Speaking

Brownfield funding in Ohio is often concentrated in the state’s “Three C’s”—Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati—given the scale and density of redevelopment opportunities in these metropolitan areas. However, through the Ohio Department of Development’s (ODOD) Demolition and Brownfield Remediation Program allocation process, rural counties across the state have gained meaningful access to resources needed to assess, remediate and revitalize long-neglected properties.

This presentation highlights compelling success stories from several rural Ohio counties that have secured ODOD funding over the past five years. Attendees will learn how strategic investment in assessment and cleanup has transformed blighted sites into community assets, catalyzed economic development and positioned these communities for sustainable growth. By showcasing these projects, this session demonstrates that impactful brownfield revitalization is not limited to major metropolitan areas—it is happening statewide.