBERS: I worked in healthcare as a community marketing and relations manager for the Central Georgia region — covering 33 counties. Before that, I worked with nonprofits like The Family Center and Hope Harbour. My heart has always been in service — educating, empowering, and being a resource for people.

 Q:What inspired you to take this role and champion this community?

CHAMBERS: During COVID, I prayed for a career that allowed me to return to nonprofit work — something mission-driven, something that mattered. When this opportunity came, I knew it was God answering that prayer.

This work is hard, but when I walk through the neighborhood and residents greet me with hugs and updates — “Hey Miss Lauren, I enrolled in school,” or “I opened a new bank account” — that’s what keeps me going. The reward is knowing we’re breaking cycles of poverty and creating opportunity for the next generation.

Q: Do you have a team helping you lead this effort?

CHAMBERS: Right now, I’m a one-woman show with a phenomenal board and incredible volunteers. But we’re growing! We’ve just posted a coordinator position — our first full-time staff hire beyond me. Finding passionate, committed people who share this mission is key to our future.

Q: What do you want people to know about The Mill District?

CHAMBERS: That we’re not just building structures — we’re building community. We’re a neighborhood-centered organization focused on people, partnerships, and progress. Our legacy residents, our children, our future — they’re all part of this story. We want Columbus to know: The Mill District is here, and we’re doing amazing work.

To learn more about The Mill District and its initiatives, visit themilldistrictcolumbus.org