Ohio’s Business Community Unites on Policies to Boost Metro Areas

February 03, 2025

Cleveland, OH (February 3, 2025) – The Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition (OMCC), nine chambers of commerce that jointly advocate for issues impacting the metropolitan areas of the state, has announced its 2025 advocacy priorities. Areas of focus include expanding Ohio’s labor force, attracting and developing talent, increasing housing opportunities, growing businesses, expanding energy sources and supporting transportation infrastructure. The OMCC will discuss these priorities with Ohio executive and legislative leaders as the state’s biennial budget and other key programs and policies are being developed. Ohio’s metro areas and the OMCC represent 76% of the state’s population, 82% of its overall GDP and 80% of its overall employment base.

"Ohio’s moment is now, and the momentum is palpable," said Baiju R. Shah, chair of the OMCC and president and CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership. "To sustain our business growth, we must expand our workforce, attract more talent and continue investing in innovation. We must also accelerate the development of housing and energy generation while ensuring a strong business environment. The metro regions are the primary hubs of both business and population, and their vitality is crucial to the state's economic growth and prosperity."

“Like the other metropolitan areas of Ohio, the Lake-to-River region is poised to grow the talent pool, housing stock and overall economic prosperity of this great state. Our abundant energy deposits, unique maritime capabilities and vast transportation infrastructure will help the entire state increase its economic prosperity,” said Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.

The OMCC promotes economic development and advocates for policies that support thriving regions. Partners include Greater Akron Chamber, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

Policy Priorities:
View this document for details on each priority.

Business Growth
• Maintain a Healthy Small Business Environment
• Invest in Innovation & Job Creation
• Maintain Investment in Ohio’s Military & Federal Installations
• Continue Support for Ohio’s Tourism Economy

Talent Development
• Enhance Post-Secondary Education Affordability
• Address the Financial Strain on Higher Education Institutions
• Increase Support for Alternative Pathways to High-Wage Employment
• Push for Renewed Focus on the ‘Benefits Cliff’

Expanding Ohio’s Labor Force
• Address Childcare Affordability and Accessibility
• Additional Solutions for State and Local Governments:
- Investment in Quality and Workforce
- Infrastructure Grants and Loans
- Universal or Expanded Pre-K Programs
- Public-Private Partnerships


Talent Attraction
• Incentivize the Attraction of Skilled Workers
• Expand Attraction of International Talent

Housing and Neighborhood Development
• Support Downtown Renewal through Mixed-Use Development
• Promote Financial Incentives for Small-Scale Development
• Rebuild Older Neighborhoods
• Create Financial Incentives for New Homebuyers
• Promote Policies to Encourage Housing Market Fluidity

Expanding Energy Sources
• Develop a Diverse Energy Strategy
• Prevent Electric Grid Failures

Transportation Infrastructure
• Focus on Approval and Completion of Major Infrastructure Projects
• Prioritize Permitting Reform to Reduce Costs & Improve Development

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