Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks rolled out the renewal of Ohio’s one-stop-shop autonomous vehicle and innovative mobility division, DriveOhio with the signing of an executive order. With the re-issuance of DriveOhio, Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation are signaling their commitment to make Ohio a […]

The Montrose Group released A Rural Development White Paper: A Mandate for Transformation timed in conjunction with a forum held in Circleville, Ohio before 100 economic development, business and community leaders focused on rural economic development. A copy of the white paper can be found at https://montrosegroupllc.com/2019/10/rural-development-whitepaper-a-mandate-for-transformation/. Rural Communities across America face unique challenges and

The state of Ohio Capital Budget Community Project fund, which is expected to provide $150-$170 M in funding for arts, sports, recreation, workforce development, health care, and other economic development projects, has application dates set of January 10, 2020 for members of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate to submit their project applications

With the support of Governor Mike Dewine, members of the Ohio General Assembly provide $25 M for the reinstituting of Ohio’s Rural Industrial Park Loan Program.  Local economic development and real estate leaders for years have been calling for the development of additional sites in rural communities.  Ohio’s rural communities have been facing substantial economic

Lt. Governor Jon Husted recently announced the formal launching of TechCred, a program that connects businesses with the talent they need and gives employees the ability to earn industry-recognized, technology-focused credentials, better preparing them for a job in today’s advanced, technology-infused economy.  Through TechCred, businesses can identify the specific qualifications they need and employees they

Like a train whistle in the distance, the state of Ohio Capital Budget is traveling toward the Ohio Statehouse.  Public comments from the Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Larry Householder and Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof indicate they are making plans for the Ohio General Assembly to accept applications for regional projects interested in gaining

Ohio’s largest city has a new leader for its Development Department.  Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced Chief Innovation Officer Michael Stevens will serve as Interim Director of the Columbus Department of Development pending the departure of current Director Steve Schoeny. Schoeny was named City Manager for the City of Upper Arlington. Michael Stevens, Chief

It is a well-known fact backed up by industry data that 80% of all new jobs come from existing companies.  In 2017 JobsOhio, the private sector economic development organization in Ohio reported that 83% of its jobs came from companies already in the state.  In economic development we spend much of our time trying to

Opportunity Zones jumped into the world of economic development with much fanfare last year seen as the key to addressing substantial income inequality in both urban and rural communities.  There can be no doubt that many Opportunity Zone Funds have been formed but many more communities, developers and companies are still seeking investment. Hundreds if