Central Ohio Residents Share Perspectives on Sustainable Growth
- Environmental Protection: Residents expressed near-unanimous support for conservation, with 91 percent prioritizing the protection of waterways and 87 percent calling for the preservation of green spaces.
- The Energy Dilemma: Faced with potential electricity shortfalls by 2028 because of high-tech industrial growth, 92 percent of residents believe expanding renewable energy is critical. Seventy-six percent of respondents support slowing the development of energy-intensive industries, such as hyperscale data centers, if necessary to protect the power grid.
- Pollution & Climate: Only 23 percent of residents believe the region is doing enough to reduce pollution contributing to climate change, leading to strong support (84 percent) for strengthening pollution reduction policies.
- Infrastructure: Expanding the Central Ohio Greenway (COG) trail network remains a top tier priority for 82 percent of the population.
“The Leaders Listen series was created to reflect our responsibility as regional leaders to hear, elevate, and respond to the voices of our residents – especially as we make decisions that will shape Central Ohio’s future. As our region evolves into a global hub for high-tech manufacturing, our residents are sending a clear message: economic success cannot come at the expense of our natural resources. They are looking to us to find a balance that ensures we aren't just growing bigger, but growing smarter, greener, and more resilient.”
In 2023, MORPC launched the Leaders Listen survey series, in partnership with The Columbus Dispatch, to obtain Central Ohio residents’ opinions on experiences and services in the region. These annual surveys invite community members to share their perspectives on a number of key issues such as transportation, housing, and economic development.
"Our latest findings were consistent with past MORPC surveys; providing strong supporting evidence that the vast majority of Central Ohio residents desire clean air and water, preservation of green spaces, and further reduction of climate emissions."
