​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to refer to committee Ordinance 85-20 which would update building materials and colors permitted for multi-family, commercial, mixed-use, institutional, and large-scale retail developments citywide. The changes include standards for predominant, accent and prohibited materials and colors, which are not currently clarified in city building code. Action on the ordinance was delayed previously by City Council at its voting session on February 25, despite being recommended for approval by the Toledo Plan Commission and City Council’s Zoning & Planning Committee. The committee meeting to again review the ordinance is yet to be scheduled.

​When the census takes place every 10 years, a great deal of the attention for counting the number of people living in the United States is placed on how many members each state will get in the U.S. House of Representatives. In a similar manner, Ohio and other states use this information in redrawing state House and Senate district lines. Who represents you in Columbus and Washington absolutely matters.

​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 39-20 which would approve an enterprise zone agreement with Niki Toledo for construction of two retail buildings at the former site of Elder Beerman at 3311 Secor Road. The agreement includes a 50 percent property tax exemption for 15 years of assessed valuation prior to remediation of the site, and a 100 percent exemption for the same period on the increase in valuation following remediation. Bob’s Discount Furniture and TJ Maxx are retailers planned for the new buildings. The project would involve total estimated investment of $12,746,560 and the creation of 23 new full-time and 40 part-time positions.

Join members of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce this Friday, February 14 for Morning Access presented by AT&T, an opportunity to network and connect with elected officials about the issues that are important to you and your business. This dialogue is designed to foster economic growth and prosperity, making the region a preferred place for diverse talent and innovation.

​On January 27 Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 7. This legislation requires state licensing agencies to issue licenses or certificates to military members and spouses who already hold a valid license to practice a trade or profession in another state. It also requires agencies to waive any fee otherwise charged for the same license or certificate. The bill will become law in 90 days.
 
The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce successfully advocated for the inclusion of active duty Guard and Reserve members in the bill. The Toledo Region is home to more than 2,700 Guard and Reserve personnel and it is not uncommon for members to relocate from another state. This bill will make it easier for their spouse to relocate with them and use their skills to contribute to the local economy. 

​At its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 28 at 4:00 p.m., Toledo City Council is expected to hold until its February 11 voting session Ordinance 2-20 which would require additional construction tradespersons to complete examinations and obtain a local license to perform work in the city. A hearing on the ordinance, the second since being introduced, will be on Wednesday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes this ordinance due to its potential negative impact on business growth and jobs.

When the census takes place every 10 years, a great deal of the attention for counting the number of people living in the United States is placed on how many members each state will get in the U.S. House of Representatives. In a similar manner, Ohio and other states use this information in redrawing state House and Senate district lines. Who represents you in Columbus and Washington absolutely matters.

At Toledo City Council’s regular meeting on January 14 at 4:00 p.m., a vote is possible on Ordinance 2-20 which would require additional construction contractors to complete examinations and obtain a local license to perform work in the city. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes this ordinance due to its potential negative impact on business growth and jobs.

​Due to the potential negative impact on business growth and jobs, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce opposes Toledo City Council Ordinance 2-20. This proposal would require additional construction contractors to complete examinations and obtain a local license to perform work in the city. A hearing will take place before Council’s Regional Growth, Development & Small Business Enterprise Committee on Wednesday, January 8 at 2:00 p.m. on the first floor of One Government Center located on Jackson Boulevard in downtown Toledo.

By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

Prior to Toledo City Council’s January 2 session at 5:30 p.m., District 3 Councilwoman-Elect Theresa Gadus and District 5 Councilman-Elect Sam Melden are expected to be sworn in for the seats they were elected to in November. Ms. Gadus will succeed former councilman Peter Ujvagi and Mr. Melden will succeed former councilman Tom Waniewski. Returning district council members include Tyrone Riley (District 1), Matt Cherry (District 2), and Yvonne Harper (District 4). At-large council members currently in the middle of their 4-year term include Cecelia Adams, Gary Johnson, Nick Komives, Rob Ludeman, and Larry Sykes. An at-large vacancy was created effective December 31 with the resignation of Sandy Spang who took a role in the City’s economic development department. Council has 30 days from that date to select a replacement who according to city charter must run in the November 2020 general election to retain the seat for the remainder of the term that expires at the end of 2021.