MORPC and Columbus Business First are pleased to partner on a 2023 State of the Region Columbus Business First Supplement. This special publication will recognize MORPC’s innovative work and many accomplishments, as well as report on the variety of opportunities available in the 15-county region. It will highlight our regional growth, transportation, economic development, local government collaboration, data, energy, and sustainability. It will tell the story about where we have been, where we are now, and what we must look forward to in the future as the demographics of our region change.

Click here to view the Business First Supplement

MORPC in partnership with The Columbus Dispatch and CHRR at The Ohio State University launched “Leaders Listen”, a survey series, to measure the pulse of Central Ohio and find out what’s top of mind to our residents when it comes to transportation and mobility.

The “Leaders Listen” series is a set of short surveys produced by MORPC that will periodically invite the American Population Panel members and the general public in Central Ohio to share their input on issues they care about the most. In keeping with the 2023 State of the Region theme of Powering our Region Forward, we selected transportation as the topic to kick off the survey series.

We heard from more than 2,500 residents across our 15-county region. Survey participants shared their opinions on everything from biking and bus services, to proposed passenger rail and how they would like to see the region invest in transportation.

A more detailed report will be made available soon.

As Columbus booms, is region ready for transportation demands? A lot needs to happen, The Columbus Dispatch, March 30, 2023

With Intel, other central Ohio projects, leaders stress regional approach to transit, The Columbus Dispatch, March 31, 2023

Amtrak, U.S. DOT officials like Columbus’ chances for restoring passenger rail, Columbus Business First, April 3, 2023

“Welcome 2050” was a holographic display at our 2023 State of the Region Event. As we embark on our 2050 regional transportation plan, this reimagined representation features trackless trams and passenger rail service making stops in between a hub at the downtown Convention Center connecting to the east at the John Glenn International Airport to the west to the communities of Dublin and Hilliard. This display curated by Holovisn, a global market leader in holographic display technology, is a forward-looking concept and does not represent current plans or proposals.

The William H. Anderson Award recognizes a current or past board member who exemplifies outstanding leadership, a vision for the community and the region, and commitment to MORPC. William H. Anderson, a longtime MORPC board member, was the epitome of a civic volunteer who is remembered for his zeal with which he championed MORPC’S mission and goals.

2023 Award Winner: Mayor David Scheffler

Past award winners include:

• 2022 Joe Stefanov
• 2021 Kim Maggard
• 2020 (none given)
• 2019 Steve Stolte
• 2018 James R. Schimmer
• 2017 Karen Angelou
• 2016 Richard “Ike” Stage
• 2015 Marsha Grigsby
• 2014 Eric Phillips
• 2013 Dean Ringle
• 2012 Derrick R. Clay
• 2011 R. Thomas Homan
• 2010 William (Bill) C. Yaple
• 2009 Marilyn Brown
• 2008 Herb Asher
• 2007 Virginia Barney and Mark Barbash

First introduced in 1997, the Regional Leadership Award recognizes individuals in a 15-county region (Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, Ross and Union counties) who make extraordinary efforts to ensure the future viability of the region’s communities. The Regional Leadership Award is derived from MORPC’s continuing dedication to addressing issues that transcend community boundaries and to stimulating visionary thinking.

2023 Award Winner: Christie Angel

Past award winners include:

• 2022 Jennifer Gallagher
• 2021 Trudy Bartley
• 2020 (none given)
• 2019 Jean Carter Ryan
• 2018 Curtis Stitt
• 2017 Patrick Losinski
• 2016 Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher
• 2015 Michael Coleman
• 2014 Marjory Pizzuti
• 2013 Kenny McDonald
• 2012 Ron Pizzuti
• 2011 William Lhota
• 2010 Val Moeller
• 2009 Elaine Roberts
• 2008 Ty Marsh
• 2007 Mike Long
• 2006 Bill Habig
• 2005 Jack Lucks
• 2004 Debbie Martin
• 2003 Art Wallace
• 2002 Don Wuertz
• 2001 Rich King
• 2000 Dave Lieser
• 1999 (none given)
• 1998 Jim Caldwell
• 1997 Ginny Barney

The William C. Habig Collaborative Achievement Award was created in 2006 in honor of William C. Habig, who served MORPC for 39 years, 34 years as executive director. The William C. Habig Collaborative Achievement award is annually presented to an individual and/or organizations who have achieved an effective effort or innovative collaborative in central Ohio. The honoree(s) will have demonstrated success in developing a specific initiative or entity that supports broad inclusion, diverse thoughts in the process and delivers tangible results addressing key challenges facing the region.

2023 Award Winner: One Columbus

Past award winners include:

• 2022 Downtown Bellefontaine Redevelopment & Small Nation
• 2021 Central Ohio’s Public Health Districts
• 2020 (none given)
• 2019 MECC Regional Council of Governments
• 2018 Delaware Community YMCA/Ohio Army National Guard Readiness Center
• 2017 Smart Columbus
• 2016 Sustaining Scioto
• 2015 Yaromir Steiner
• 2014 Economic Development 411 (ED 411)
• 2013 Union County Council of Governments
• 2012 Capital Crossroads and Discovery Special Improvements Districts
• 2011 Columbus Region Logistics Council
• 2010 Central Ohio Trauma System
• 2009 Central Ohio Public Information Network (COPIN)
• 2008 Signers of the Central Ohio Green Pact
• 2007 Mid Ohio Development Exchange (MODE)