Building on Ohio's Industrial Past

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.

GOPC, working with public and private partners, is developing and stewarding a statewide "Clean Ohio 2.0" initiative to advocate for improved investment and regulatory reform by the State of Ohio for brownfield redevelopment projects.

Why Ohio Needs State Investment in Brownfield Remediation

It can cost $15,000 to $35,000 to remediate one brownfield acre. Ohio's previous program, the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund (CORF), invested in brownfields remediation through $400 million of catalytic funds to 164 projects across the state. Current brownfield remediation programs work to lower redevelopment costs to local governments and developers, however, these programs often target specific site types or only offer loans, both of which can limit redevelopment possibilities. 

A program that includes an investment strategy that is flexible and complements existing state and federal programs will help to further unlock the economic potential of Ohio's industrial, commercial, mixed-use, and residential opportunities. 

(PDF) Hear what community leaders are saying ➔

Toward "Clean Ohio 2.0"

In 2018, Greater Ohio Policy Center is collaborating with public and private sector stakeholders to advocate for sustainable, comprehensive, brownfield program. Through a combination of regulatory reforms and the establishment of "Clean Ohio 2.0," a funding program that is flexible and designed for long term stability, Ohio's communities can enhance economic development and job growth through brownfield redevelopment, a source of investment that Ohio currently does not recognize at its fullest potential. 

(PDF) Learn more about our vision for Clean Ohio 2.0 ➔

Documenting the Value of Brownfield Redevelopment

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.