MORPC invites all rural communities to send representatives responsible for short- and long-term community planning.
Join local leaders, planners, and subject matter experts for a dedicated rural forum focused on strengthening the foundation for local prosperity through integrated planning. This forum will explore actionable strategies for aligning transportation improvements with economic development goals, ensuring that upgrades to roads and water/sewer systems support local businesses and improve quality of life.
This forum aims to bridge the gap between traditional rural planning and active economic development to build safer, more resilient, and prosperous rural communities.
Ideal attendees are representatives from rural communities located in Central Ohio. Speakers will cover rural transportation planning, economic development programs, water and sewer management, and rural services to support community and business development.
AGENDA:
10:00 a.m. Welcome & Introductions – William Murdock, MORPC, Executive Director
10:05 a.m. Regional Planning in Rural Communities – William Murdock
Central Ohio Rural Planning Successes – Mary Turner, MORPC, CORPO Manager
Rural Transportation – Anthony (Toni) Turowski, P.E., ODOT, District Deputy Director District Six
10:20 a.m. Community Development & Competitive Advantage Program– Padmini Roy-Dixon, Economic Development Director and Regional Innovation Officer
10:55 a.m. BREAK
11:05 a.m. Water and Sewer Management, Jon Bernstein, Ohio EPA, Chief, Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance
11:35 a.m. Rapid Fire Challenge
11:45 a.m. Lunch Break
12:05 p.m. Community and Business Development Programs – Charles Dietz, USRDA,
Director Community Programs and Acting Business Programs Director
Rich Youngblood, USRDA, Deputy State Directo
1:00 p.m. Adjourn
For more information contact Eileen Leuby, Membership Services Officer, 614-233-4135 or email eleuby@morpc.org