Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greater Ohio?

"Greater Ohio: A Campaign for Ohio's People, Land and Prosperity" is a statewide network of organizations and individuals united to promote state policies for land use and development that revitalize existing cities and towns, strengthen regional cooperation, and conserve Ohio's productive farmland and natural resources. Greater Ohio is organized initially as a three-year campaign.

How does the campaign function?

Greater Ohio is a broad-based, nonpartisan, citizen's network facilitated by a Columbus-based staff and supported by statewide committees to advocate public policies that lead to a more competitive Ohio and balance the state's long-term economic development with a better quality of life for Ohioans. Citizens and organizations throughout the state are invited to join and support Greater Ohio. The campaign will focus on public education and grassroots advocacy.

Who are its "customers"?

Although there are a variety of beneficiaries, there are two primary groups of customers. One group is composed of local organizations already working on land use and development issues to achieve the goals of the Greater Ohio campaign. Greater Ohio's decentralized, network structure is designed to support the work of such groups and provide them with a statewide vehicle for policy initiatives. The other customers are the 12 million people who call Ohio home. The campaign is focused on outcomes that will improve quality of life, reduce tax burdens, improve environmental quality and enable Ohio to compete with neighboring states.

What does the campaign seek to accomplish?

Greater Ohio seeks to:

Educate Ohioans about the regional, economic, demographic and public policy trends that are shaping Ohio's current growth patterns.
Promote public policies that will encourage regional cooperation, especially concerning land-use planning, transportation strategies and economic development practices.
Preserve farmland where appropriate near Ohio's metropolitan regions.
Create better tools to help Ohio's downtowns and urban centers compete in the 21st century.
Enhance transportation options that give Ohioans an alternative to traffic congestion.
Raise public awareness about how all of the state's land-use and development issues are interrelated and how neglecting them hurts all of Ohio.

How did Greater Ohio begin?

The concept for Greater Ohio was initially discussed at a meeting hosted in the fall of 2002 by Ohio-based foundations and the Funder's Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities. With the help of organizations and individuals from around the state, the idea for a statewide reform effort began to take shape. Throughout 2003, the original steering committee was created and financial foundation support secured. By January of 2004, Greater Ohio was established and a kick-off event at the Statehouse attracted more than 200 Ohioans.

Is Greater Ohio a "smart growth" organization?

Across the nation, "smart growth" has come to mean lots of different things to different people. In Ohio, we certainly need to grow smarter than we have in the past. If smarter growth means encouraging livable communities, better local and regional planning, cleaner air and water, more transportation choices, protection of farmland and greenspace, and a stronger economy, then, yes, Greater Ohio is a smart growth organization.

Is Greater Ohio a lobbying organization?

Our primary focus will be on research, public education and grassroots organizing. But, as needed to enact policy changes, Greater Ohio will lobby to the extent nonprofit organizations are allowed.

Does Greater Ohio support political candidates?

No. Greater Ohio is strictly nonpartisan. It was created to educate the public about important land use issues facing Ohio — issues that transcend partisan politics. We seek to involve people from all walks of life.

Where does the funding come from?

Funders of the development of the Greater Ohio campaign include both Ohio and national foundations. Donations are tax-deductible.