Hilliard has won the "Suburb to Do Business" title for the fourth consecutive year in Columbus CEO's 2026 Best of Business reader poll, beating Dublin and Westerville again.

The streak started in 2023.

That year, Hilliard claimed the award for the first time after finishing as a runner-up in 2022, according to a city press release. Dublin placed second and Westerville third in 2023, 2025 and 2026. The city confirmed the four-year run in a statement published Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Columbus CEO's Best of Business, now in its 19th edition, is the magazine's longest-running recognition program. It debuted in 2008. Readers voted online from June 18 through July 17 across 83 categories, choosing from previous top vote-getters or writing in their own picks. The poll produced 85 winners and 177 runners-up.

The numbers behind the win tell part of the story. Hilliard is home to more than 1,100 companies employing over 17,000 people, according to the city's 2024 Popular Annual Financial Report. Those businesses generate more than $1 billion in estimated annual sales and $53.6 million in city income tax revenue. The city's business base ranges from high-tech firms and homegrown shops to internationally recognized corporate headquarters, according to a 2024 city announcement about the second consecutive win.

Economic Development Director David Meadows has pointed to the city's growth strategy as a driver. "Our ongoing investments in innovation, infrastructure, and partnerships are helping position Hilliard for continued success in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven economy," Meadows said in a March 2026 city announcement about a separate international recognition.

Hilliard wasn't the only local name on the list. Verena at Hilliard, a 55-and-older senior living community, earned a runner-up nod in the Retirement Community category. Friendship Village of Dublin won that category.

The full results will appear in the Fall 2026 issue of Columbus CEO.