What We Do

Greater Ohio Policy Center endeavors to unlock the potential of Ohio’s 9,000+ former industrial and commercial sites that are unusable in their current condition. GOPC has documented the positive economic impact that brownfield cleanups can have on Ohio’s cities and town. Additionally, GOPC is a leading voice on policy changes that allow former industrial sites to be put back into productive use - which include both regulatory reform and the identification of a sustainable funding source for a brownfield clean-up and redevelopment program.

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Encouraging Brownfield Redevelopment Through Statewide Funding and Regulatory Reform

Ohio has the potential to bring in millions of dollars in additional tax revenue, provide jobs, and create new housing options if we seize the opportunity to redevelop the over 9,000 environmentally contaminated brownfields throughout the state. Found in every county, these former industrial and commercial sites are unusable for new development in their current condition. These blighted properties discourage investment and create barriers to job creation across the state.

Statewide Funding through CORF 2.0

GOPC, working with public and private partners, is developing and stewarding a statewide "Clean Ohio 2.0" initiative to advocate for improved investment by the State of Ohio for brownfield redevelopment projects. GOPC advocates that a statewide investment should fund the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund (CORF), which was Ohio’s brownfields program that served as a national model from 2002 to 2013.

Click here to learn more about GOPC’s recommended funding options for CORF 2.0.

Regulatory Reform through HB168 - the Bona Fide Purchaser Defense (BFPD)

One such regulatory reform that could encourage brownfield redevelopment in Ohio’s communities is the addition of the bona fide purchaser defense (BFPD) into Ohio law. Ohio is at a disadvantage to neighboring states by not currently having this liability protection. This legislation is currently under consideration in the Ohio General Assembly (HB168). The bill is supported by many of Ohio’s leading economic development organizations and environmental groups.

Click here to view GOPC’s letter of support for HB168.

Documenting the Impact of Successful Brownfield Clean-ups

It can cost $15,000 to $35,000 to remediate one brownfield acre. Research by GOPC and others shows that the high cost of brownfield remediation is more than paid back through the economic output of the clean-up itself, new construction, and ongoing tax revenues from the new businesses or homes on the remediated site.

GOPC uses economic impact analyses, interviews with local partners, and ongoing research to educating policymakers on the extraordinary economic benefits of brownfield remediation and redevelopment. Check out our 2013 report "Investing in Brownfields" to learn more about the economic impacts of brownfield remediation.

Click here to learn more about Ohio’s brownfield success stories.

Related Publications

Investing In Brownfields: The Economic Benefits of the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund

Based on 21 CORF projects selected for diversity in their degree and type of end use, geographic location, and other characteristics, the GOPC study found the CORF generated substantial direct and indirect economic impacts.

Other Research

There is a wealth of knowledge exists about the benefits of brownfield remediation and the best practices for public expenditure in brownfield clean-ups.