The use of e-bikes has grown rapidly in recent years, with sales skyrocketing to over 1.1 million in 2022. This positive trend shows that e-bikes are shifting people out of vehicles for everyday needs. However, an increase in crashes is sparking discussion about increased regulation.

Whenever the Ohio General Assembly is in session, we provide weekly updates on the litany of bills that we monitor at the Ohio Statehouse. This weeks update is now available on our website. Be sure to see the latest in al that is happening on Capitol Square. www.greaterohio.org/bill-tracker

This week, voters in Columbus voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bond package that includes an unprecedented $500M for affordable housing development in the fastest growing region in the state. Unofficial results show the measure passing 67/33. Learn more about the issue here.

GOPC, in partnership with the Ohio EPA, is excited to announce it will host the 2026 Ohio Brownfields Conference on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026. For additional details and to sign-up to receive conference updates, please visit our website www.ohiobrownfields.com/2026conferen...

Great outcomes from an Active Transportation demonstration project in Columbus. Our 2025 Guide, How to Build Safe How to Build Safe, Vibrant Streets in Ohio, discussed demonstration projects & how they can help support more development of AT infrastructure across the state. Get the details below.

Have a happy and safe Halloween from all of us at the Greater Ohio Policy Center!

Marion (one of our great Reinvention Cities) has picked itself up by the bootstraps and is working to revitalize one step at a time. That work earned it the recognition as the @strongtowns.org Strong Town of the Year. Now everyone can learn about the work 💪👇 academy.strongtowns.org/p/strongestt...

AO50 is Ohio's long-range, multi-modal transportation plan, developed by ODOT, that will guide the state’s transportation policies for years to come. Take the AO50 online survey to help shape the future of transportation across our state. publicinput.com/ao50e2

It's spooky season, and also 'Walktober,' a time to highlight the dangers posed by unsafe streets for pedestrians & cyclists. Since 2019, GOPC has published a “Spooky Streets” blog in the fall. Our annual look Ohio's dangerous roadways & the risk they pose is now on our website.

ODOD is hosting a free webinar tomorrow at 10am to discuss the updated guidelines and scoring for the Ohio Brownfield Program. Topics include eligibility, the application process, guideline updates, and a question-and-answer section for applicants. Register here ohio.webex.com/webappng/sit...

Each month, we feature an Ohio city as part of our Ohio Community Spotlight series. This month, we highlight the county seat of Sandusky County, Fremont. www.greaterohio.org/blog/2025/10...

The Ohio Department of Development has published revised guidelines for the Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) program, which provides grants for the purchase of qualifying residential properties, the cost of construction/rehabilitation, or nonrefundable tax credits for qualifying activities.

State lawmakers take another step to provide some property tax relief. Learn more about the latest actions which aims to prevent large property tax spikes in some Ohio communities. www.dispatch.com/story/news/p...

Is your organization ready for what’s coming? As community needs evolve, funding landscapes continue to shift, and technology changes how we operate day-to-day, many organizations are reassessing their strategic priorities. And GOPC is here to assist! www.greaterohio.org/blog/2025/10...

The Ohio Department of Development has released updated guidelines and the new scoring rubric that will be used to award Brownfield Remediation Program grants in FY2026. Applications will begin being accepted November 12. Learn more here. www.ohiobrownfields.com/resources#Di...

Could passenger rail service expand in Ohio? Communities across the state commit funds to advance study on rail line connecting Pittsburgh to Chicago through mid-Ohio. www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...

Not only is October 'spooky season' but it is also known in some circles as 'walktober' to put an emphasis on active transportation and the dangers posed by unsafe streets for pedestrians and cyclists.

Homeownership is becoming harder to achieve everywhere as demand outpaces supply. But housing and neighborhood nonprofits are using a variety of tools—some complex and some simple--to preserve and expand homeownership. www.greaterohio.org/blog/2025/10...

Last week, the U.S. Senate advanced the bipartisan "ROAD to Housing Act" as an attachment to the National Defense Reauthorization Act. The federal legislation is an omnibus package of housing-related bills that had been previously introduced by a number of members of the committee.

Homeownership is becoming harder to achieve everywhere as demand outpaces supply. But housing and neighborhood nonprofits are using a variety of tools—some complex and some simple--to preserve and expand homeownership.

Days after the Governor's property tax panel released its report, House lawmakers have voted on two proposals aimed at addressing property tax concerns. www.statenews.org/government-p...

Communities know there are many benefits to doing residential in-fill development. But such projects can be hard to finance and build. It's great to see Cleveland Heights partnering with local groups like Future Heights CDC to address housing where its needed most. www.cleveland.com/community/20...

The panel charged by Governor DeWine to produce proposals on how to address property tax reform released a report with 20 recommendations on the deadline date of September 30. What's next for property tax reform in Ohio now that the panel has completed its work? www.greaterohio.org/blog/2025/10...

Last chance to register. Join us this Thursday, October 9 for "Innovative Approaches to Preserving & Expanding Homeownership. The webinar kicks-off at 2pm. Registration is free, but space is limited, so sign-up now. www.greaterohio.org/upcoming-eve...

The Hub District for the City of Xenia is a great example of how greenways can spur placemaking and walkable, mixed-use development. The Hub District is a key part of Xenia’s new 10-year plan, neXtPlan, recently won the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Award from APA Ohio.

Join ODOT at one of the following workshops or open houses to give feedback on proposed strategies for Access Ohio 2050, the state’s long-range transportation plan. Meetings will be in Toledo, Lima and Dayton next week, with more later this month. www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/acc...

If your city wants to beat the housing crisis, it needs more incremental developers. If it wants more incremental developers, it needs to make building easier. @strongtowns.org worked w/ dozens of developers, elected officials & municipal staffers to figure out how. drive.google.com/file/d/1Wpa8...

If you’ve been watching Apple TV’s Platonic, then you have likely heard the term “ADU” a number of times. While this Midwest urban planner was very excited to hear a timely reference to accessory dwelling units, others may be wondering, what's an ADU? www.greaterohio.org/blog/2025/9/...

On Thursday, October 9 from 2:00 - 3:15pm GOPC will host Innovative Approaches to Preserving and Expanding Homeownership (sponsored by JPMorganChase). The webinar is free, but space will be limited, so be sure to sign-up now and reserve your spot. us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

Register now to attend the Opportunity Zones (OZ) 2.0 Launch Event, the first in a national series hosted by HUD and federal partners to help communities prepare for the next generation of OZ designations and investments. The event is hybrid and begins at 2pm EDT. forms.office.com/pages/respon...

GOPC staff providing a legislative update on all the happening at the Ohio Statehouse to the attendees at the APA Ohio Statewide policy conference

OPC is on the road today in Toledo facilitating three breakout sessions at the @APAOhio Statewide policy conference. First up, Exploratory Scenario Planning, what it is and how it is helping Ohio Communities.

Once more , friends, it is time to travel across Ohio to highlight the incredible past and vibrant present of another location in our #OhioCommunitySpotlight Series. From ancient cultures to college town vibes, here’s a thread on Kent’s rich history, economy, people, and landmarks. #KentOhio 🏞️🏛️📚

GOPC is excited to share Exploratory Scenario Planning in Legacy Cities: A Companion to the LegacySP Toolkit, released in partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy through the Consortium for Scenario Planning. www.greaterohio.org/blog/2025/9/...

​Access Ohio is Ohio's long-range transportation plan. AO50 is being developed to meet the future needs of the traveling public & deliver a transportation system that supports Ohio’s economic, social, & natural environments. www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/acc...

This week is National Roundabout Week. To mark the occasion, we share this story on the Roundabout Capital of the US, Carmel, IN, whose 120+ roundabouts are saving money, reducing emissions, improving air quality, & enhancing community walkability & traffic safety. eri.iu.edu/erit/case-st....

You are invited to Delaware's first Small Business Resource Fair! ECDI, the City of Delaware, Main Street Delaware, & the Ohio Wesleyan University Entrepreneurial Center have partnered to bring you a jam-packed day of resources...

Check out this great new resource from @landpolicy.bsky.social. This online database, Visualizing Density, helps show how different densities play a role in housing affordability and fit into the context of cities and towns around the country www.lincolninst.edu/data/visuali...

Grand Rapids’ Permit-Ready Plans Program launched in February 2025 with the goal of lowering barriers for infill housing development. The program includes eight home designs, featuring single-family, two-family, and multi-family options. Learn more on our blog. www.greaterohio.org/blog/2025/9/...

More great content from our friends at @strongtowns.org which amplifies our recent comments about a new highway in Ohio: The Absurdity of Highway Spending as Economic Development. www.strongtowns.org/journal/2025...

Earlier this week, we partnered w/ the OH Facilities Construction Commission to host "Preparing A Successful Capital Budget Request," guiding attendees through the process of securing project funds in the state capital budget. The webinar is now available on our YouTube channel. youtu.be/ZBHCE_8IEh8

National survey finds that Ohio cities rank near the bottom for 'worst congestion', with Columbus seeing the greatest year-over-year improvement in hours of traffic congestion, cutting the time by nearly 40% since last year. www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/c...

Last year, we published our first active transportation (AT) guide, providing tips for implementing an AT project, funding sources & technical assistance programs. We are excited to share How to Build Safe, Vibrant Streets in Ohio: A Guide for Non-Engineers, Vol 2 www.greaterohio.org/publications...

ICYMI: GOPC is hosting two upcoming webinars that will offer attendees exciting educational information. The first session is this Wednesday, September 10 on the Capital Budget, followed by Innovative Approaches to Homeownership October 9. Sign up today! www.greaterohio.org/blog/2025/9/...

Access Ohio 2050 (AO50) is Ohio's long-range, multi-modal transportation plan, developed by ODOT, that will guide the state’s transportation policies and investments for the next 25 years. www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/acc...

Join @strongtowns.org on September 19 for the live premiere of “This Dying Rust Belt Town Quietly Saved Itself." This video explores the history and bottom-up revitalization of Marion, Ohio, this year's Strongest Town Contest winner. The video will premiere on YouTube at 12 p.m. EDT.

Join us on Wednesday, September 24 for "The State of Housing in Ohio." This session will include a discussion of Ohio’s recently approved biennium budget. What impact will the budget have on current housing programs and policies, and more. us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

GOPC is hosting two upcoming webinars that will offer attendees exciting educational information. Registration is free, but space in both sessions will be limited. Be sure to sign-up now and reserve your spot. www.greaterohio.org/blog/2025/9/...

ICYMI: Last week, our own Jason Warner had an op-ed in the Columbus Dispatch regarding the proposed I-73 in Ohio. This week on our blog, Jason expands on GOPCs position, arguing its better to "find ways to maintain what we already have." www.greaterohio.org/blog/2025/8/...