For Immediate Release
Contact: Jason Warner, Director of Strategic Engagement
614.245.5406 or jwarner@greaterohio.org
Following the release of the Executive Budget Proposal for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) released the following statements. Quotes should be attributed to references staff.
Transportation Budget
“Investment in public transportation services is critical for the state of Ohio. Not only is public transit a vital service for tens of thousands of workers and students who rely on it to access work and school, increasingly we are seeing growing demand for these services for Ohio seniors who need access to healthcare and basic services. We have appreciated to support the state has shown to support these services over the past six years and look forward to working with lawmakers to ensure these services continue to receive strong support.” Jason Warner, Director of Strategic Engagement, Greater Ohio Policy Center.
“As Ohio continues to see a rise in use of and demand for sidewalks, safer crosswalk, bike paths, and bike lanes, so too have we experienced a rise in crashes and fatalities among vulnerable road users. We applaud the efforts of the DeWine administration to prioritize investment in roadway safety improvements that address the challenges vulnerable road users experience using our roadways. We look forward to working with the legislature to maintain these critical investments for the next two years.” Alison Goebel, Executive Director, Greater Ohio Policy Center.
Main Operating Budget
“We appreciate that the DeWine administration has acknowledged the important role brownfield remediation plays in opening up opportunities for economic development and creating vibrant communities for Ohio. However, the recommended funding in the budget barely scratches the surface of what is needed to address this issue. We are confident that the legislature will continue to work with us on this issue. We have been encouraged by the broad support we have received from lawmakers of both parties that we have met with over the past several weeks who have spoken overwhelmingly in support of these investments. Lawmakers realize making catalytic investments in the clean-up and revitalization of vacant and blighted properties is one critical way to achieve economic growth across the entire state. We are especially grateful for the support of Representatives Thomas Hall and Bride Sweeney, members of the House Finance Committee, who have championed these investments over the past two sessions.” Aaron Clapper, Director of Outreach and Projects, Greater Ohio Policy Center.
“Ohio is in the midst of a housing crisis. It not only impacts regions of the state that are experiencing high population growth, but every corner of Ohio where communities deal with outdated housing stock that lack the amenities home buyers are looking for. The state took important steps in addressing these challenges in the last budget, and we look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers and housing advocates to ensure that we take a holistic approach to addressing the housing needs of the entire state. We look forward to learning more about the specifics of the proposed Ohio Housing Investment Opportunity program, which allocates $100 million to housing.” Jason Warner, Director of Strategic Engagement, Greater Ohio Policy Center.
“There are very real economic reasons to invest in our legacy cities and metros and ensure no Ohioan is left behind. As the state anticipates Ohio could lose nearly 6% of its population by 2050, GOPC’s recent white paper looks at the issue through the lens of our gross domestic product and has identified that 59% of that production comes from counties that are expected to decline in population. If Ohio wishes to maintain its position as a major GDP producer, Ohio must continue to invest in its legacy communities. GOPC looks forward to working with lawmakers in advancing policies that help local governments to comprehensively plan their futures and buck there projections.” Alison Goebel, Executive Director, Greater Ohio Policy Center.
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