What We Do
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 vacant and contaminated properties known as “brownfields.” These sites are unusable for new development in their current condition. These blighted properties discourage investment and create barriers to job creation across the state.
Advocating for State Assistance in Brownfield Remediation
It can cost $15,000 to $35,000 to remediate one brownfield acre. Brownfield remediation programs at JobsOhio, Ohio Development Services Agency, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and Ohio Water Development Authority work to lower these 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. 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.
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.
(PDF) Learn about some of Clean Ohio's successful brownfield projects ➔
Related Publications
Assessment of Ohio Cities’ Water and Sewer Infrastructure and Brownfield Sites Redevelopment
November 2015
Like many places in the country, Ohio’s cities have fallen behind in making needed investments in water and sewer infrastructure. Continuing to postpone this infrastructure repair will only compound current problems.
The Guidebook for Redeveloping Commercial Vacant Properties in Legacy Cities
May 2014
This guidebook was developed by the Greater Ohio Policy Center in partnership with the German Marshall Fund of the United States and with support from the Center for Community Progress.
Investing In Brownfields: The Economic Benefits of the Clean ohio revitalization fund
April 2013
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.
Additional Resources
The history and successes of the Clean Ohio revitalization fund
The Clean Ohio program was Ohio’s main source of funding for a variety of environmental expenditures ranging from farmland preservation to conservation of ecologically sensitive areas.
U.S. EPA Brownfields
Program & Resources
EPA’s Brownfields Program provides grants and technical assistance to communities, states, tribes and others to assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse contaminated properties.
Greater Ohio Summit 2017 - Brownfield Presentations
Supplementary 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.
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