Jul 24, 2019 | Advocacy
OEDA worked with a local government coalition to obtain a line-item veto of the provisions of HB 149. The program would have frozen property taxes on undeveloped land in residential developments that have been subdivided and slated for development until the land was either sold or housing construction began. OEDA’s concerns were based on the fact that the exemptions were automatic, and the failure to include an “opt-in” provision stripped local economic development professionals and governments of the ability to assess the need. OEDA was also concerned that the resulting decrease in communities’ property tax revenues could have negatively impacted their abilities to fund infrastructure, transportation, schools, libraries, and other projects necessary to support existing businesses and attract new ones. The OEDA is grateful to Governor DeWine for his help on this matter.
Jul 24, 2019 | Advocacy
Governor’s Budget Bill: After missing the statutory deadline of June 30 and enacting a 17 day budget extension for the first time in many years, the General Assembly finally approved the state’s operating budget for the 2020-2021 Biennium (HB 166) on July 17. The bill was then sent to Governor DeWine and on July 18 after issuing 25 line-item vetoes, the Governor signed the bill into law.
Jul 24, 2019 | News, Newsletter
John and Kelley Chapman had their first date at Turn 4 at Midvale Speedway in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Today, they own Midvale Speedway, and they credit the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Kent State Tuscarawas for making it happen.
Jul 24, 2019 | News, Newsletter
Economic development and workforce development organizations in Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties are partnering together under the 4CG initiative. 4CG represents the 4 County Group 4 Collaborative Growth. The group began working together six years ago to collectively address the region’s workforce challenges.
Jul 23, 2019 | News, Newsletter
Successful innovation districts require more than buildings. A concrete jungle is neither visually appealing nor sustainable, pedestrian-friendly or health-conscious. That’s why master plans for the Uptown Innovation Corridor include ample green space to increase pedestrian connectivity between developments, integrate the Corridor into the surrounding community, and provide space for creative collision and recreation among tenants, residents and community members.
