Prosperity

Although the economic hardships that have affected most of the nation have also reached central Ohio, the region has shown resilience in the face of adversity. Despite falling home prices, increasing unemployment, and a wave of foreclosures, there have also been many positive movements, especially in the direction of sustainability. Although fewer new homes are being built, there has been a surge in the construction of buildings with environmental certifications. Local governments are making efforts to reduce their emissions and energy consumption, something that is encouraged by the Carbon Footprint Assessments offered by MORPC.

Even though the overall number of jobs in central Ohio has declined somewhat, the region’s colleges and universities continue to produce highly qualified graduates. However, there are some discrepancies between the number of graduates in certain fields and the predicted number of job openings in those fields. Central Ohio is producing more engineers, architects and liberal arts graduates than it can currently absorb. Meanwhile, there is a shortage of health, management and administrative support graduates. This means there are opportunities for employment, and opportunities for business. Good jobs and skilled labor are assets that central Ohio can use to retain and attract new population and business growth.

The region is making strides in other areas, too: consumption of natural gas has decreased, in part due to home weatherization, which makes households more energy efficient and reduces heating costs for residents. All these indicators come together to show that despite the recent economic downturn, central Ohio will continue to prosper in new ways in the future. The region continues to hold a competitive advantage as a place where many exciting opportunities are offered.