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

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.”  

“Columbus is at the heart of Ohio’s economic growth and innovation, and our commitment to addressing workforce development, housing, and infrastructure challenges will ensure we remain a leading force in the state’s prosperity,” said Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “The OMCC’s advocacy priorities align with the Columbus Chamber’s mission to create a thriving business environment where all can succeed, and we’re proud to collaborate with our fellow chambers to drive meaningful progress for Ohio’s metro regions and beyond.” 

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.    

2025 Advocacy Priorities: 

View this document for details on each priority.   

Business Growth    

• Maintaining a Healthy Small Business Environment
• Investment in Innovation  
• 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
• Invest 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 Generation 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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About the Columbus Chamber of Commerce 

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,400 organizations. Founded in 1884, the Columbus Chamber is dedicated to fostering prosperity and growth in the Columbus Region Business Community through connections, resources, and advocacy. Serving as the epicenter of the Columbus Region’s business community, the Columbus Chamber provides an interconnected ecosystem where businesses collaborate to eliminate barriers to prosperity, creating a vibrant environment for enterprises throughout the Columbus Region. Together, we make our region an exceptional business destination. Learn more: https://columbus.org