PUBLIC POLICY The start of 2021 has given our community and membership the opportunity to build relationships with elected officials at every level of government while advocating for the Partnership’s public policy priorities. The momentum will propel the Columbus Region’s government affairs work throughout the rest of the year.
ELECTED OFFICIAL CONNECTIVITY D.C. VIRTUAL VISIT In March, the Partnership hosted a D.C. Virtual Visit, where Partnership members discussed policy priorities and the upcoming legislative cycle with federal leaders. The Partnership was joined by members of the Ohio congressional delegation, Senator Sherrod Brown, Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, and White House Senior Advisor Cedric Richmond. Topics of discussion included the future of science, technology and innovation, the Congressional Black Caucus and equity policy, elevating the Region’s defense assets, infrastructure and the future of mobility, tax reform, and intellectual property reform. The Biden administration provided an update on COVID-19 relief and their vision for the path forward.
STATE AND LOCAL In January, the Partnership held an economic development briefing with the newly-elected and re-elected Central Ohio delegation to discuss the Columbus Partnership and One Columbus economic priorities for the new legislative cycle. Discussions with state and local officials continue on an ongoing basis, including many with Governor Mike DeWine, who has consistently collaborated with Ohio businesses throughout the pandemic. 6
