Hicks Partners Newsletter - Insights and Strategies for August 12, 2025

Back to Legislative Updates

Hicks Partners Newsletter - Insights and Strategies for August 12, 2025

By Ohio Housing Council

8/12/2025

Ohio Enters FY 2026 with Strong Economic Fundamentals Despite Headwinds; Trump Centralizes Federal Grant Oversight; Political Friction Continues Over Property Tax Reform; Meet Savannah Allen: Economic Development Pro with a Secret Recipe for French Fries & Poutine

August 12, 2025

Ohio Enters FY 2026 with Strong Economic Fundamentals Despite Headwinds

Ohio wrapped up fiscal 2025 with tax receipts $1 billion above projections, nearly 4% over estimates, while July revenues surged more than 11% year-over-year. Ohio’s economy outpaced national trends, with GDP declining just 0.1% in Q1 compared to the nation's 0.5% drop.

Strong state finances provides budget flexibility for economic development and social programs, but persistent workforce challenges and shifting consumer sentiment suggest headwinds may be brewing:

One in three businesses report unfilled positions; a growing productivity concern
Consumer confidence wavers amid tariff uncertainty and job security concerns
Manufacturing remains relatively flat, although signs of a strengthening manufacturing sector is emerging, particularly in vehicle manufacturing.

Business tax policy adjustments, including higher Commercial Activity Tax exemptions, are helping to reduce burdens on smaller companies while maintaining revenue growth.

Ohio's fiscal position provides a launching pad for FY 2026 success, but ongoing workforce pressures, consumer uncertainty, and global economic concerns will demand policy maker's attention. Targeted workforce initiatives will determine whether Ohio maintains its competitive edge through changing economic conditions.

Trump Centralizes Federal Grant Oversight

President Trump signed an executive order last week transferring oversight of all federal grants from career officials to political appointees, reshaping how Washington distributes taxpayer dollars.

The administration frames the move as ensuring federal funding aligns with presidential priorities rather than what it views as an unaccountable bureaucracy. The change represents efforts to control spending and an ideological course correction away from progressive projects deemed misaligned with American interests.

What's changing:

All federal grants require political appointee sign-off
Agencies must use plain language in grant announcements
Future funding must align with administration priorities
Agencies must seek new grantees beyond usual recipients.

Understanding Trump's priorities is now essential for grant success. Organizations must demonstrate clear alignment with administration goals: national security, American economic interests, and traditional values. Smart applicants will study recent funding decisions and tailor their narratives accordingly

Political Friction Continues Over Property Tax Reform

Ohio lawmakers tried to enact a series of property tax reforms as part of the state budget. And though Governor Mike DeWine vetoed several of the provisions, a few measures did become law:

Expanded Homestead Exemption: County commissioners may now offer a owner-occupancy property tax credit for residential homeowners.
Municipal Property Tax Abatement: Municipal corporations and townships may apply for abatement of delinquent property taxes on municipally owned property.

DeWine’s vetoes largely targeted efforts seen as limiting local control. He rejected measures like retroactive levy rollbacks and changes to county budget commissions, warning they could undercut school funding stability. Lawmakers managed to override one veto—but only for future elections.

Meanwhile, a more radical plan to abolish property taxes altogether may be on the 2026 ballot. Critics say scrapping the tax could drain $20 billion from local budgets, and passage of the ballot effort would require a complete overhaul of state spending priorities.

Governor DeWine has empaneled a work group to refine existing proposals for property tax relief as legislative leaders may look to override more of the Governor’s vetoes this fall. Either way, the mounting concerns over skyrocketing property taxes will continue to take center stage in the months ahead.

Meet Savannah Allen: Economic Development Pro with a Secret Recipe for French Fries & Poutine

As part of the inaugural Economic Development master’s program at Murray State, Savannah knew early on she’d found something special. For her, economic development is more than a career, it’s the connective tissue that helps communities thrive. When it’s done right, it shows. When it’s missing, so does opportunity.

Hidden Talent: Perfectly Crispy Fries

Yes, Savannah can identify funding gaps and align strategic partners. But ask her friends and family about her hidden superpower? Her fries. Golden, crisp, and unreasonably easy to make. Sometimes served as a poutine (the Kentucky native acknowledges that poutine is Canadian, but the heart-stopping comfort food is going to make it big in the south one day). Follow the Hicks Partners LinkedIn page, we have Savannah’s permission to publish this fool-proof recipe.

Off the Clock: Adventures, Books, and Backyard Bikes

Savannah is an avid reader who juggles multiple books at once; think fiction, nonfiction, and everything in between. Lately, she’s swapped screen time for embroidery, a new creative outlet. On weekends, she’s often out kayaking, thrifting, enjoying time with family in Kentucky, or biking to Uptown Marysville with her kids. And always: dogs, patios, and a cold beer.

Current Favorites: Audio, Fantasy, and Sitcom Nostalgia

A big fan of both facts and fun, Savannah keeps “Stuff You Should Know” and “Ologies” on rotation. She’s a die-hard fan of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Office, and she’s currently rewatching Friends.

Why This Work Matters

Savannah’s especially proud of her role in the SODI site revitalization that is reimagining what a reindustrialized future could look like. She’s also hands-on with grants that help local communities close gaps and capture new growth opportunities. For her, it’s about moving the needle and making it last

Our Grant Alert list is updated! Review the list of ongoing grant opportunities here:

http://hickspartners.com/grant-alert/

Contact us for more information.

ICYMI: Extra Insights

About Us

Hicks Partners, LLC is a multidisciplinary business consulting firm providing public relations, government affairs and business development services. We deliver powerful results for clients seeking to enhance their image, impact policy decisions, and grow their bottom line.