DeWine to Deliver Final State of the State Address |
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will deliver his final State of the State address at noon today. First elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, DeWine is term-limited and cannot seek another term, making this speech an important marker as his administration enters its final phase. The annual address traditionally outlines the governor’s priorities for the coming year. DeWine is expected to highlight progress on key initiatives from his administration, including economic development, workforce training, education, and efforts to attract new investment and jobs to Ohio. The speech also comes as policymakers and political observers begin turning their attention toward the 2026 race to succeed him. |
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 The address will likely carry a bittersweet tone for Gov. DeWine. While he will use the platform to emphasize the accomplishments and legacy priorities of his administration, it also marks the beginning of the final chapter of his governorship. With limited time remaining in office, the speech is expected to help shape how his eight years in office will be remembered. |
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Ohio Tops Nation in Micropolitan Rankings, Holds No. 3 Spot Overall |
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Ohio has claimed the top national ranking for micropolitan economic development cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 in Site Selection magazine's annual Governor's Cup competition, reinforcing the state's standing as a consistent national leader. The state also ranked No. 3 overall for economic development projects for the fourth consecutive year and No. 6 per capita—its eighth straight top 10 finish in that category. Five major Ohio metros placed in the top 10 for the East North Central Region: - Cincinnati (#2)
- Columbus (#3)
- Cleveland (#8)
- Dayton/Kettering/Beavercreek (#9)
- Toledo (#10)
Ohio's micropolitan performance was equally dominant: - Eight micropolitans ranked in the national top 20, led by Findlay (#2), Wooster (#3), Fremont (#4), and Tiffin (#5)
- 20 Ohio micropolitans placed in the top 75 nationally
- Ohio ranked No. 2 in both cumulative and per-capita categories for the East North Central region
Projects qualifying for Governor's Cup recognition involve capital investments of at least $1 million, 20 or more new jobs created, or 20,000+ square feet of new space. |
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 Ohio's sweep of both large-metro and micropolitan rankings signals something important, the state's economic development progress is working at all ZIP codes, not just in its major urban centers. JobsOhio's statewide investment strategy and Ohio's business-friendly policy environment continue to pay dividends. Expect these rankings to carry weight as the state competes for the next generation of manufacturing, logistics, and data infrastructure projects that are reshaping the Midwest economy. |
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| Ohio Advances Capital Reappropriations Ahead of Full Capital Budget |
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Ohio lawmakers are moving quickly on a capital reappropriations bill ahead of what promises to be a longer process on the full capital budget. Senate Finance Committee Chair Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, introduced SB 371, authorizing capital reappropriations for the biennium ending June 30, 2028. A companion measure in the House, sponsored by Finance Committee Chair Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, is running on a parallel process. Cirino tied the bill's early introduction to the capital budget's expected June timeline, describing SB 371 as straightforward legislation unlikely to draw significant opposition. The bill's largest all-funds appropriations include: - Public Works Commission: $473.6 million, including $253 million for the State Capital Improvements Fund and $153.2 million for the State Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Fund
- Facilities Construction Commission: $439.1 million, with $56.7 million directed to the Cultural and Sports Facilities Building Fund
- Department of Natural Resources: $232.6 million, including $31.2 million for state parks and $49.4 million for local parks and conservation
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 Governor DeWine identified several capital priorities, including a new mental health hospital in Dayton and juvenile justice facility improvements stemming from the Ohio Juvenile Justice Working Group's recommendations. |
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OBM Navigates $2.9 Billion Capital Budget Puzzle |
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Ohio's Office of Budget & Management is working through more than $2.9 billion in agency capital requests as the DeWine administration and Legislature prepare the next bricks-and-mortar spending plan. OBM Director Kimberly Murnieks described the process as assembling a puzzle, balancing agency needs against debt service costs and long-term affordability. With 21 agency proposals in hand, OBM is analyzing each to confirm projects are bondable and qualify under voter-approved bond funds before a bill is introduced. Key details on agency requests: - Public Works Commission leads all requests at $710 million, including $500 million for Local Public Infrastructure
- Ohio Facilities Construction Commission follows at $611 million — both represent significant reductions from prior cycle allocations
- Department of Behavioral Health is seeking $350 million, primarily to complete the 208-bed Miami Valley Hospital
- Department of Administrative Services requests $290.4 million, up from $235.2 million last biennium
- Department of Rehabilitation & Correction requests $266.2 million — a sharp drop from $489.9 million — but projects $785+ million asks in each of the next two cycles
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 The timeline is moving quickly. Community project requests are due to lawmakers' offices by March 12, with finalized lists submitted to finance chairs by March 26. Lawmakers are targeting June passage. Readers tracking facility, infrastructure, or construction-related appropriations should engage lawmakers now, before community project lists are locked.
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Access our curated list of federal grants, including the USDOT All Stations Accessibility Program (up to $686 million) and the DOL Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative (up to $5.1 million). Review the list of ongoing grant opportunities, click the link below. |
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