Policy Analysis: Ohio Demographic and Economic Trends

The Leadership Podcast welcomes Alison Goebel, executive director of the Greater Ohio Policy Center, for a policy analysis of demographic and economic trends reflecting high growth in the Columbus area while much of the state shows legacy areas with aging populations, marginal population change and slow income growth. Goebel outlines ways the state as a whole could be much stronger with differentiated and context-sensitive policymaking. Strategies, she says, include creating vibrant downtowns, preserving the housing stock and supporting the residents of legacy places in creating businesses and job opportunities. State policies could assist with matching funds for federal grants, comprehensive planning services and easier processes to create the parity that then helps all communities compete in the future.