Request for Professional Services – Strategic Growth Plan and Fiscal Analysis

The City of Circleville (“City”) is the county seat of Pickaway County, Ohio, located just south of the Columbus Metropolitan Area. The City has a population of 14,050 residents and has a rich tradition of agriculture and manufacturing. It is best-known throughout Ohio and the United States for hosting the annual Circleville Pumpkin Show, an event that has been held since 1903 attracting approximately 400,000 visitors to the city every October.

Gallia County Director of Economic & Community Development

Under administrative direction, oversees the operations of Economic and Community Development. Promotes retention and expansion of industry, within the County. Prepares and submits grant applications, administers various grant projects and programs.

Community Lending Officer – Development Finance Authority

Under general direction, the community lending officer will help administer loans through various programs through the Western Reserve Community Fund (WRCF), which is managed by the staff of Development Finance Authority of Summit County. WRCF, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) provides financing, grants, and technical assistance for the development of small businesses and non-profits with a focus on small business, affordable housing, community facilities, commercial real estate, and minority business development lending, with each loan providing significant community impact.

Tracked House Bills – October 2021

State News:

New Loan Programs for Minority & Women-owned Businesses:  ODOD has added to its portfolio two loan programs to support minority- and women-owned businesses: the (i) Women’s Business Enterprise Loan Program and (ii) Ohio Micro-Enterprise Loan Program.  Included within the state budget bill (HB110, whose other elements are described in detail, below), the new program offerings are as follows:

Tracked Senate Bills – October 2021

Federal News:

Um, excuse me, is now an okay time to talk about inflation?  We have been reporting here during 2021 that consumer price index increases seen in year-over-year measures each month were not of concern to the Federal Reserve and most economists.  Um, that view may be changing as the Consumer Price Index rose 5.4% in September from one year ago.

Those same officials are worried as rapid price increases, seen each month for several months this year, has consumers paying more for meat, eggs, gasoline, furniture, and rent.  The latter cost – housing rent – has officials worried the most, as it is an important indicator of inflation and once rents increase, they tend to stay high for lengthy periods.