Today, almost two-thirds of Ohioans live in a legacy city or metro: a place that has lost population and industry and is reinventing themselves.

And by 2050, 74 of Ohio’s 88 counties could have the same number or fewer residents that they had in 2020.

Population decline - and likely economic contraction - does not have to be Ohio’s destiny. But to chart a different future, Ohio will need to continue to offer a high quality of life to all residents and utilize taxpayer dollars wisely.

The Greater Ohio Policy Center’s 2027-2028 public policy agenda will help state leaders do both.

Revitalizing Ohio: A Blueprint for Stronger Communities outlines a bold agenda for Ohio’s next Governor and General Assembly, by leveraging brownfields, legacy cities, housing, and transportation systems as competitive assets for Ohio. This blueprint provides all places with the tools and policy environment they need to build stronger communities and a thriving, prosperous future.

Since 2021, Ohio’s General Assembly has committed $900 million to support brownfield assessments and cleanup projects. The Brownfield Remediation Program (BRP) has the potential to pump more than $4.5 billion into the state’s economy through private investment, jobs creation, and redevelopment, as well as ongoing activities associated with new end-uses.

GOPC is proud to have championed this investment, working with lawmakers to reactivate land that will house new businesses, homes, and recreation spaces.

Still, work remains to clear the thousands of acres for new, productive uses.

Ohio has the 7th largest GDP in the nation, yet 59% of that economic output comes from counties that are expected to lose population by 2050.

Ohio is blessed with hundreds of historic downtowns, friendly and walkable neighborhoods, an entrepreneurial spirit, and indomitable grit. These have been, and will continue to be, the foundational blocks to strong, vibrant communities that retain and attract residents, employers, and capital.

GOPC is a recognized expert on Ohio’s legacy cities and frequently works with local leaders to make the investments needed to revive the engines of our state’s prosperity.

Nearly every community in Ohio struggles with an insufficient inventory of quality, affordably priced homes. This creates immense pressure on the entire housing market, driving up prices and keeping the dream of homeownership from thousands of Ohioans.

The state’s primary role in housing should be to remove legal barriers, modernize housing codes, and use limited public dollars where infrastructure bottlenecks or site-preparation problems within existing communities prevent otherwise viable private development.

It is imperative for Ohio’s next Governor and General Assembly to work to create an abundant supply of housing that will help retain current Ohioans, attract back “boomerangs,” and encourage prospective employers and residents to move to Ohio.

To remain attractive to business and residents, Ohio must maintain our robust transportation infrastructure network.

This could become a challenge if our population growth slows and motor fuel tax receipts continue to shrink.

Ohio’s next Governor and Legislature must prioritize investments to existing assets and consider new, economical transportation solutions that get Ohioans and goods where they need to go. Investments must be made based on metrics that sufficiently account for the benefits generated by active transportation and transit.

GOPC advances strong local economies and community revitalization across Ohio by equipping communities and leaders with place-based research, collaboration, and advocacy, to fulfill our vision of a revitalized Ohio.

GOPC uses advocacy, research, outreach, and education, to ensure Ohio has a state policy environment that allows communities to stabilize and thrive for statewide economic growth.

Beyond the specific policies outlined in this policy agenda, GOPC will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives with the Ohio General Assembly and Administration related to capital investment, the state budget, tax policy (including property tax reform, income taxes, and the state’s various sales and use taxes), housing, brownfields, transportation, and other areas which align with our mission.

GOPC’s ultimate goal is to make Ohio a state where every community, and everyone who lives here, has the opportunity to prosper.