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.

LEGISLATIVE POLICY UPDATE

FEDERAL PRIORITIES

The Partnership and other local leaders are working together to ensure Central Ohio takes advantage of funding opportunities through Federal Earmarks and Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grants. Similarly, our team is working with local governments to ensure that funding from the American Rescue Plan is maximized in our community to ensure long-term growth and prosperity.

STATE PRIORITIES

Statewide issues the Partnership is focused on include broadband expansion, incentivizing venture capital investment in Ohio, and protecting renewable energy facility construction.

Ohio House Bill 2 would create a grant program to expand broadband access. This bill, coupled with the Governor’s proposed one-time $250 million budget allocation for broadband expansion, should stimulate a dramatic increase in internet access for rural Ohioans, boosting economic development opportunities and digital equity in these areas.

The Partnership is also working hard to incentivize continued venture capital investment in Ohio through tax incentives at the state level, by helping to support efforts on House Bill 174. An increase in venture capital investment in Ohio could bring millions of dollars to the state in taxes, create hundreds of full-time jobs and invigorate local economies.

The Partnership has also fiercely opposed House Bill 118 and Senate Bill 52 which would hinder Ohio businesses’ continued investment in renewable energy through direct advocacy with legislators and testifying before committees in both chambers.

LOCAL PRIORITIES

On the local level, the Columbus Partnership has been preparing for a strong downtown recovery, including discussions on municipal income tax efforts and equity initiatives. This effort will also focus on supporting small businesses and local restaurants, ensuring a thriving arts and entertainment industry and guaranteeing sufficient housing and transportation for downtown residents.