On February 1, 2021, Governor DeWine introduced his two-year budget proposal, coined “Investing in Ohio’s Future.” Earlier this month, GOPC provided a brief overview for the items included in the budget, and the process for which it takes over the next few months. Please refer to that blog for more information.

In line with GOPC’s policy priorities, GOPC wanted to highlight two items within the Governor’s proposed budget aimed at providing a direct investment in our communities – specifically, Ohio’s legacy cities. Governor DeWine has proposed a $450M direct investment in Ohio’s communities through infrastructure-related investment. Broken down, the proposal identifies $250M to provide grants to expand broadband throughout Ohio, as well as $200M to provide communities up to $2.5M in direct grants for “community infrastructure” projects .

GOPC has identified both broadband expansion and quality of place and place-based investment as priorities in our 2021 Policy Platform.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the serious deficiencies in access to broadband and high-speed internet – in parts of rural Ohio, and into marginalized neighborhoods of urban areas. Inevitably, lifestyle changes have occurred in communities across the state – with children and parents bringing their school and workplace into their home. Access to quality broadband is imperative for Ohio’s future, and GOPC applauds the Governor’s proposed $250M investment. Broadband access in Ohio’s communities opens the door to further investment – in workforce, transportation, and beyond.

Governor DeWine’s proposed $200M in “community infrastructure” projects would be available to communities with populations of 1,000 to 75,000, and household median incomes at or below $50,000. The dollar amount per project is capped at $2.5M per community, and could assist with water and sewer projects, downtown revitalization, remediation and redevelopment of blighted properties, and other place-based needs as identified by individual communities. These quality of life projects are capped at $2M, with an additional $500,000 available for workforce-training.  

There is not more specific information about the program guidelines or eligible projects at this time.

Based on what we do know, this $200M proposed investment in infrastructure aligns with GOPC’s Policy Platform, as GOPC has identified brownfields redevelopment as a top policy priority. While these funds are not solely earmarked for brownfields projects, communities may utilize this dollar amount for such projects. GOPC will continue advocating for a dedicated, sustained funding source for a brownfield grant program through the budget. Please find more information for our website. Additionally, communities may utilize these funds for neighborhood stabilization, downtown revitalization, or other necessary infrastructure projects. This dollar amount allows local leaders to utilize these funds in a way that will benefit their community.

The identified investments in broadband and community infrastructure for Ohio’s communities in the Governor’s proposed budget should be commended. As policymakers in the legislature identify their budget priorities, we hope they uphold the commitment to Invest in Ohio’s Future through direct investment in Ohio’s communities. GOPC looks forward to the opportunity to testify on the budget in the coming weeks.