• Supporting a regional vision for Central Ohio
• Promoting compact, livable communities with housing, employment and transportation choices, and accessible green-spaces
• Conserving Central Ohio's productive farm and forest lands
• Protecting natural resources and scenic areas
• Defending opportunities for citizens of Central Ohio to participate in the decisions affecting their communities and their future

1000 Friends of Central Ohio seeks to raise awareness of citizens and policy makers about specific activities that may promote or hinder responsible, balanced development and revitalization. Our work is to encourage responsible economic, environmental, and equitable social practices through education, research and outreach to enhance the quality of life in Central Ohio.

1. Balanced Mass Transportation Network
Ligh Rail?, Walk-able Communities? As fuel prices skyrocket, transportation costs continue to cut into our personal income - now accounting for our second largest personal expense next to housing, energy resources dwindle, and Central Ohio explores new ways to build its regional economy, a comprehensive transportation plan for our region is absolutely critical. 1KCO is proactively working with transportation authorities and community decision makers to help envision how a regionally savvy and comprehensive transportation system can be financed and operational. Currently some exciting initiatives are happening in this area: Columbus Streetcar, Ohio Hub Plan, 70/71 Split fix?, COTA Service Increases.

2. Big Darby Creek Watershed Conservation
Our region is unique due to a mix of urban growth and unspoiled landscape and is particularly prosperous by the exceptional ecological qualities of the Big Darby Creek Watershed. 1KCO is committed to keeping it that way. We continue to actively work with the Darby Accord and local authorities in the region to effectively protect one of our treasures, the Big Darby Creek Watershed. 1KCO's annual Canoe Float is an educational trip and public reminder of the beauty and ecological significance of this showplace.

3. Collaborative Vision for Central Ohio's Future
1KCO was organized as a grass roots effort using key people in the planning, conservation, design and legislative professions, to collaboratively understand key goals for smart growth in Central Ohio. As such, we have actively supported for Mid-Ohio Regionally Planning Commission's Regional Connections initiative which is creating a vision for how the central Ohio regional can grow, prosper and enhance the quality of life of its residents. 1KCO will be a major contributor to the discussions in its next steps of putting into action the collaborative strategies and policies.