Ohio Municipal League

09/17/2026

OML Executive Director Kent Scarrett and Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr, who is also an OML Board Member, recently were on WOSU Public Media’s All Sides with Amy Juravich to discuss the vital role municipalities play in Ohio, the importance of a strong state-local government relationship, and the revenue streams that support essential local services. Kent was joined in the studio by Ohio Townships Association Executive Director Kyle Brooks, who spoke about their role.

Have a listen!

State intervention threatens local control across Ohio townships, villages and cities.

As they watch data centers reshape their communities, hear candidates talk about property tax rollbacks, and wonder what kind of authority they still have. We discussed what's on the minds of municipal leaders.

Guests:

Kent Scarrett, executive director of the Ohio Municipal League

Matthew T. Starr, mayor of The City of Mount Vernon, Ohio

Kyle Brooks, executive director of the Ohio Township Association

Listen here:

https://www.wosu.org/show/all-sides/2026-09-16/state-intervention-threatens-local-control-across-ohio-towns-and-cities

09/16/2026

ONE WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER!
The 2026 OML Annual Conference is just around the corner! Join municipal officials from across Ohio Sept. 30–Oct. 2 at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center for three days of educational sessions, policy discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. Explore the issues shaping the future of Ohio’s cities and villages, hear from keynote speaker Michael Hingson, and connect with colleagues from across the state.
https://ow.ly/aYWX50ZOifS

09/14/2026

The Ohio Department of Development announced $14 million in grants to support the creation of workforce housing through the second round of the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) program. REDD provides grants to help communities expand housing opportunities close to major economic development projects. View the projects here: https://ow.ly/FqK950ZNnQA

09/10/2026

We’re excited to welcome #1 New York Times best-selling author, inspirational speaker and 9/11 survivor Michael Hingson as the keynote speaker for the 2026 OML Annual Conference!

On September 11, 2001, Hingson and his guide dog, Roselle, escaped from the 78th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower just moments before it collapsed.

At OML’s Thursday keynote luncheon, Hingson will share his remarkable story and powerful lessons about trust, courage, teamwork, resilience and overcoming fear.

📅 Sept. 30–Oct. 2
📍 The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
⏰ Registration deadline: Sept. 23

Register: https://ow.ly/YgnM50ZKKhI

09/03/2026

A recent federal appeals court decision involving the City of Cincinnati could have significant implications for municipalities and municipal officials throughout Ohio and the Sixth Circuit.
https://ow.ly/2S2x50ZGcUC

08/31/2026

🚨 TODAY is the hotel deadline for the 2026 OML Annual Conference!

Planning to join us Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Columbus? Aug. 31 is the cutoff to reserve your room in the OML conference block at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center.

This year’s conference features timely sessions on AI and technology, home rule, housing, property taxes, workforce development, data centers, energy and more — plus keynote speaker Michael Hingson, #1 New York Times best-selling author and 9/11 survivor.

🏨 Book your hotel room today and register for the conference!
https://ow.ly/ex6350ZGcOU

08/27/2026

Join OML for our Annual Conference taking place Sept. 30–Oct. 2 -- three days of timely information, practical ideas, and connections with municipal officials from across the state.

This year’s theme, “Future-Ready Communities: Leading Through Change,” reflects the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio’s cities and villages. Attendees will hear from experts on the issues that matter to municipalities, exchange ideas with colleagues, and take home information they can put to work in their communities.

🏨 Hotel deadline: Aug. 31 — don’t wait to reserve your room and register!

We look forward to bringing Ohio’s municipal community together Sept. 30–Oct. 2!
https://ow.ly/9M2l50ZG3RM

08/24/2026

With less than three months until the Nov. 3 general election, voters will decide races that could significantly reshape state government — and the environment in which cities and villages advocate for local priorities.

Control of the governor’s office, the size of Republican majorities in the Ohio House and Senate, several statewide offices and a closely watched U.S. Senate seat are all on the ballot.
https://ow.ly/4Syw50ZENO2

08/20/2026

Federal lawmakers have renewed an effort to remove ma*****na from the federal Controlled Substances Act, raising questions about how a change in federal policy could affect Ohio municipalities
https://ow.ly/yL7v50ZBVvQ

08/18/2026

OML has received questions from members regarding a pending Ohio Supreme Court case involving the City of Trenton and a proposed charter amendment that would prohibit data centers within the city.

While the underlying proposal concerns data centers, the case raises broader questions about the process for placing citizen-initiated charter amendments on municipal ballots.
https://ow.ly/14y950ZAYHJ