Regional Policy Roundtable

The Regional Policy Roundtable is a group of diverse interests and representation of the central Ohio region including local governments, businesses, non-profits and citizens. The Regional Policy Roundtable aims to sustain a strong, prosperous 12-county central Ohio by providing a voice on policy and legislative matters.

Regional Policy Roundtable Contacts:
Chair: Tom Homan, City Manager of the City of Delaware
MORPC Staff: Laura Koprowski

May 19, 2011 - MORPC's Executive Director Testifies on Proposed Substitute HB 153: Chester R. Jourdan, Jr., MORPC's Executive Director recently testified to the Ohio Senate Finance Sub-Committee on House Bill 153.

Click here to read his testimony

Redistricting

HB 318 and HB 319, passed on September 15, 2011, eliminate the March primary election in the presidential years by requiring all primary elections to be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May and establish new congressional district boundaries based on the 2010 census results, respectively.  

Due to slow population growth over the last decade, Ohio’s congressional districts will reduced to 16. If the Senate passes the legislation, Democrats Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland and Marcy Kaptur of Toledo would be consolidated, while Republicans would lose a seat near Dayton. In Franklin County, districts have been redrawn that favor a Democrat minority member of Congress and allows Republicans to strengthen their districts that are held by Steve Stivers of Upper Arlington and Pat Tiberi of Genoa Township.

On September 21, the bill passed the Senate with a 24-7 vote and designated a March primary date, and the House concurrence vote was 60-35. 

HB318 proposes to move the 2012 March primary to May to allow more time for candidates to file petitions for candidacy.  The bill passed the House with a vote of 63-28.  It is now in the Senate Oversight Committee and the latest indication from the chair is that it may not find enough support to pass the Senate.  HB319 added the provision that the 2012 primary would remain in March.

Also, on Sept. 21, the committee added $2.75 million to HB319 for redistricting efforts for local boards of elections. 

MORPC Public Policy Agenda

MORPC’s 2011 Public Policy Agenda was shaped by members of the Regional Policy Roundtable, which is a group of diverse interests and representation chaired byMORPC Board MemberTom Homan. The Public Policy Agenda aims to reflect the objectives and ideals of both MORPC’s members and the greater community for an even stronger 12-county central Ohio region.

By placing issues within three tiers (Lead, Collaborate and Follow), Roundtable members were able to create a strategic agenda that will be used to educate elected officials and stakeholders. The Public Policy Agenda is by no means considered a final document – it will evolve and change as important issues arise. MORPC will utilize this framework to begin proactively advocating for policies and opportunities to enhance the quality of life in central Ohio and advance the region.

Read the 2012 Agenda here

Final Report Released from the Ohio Commission on Local Government Reform and Collaboration

The final report has been released from the Ohio Commission on Local Government Reform and Collaboration. The charge of the Commission was to develop recommendations on how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local government operations, thereby reducing costs to taxpayers and helping to facilitate economic development in Ohio.The Commission met between 2009 and 2010 to develop recommendations for how local governments can effectively collaborate.

Read the report here

New Reports Focus on Regionalism

Recently released reports by the Compact with Ohio Cities Task Force and Greater Ohio have placed strong emphasis on regionalism and collaboration in order to re-invigegorate Ohio's economy and to improve the quality of life and services in our local communities. MORPC is reviewing the reports and their recommendations to determine the effectiveness and outcomes of many of the proposed initiatives. MORPC's Board will consider action on these recommendations in the fall.

-  Restoring Prosperity: Transforming Ohio's Communities for the Next Economy by Greater Ohio and the Brookings Instiution Metroppolitan Policy Program

- Recommendations for Redevelopment and Smart Growth in Ohio by the Compact with Ohio Cities Task Force

MORPC Report

MORPC's report - A Comprehensive Look at Ohio's State Agency Districts and Program Areas - illustrates the inconsistencies of these designated areas, confusion and often lack of recognition of recognized regional and metropolitan boundaries. The purpose of the report is to bring to light and encourage discussion for a fresh, new look at the critical role the state plays in the success of regions and local governments through their service delivery models. For more information, contact Nancy Reger at 614.233.4154.