Place

Central Ohio is a place with a rich variety of natural resources and diverse mixes of built environments. Agriculture is a key element of the region’s character, yet the amount of land used for farming is declining. In 2000, 67% of central Ohio was farmland compared with only 63% in 2007. Meanwhile, the region is gaining new force as a major transportation hub. With 5 intermodal facilities (including the new Rickenbacker site that opened in March 2008), logistics are playing an increasing role in the region’s employment.

Along with changes in the character of the region, new strides are being made in terms of sustainable development. Fewer new building permits were issued in 2007 than in earlier years, and more land is now being dedicated to parks and preserves. Bicycle infrastructure is being expanded and the transportation system is increasingly being recognized as a multi-modal system. In May of 2009, a Bike User Map will be released depicting the comfort level of roadways for bicyclists in greater Columbus. The map will provide bicyclists with a tool for selecting a safe route of travel, as well as alerting transportation planners to areas that need attention. This broadened approach to transportation and land use planning is evident throughout the region. Several local governments have incorporated sustainability into their planning practices, with many environmentally sound principles being written into municipal codes.

There is more good news: the levels of pollutants emitted have fallen, and the region has had fewer days with bad air quality. The next important step is to improve water quality, which is below attainment in many of the region’s streams and rivers. By working together, local governments can assure the future of central Ohio is a beautiful place for future generations.