Greater Ohio Policy Center

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth from Greater Ohio Policy Center.

Our office is closed today in recognition of the holiday. We will resume normal operations on Monday, June 22, 2026.

06/18/2026

Good Morning from the Greater Ohio Policy Center!

At long last, summer is here! This month we have important information about the latest from GOPC on lowering the cost of home construction, community revitalization programs around the state, and more.

Our June Newsletter includes:

GOPC Publishes Latest Report “Investigation of ADU Sewer Requirements in Columbus, OH.”

GOPC to Host Webinar with Ohio Department of Development on Opportunity Zones 2.0

Early Bird Registration for Active Transportation Conference Ends Soon

Limited Scholarships Remain for Active Transportation Conference

May, Paxson Join GOPC Board of Directors

Grant Funding & Learning Opportunities

Good Morning from the Greater Ohio Policy Center!At long last, summer is here! This month we have important information about the latest from GOPC on lowering the cost of home construction, community revitalization programs around the state, and more.

06/17/2026

Interested in learning more about housing preapprovals?

Come chat with the experts at GOPC’s free office hours!

GOPC will provide a 10-minute overview of pre-approval programs and individual topics every month. We will discuss the free housing patterns in the HousingOH toolkit that are licensed for use anywhere in Ohio as well as other topics related to starting pre-approval programs.

The remaining 50 minutes are for your questions on this topic or any topic related to pre-approval programs and plans!

Next session is this Tuesday, June 23 at 9am. This month: Zoning Adjustments that Help Pre-Approved Plans Work.

https://www.housingoh.org/office-hours

06/16/2026

Join the Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) for a free webinar on the latest updates to the Opportunity Zones 2.0 nomination process underway at ODOT.

The webinar will cover:

An overview of the Opportunity Zones 2.0 nomination process.

Criteria for a successful application as outlined by ODOD.

How community collaboration can strengthen a local nomination.

Learn more and register below.

Join the Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) for a free webinar on the latest updates to the Opportunity Zones 2.0 nomination process underway at ODOT.

06/15/2026

Early bird registration is now underway for the 2026 Ohio Active Transportation Conference, hosted by the Greater Ohio Policy Center.

This dynamic, one-day event will bring together planners, engineers, local officials, and advocates for a high-impact day of learning, networking, and action. From cutting-edge bike and pedestrian infrastructure to real-world strategies for funding and financing complete streets, this conference is your opportunity to gain the tools and connections needed to build safer, healthier, and more vibrant communities across Ohio.

Early Bird Registration Ends June 30 — Act Fast!

Secure your spot early and take advantage of the lowest rate available:

Early Bird Rate (May 18 – June 30): $100
Regular Rate (After June 30): $125

This is more than a discount, it’s an investment in the people shaping Ohio’s transportation future. Scholarships open the door for communities of all sizes to access cutting-edge knowledge, innovative strategies, and peer connections that can transform local transportation systems.

06/15/2026

Early bird registration is now underway for the 2026 Ohio Active Transportation Conference, hosted by the Greater Ohio Policy Center.

This dynamic, one-day event will bring together planners, engineers, local officials, and advocates for a high-impact day of learning, networking, and action. From cutting-edge bike and pedestrian infrastructure to real-world strategies for funding and financing complete streets, this conference is your opportunity to gain the tools and connections needed to build safer, healthier, and more vibrant communities across Ohio.

Early Bird Registration Ends June 30 — Act Fast!
Secure your spot early and take advantage of the lowest rate available:

• Early Bird Rate (May 18 – June 30): $100
• Regular Rate (After June 30): $125

06/12/2026

Join GOPC and the Ohio Department of Development on Thursday, June 25 starting at 11am for a webinar on the latest updates to the Opportunity Zones 2.0 nomination process underway at ODOD.

This webinar will cover:
• An overview of the Opportunity Zones 2.0 nomination process.
• Criteria for a successful application as outlined by ODOD.
• How community collaboration can strengthen a local nomination.

Click below to register for this webinar and unique learning opportunity!

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EkeyG56lTNO1VAhu73xyZQ #/registration

06/11/2026

GOPC’s latest report shows how building code changes to sewer requirements could help reduce construction costs for ADU development and help address the need for more housing.

GOPC thanks the Columbus Foundation for their support of our latest publication, which explored ways to reduce the cost of ADU construction with reasonable changes to sewer requirements.

https://www.greaterohio.org/publications/2026/6/5/investigation-of-adu-sewer-requirements-in-columbus-oh

06/10/2026

The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) has opened a designation process for local officials, economic development groups, and other entities to nominate census tracts for consideration in the new Opportunity Zones program.

Nominations will be accepted June 10th through July 10th, 2026. Only nominated census tracts will be considered by ODOD and the Governor's Office for recommendation to the United States Treasury.

To view a map of census tracts eligible under Opportunity Zones 2.0, visit ODOD's website.

ODOD has updated their Opportunity Zones website to include the nomination form and detailed information on the nomination process. Visit ODOD's website for full information.

Provides an incentive for Taxpayers to invest in projects in economically distressed areas known as Ohio Opportunity Zones.

06/09/2026

What’s the real cost of sprawl?

A new analysis from our neighbors to the north found that low-density development often fails to generate enough tax revenue to cover the long-term costs of roads, water lines, sewers, and other public infrastructure. In many cases, existing neighborhoods end up subsidizing new development on the fringe.

As communities face rising infrastructure maintenance costs, local leaders are increasingly asking whether outward expansion is fiscally sustainable—or whether reinvesting in existing neighborhoods, downtowns, and commercial corridors provides a better return on taxpayer dollars.

Infill development is known to be much cheaper for cities than adding new subdivisions, and City of Ottawa staff have shared estimates for how much the municipality saves — and spends — depending on where development happens.