Addition of west side community reflects effort to plan for growth in the region
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) officially welcomed Brown Township as the newest member of MORPC. The acceptance of the west side Franklin County township as a member took place at the December 14, 2023, commission meeting following a resolution to join MORPC that was previously approved by the township. The membership is effective January 1, 2024.
As Central Ohio’s planning commission, MORPC represents a diverse alliance of members comprised of counties, cities, villages, townships, and regional organizations. MORPC serves as the regional voice, trusted convener, and catalyst, bringing communities together to collaborate on best practices and to plan for the future growth and sustainability of the region. The commission provides nonpartisan data analysis, community resources, and long-range planning. By being an honest broker and funding facilitator, MORPC sparks collaboration and innovation between Central Ohio’s diverse local governments and communities.
“The addition of Brown Township to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is an exciting step toward bolstering our regional collaboration, connecting our communities, and helping the region grow better as we get bigger. We welcome the township into our group of nearly 90 other Central Ohio communities and value their perspective as we work toward building a better future for all in the region.”
Brown Township is located in western Franklin County, with a small portion of the city of Hilliard located within the northeast portion of the township.
The township’s MORPC membership provides for a representative to serve as a voting member on the commission, which meets 10 times a year to discuss important regional issues, guide the direction of MORPC’s work, network with local leaders to discuss problems, and create solutions to shared regional challenges.
“Brown Township looks forward to continued work with MORPC in our trail planning efforts, and we are certain that our involvement with MORPC will help us well into the future. Projects such as development of an RFP to update our comprehensive plan and facilities planning are a lighter lift when we tap MORPC resources. We were one of the first townships to develop a comprehensive plan with MORPC’s help and an update to that plan was useful in our multijurisdictional efforts in the adoption of the Big Darby Accord Watershed Master Plan. Planning is critical as we strive to address efforts such as protecting Big Darby Creek and its watershed.”
Additional benefits of membership include grant and funding opportunities, educational forums, technical assistance and data, policy development, community assistance, and long-range planning.
To learn more about the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, visit www.morpc.org.
