By Barrett Thomas
Director of Economic Development
This first half of the year has been marked by significant progress in our efforts to foster local business growth and community development. Our Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) initiatives are uncovering opportunities that could result in several expansion projects. We’ve been engaging with numerous local companies, and while many projects are still in development, we’re optimistic that
many will come to fruition by the year’s end.
In collaboration with the 179th, we’ve also facilitated a partnership with OSU-Mansfield to help the unit find temporary space during their construction. This partnership is just one example of how we’re supporting our local institutions during pivotal transitions.
On the site development front, the proposed second spec building at Airport West faced financing challenges due to inflation and rising construction costs. Working alongside Adena Development and thanks to the commissioners’ backing, we helped secure $4M through the State of Ohio’s RIPL program, providing critical aid to close the funding gap. The hope is to start moving dirt this fall with a building ready to occupy by December 2025. We also spearheaded discussions at the Site Summit, collaborating with TeamNEO and JobsOhio to craft action plans for Mansfield’s Aero site and Ontario Commerce Park’s future.
The Land Bank remains an important partner as we work on key redevelopment projects, including the former YMCA and Westinghouse sites. And while attraction leads from JobsOhio have slowed this year, our local attraction efforts are seeing more engagement, with several promising projects in the pipeline.
Community support is another area where we’ve made strides. The broadband expansion of OARnet along US30 is gaining momentum, as is our collaboration with Madison Schools to improve their district bond rating with relevant economic data. Additionally, our Build Richland initiative is helping streamline regulatory cooperation, ensuring we deliver a seamless experience for our
community.
As we look ahead, we’re excited about new opportunities, including the potential for an aviation career day for area juniors and seniors at Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport. We are also working with a host of partners to put solar panels on some of our closed landfills that can’t be used for anything else. We’re committed to staying proactive and collaborative in all our endeavors, and I look forward to sharing more successes in the coming months.