The 2026 OEDA Legislative Conference marks a pivotal shift — from listening to leading.
In 2025, OEDA members helped shape the Association’s Policy Platform through direct input on energy, workforce, and housing. In 2026, we put that platform into action.
This two-day conference brings together economic development professionals, legislators, state and federal partners, and policy leaders to address the most urgent issues impacting economic development across Ohio — and to define what comes next.
Economic developers are facing unprecedented policy uncertainty — from property tax reform threatening local incentive tools, to community opposition delaying projects, to federal policy shifts reshaping funding and programs.
The 2026 Legislative Conference is designed to help you:
Understand how state and federal policy changes directly affect your projects
Navigate community opposition and NIMBY challenges impacting development statewide
Engage directly with state legislators, agency leaders, and policy experts
Prepare for how the 2026 Governor’s race may shape Ohio’s economic development priorities
Connect with peers and partners in a high-impact, policy-focused setting
This year’s agenda reflects what OEDA members told us matters most — and delivers practical insight, strategy, and access.
12:00 - 3:00 p.m. - OEDA Board Meeting
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Legislative Reception, sponsored by Appalachian Partnership, brings together OEDA members, legislators, and policy leaders in an informal networking setting at Bricker Graydon Wyatt.
A deep dive into proposed property tax reforms and their potential impact on local incentives, school funding, and economic development competitiveness.
Panelists:
Brian Perera, Senior Policy Advisor, Zaino Hall & Farrin
Rep. Dave Thomas, Ohio House District 65
Cheryl Subler, Executive Director, County Commissioners Association of Ohio
John Marschhausen, Superintendent, Dublin City Schools
Eric Phillips, Economic Development Director & CEO, Union County Chamber of Commerce
Additional panelists in progress
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m — Lunch sponsored by Huntington / State Budget & Legislative Update
A comprehensive update on state legislative activity and budget priorities impacting economic development across Ohio.
Presenter: Matt Koppitch, Partner, Bricker Graydon Wyatt
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. — Washington Update: Federal Policy Impacting Your Projects
New for 2026, this session brings a national perspective on federal legislation, funding programs, and policy shifts affecting Ohio communities.
Panelists:
Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies
NAIOP Representative
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. — The Governor’s Race & Economic Development Policy
A bipartisan discussion on how the 2026 gubernatorial election may shape Ohio’s economic development priorities, funding, and strategy.
Panelists in progress.
As a true city club, the Athletic Club of Columbus offers a refined but welcoming environment, exceptional service, and state-of-the-art amenities. With its central location, Midwestern hospitality, and attention to detail, the Club provides an ideal setting for thoughtful conversation, meaningful connection, and high-impact policy dialogue.
A block of rooms has been reserved for Legislative Conference attendees at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown at a special conference rate of $199 per night. Rooms are available on an individual, pay-your-own basis, and a valid credit card will be required at check-in to cover room charges and incidentals.
The hotel offers valet parking for overnight guests at a current rate of $45 per day with unlimited in-and-out privileges, as well as a $23 daily parking rate for guests not staying overnight. Attendees are encouraged to make reservations early, as the room block cut-off is Monday, February 23, 2026.
All conference programming will take place offsite, but the hotel’s central downtown location provides convenient access to conference venues and nearby amenities.
I appreciated the way it was broken out by topic. Each of the topics was well thought out and critical to the work of economic development.
Building relationships with other economic development professionals is always my number one priority, and I was able to get to know a few more at this event.
Energy Policy - this was very educational and informative, specifically Bill Reineke's insights. The presentation on OBRT’s Energy Competitiveness Study was very informative. The real-time policy feedback exercises using Mentimeter were very powerful. I would recommend continuing to use these. I found value in the Ohio Budget presentation, the pertinent topic areas, and the process of how this may play out. Finally, I appreciated the candor and the open discussion on the 2026 election. I gained some insight from "people in the know" and will watch with interest over the next year.
