​Senate Bill 225 was signed by Governor Mike DeWine on June 14. The Chamber advocated for language that increases the amount of nonrefundable Opportunity Zone credits that may be issued, to $75 million in the July 2021-June 2023 biennium, up from $50 million. There are more than 20 Opportunity Zones located in Lucas County. 

Like others in the region, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce was encouraged by the announcement of the creation of the Route 23 Connect Initiative a year ago. This initiative of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), along with regional partners at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG), was designed to determine the feasibility of a free-flowing connection between the Columbus and Toledo regions. Improving the connection has been a long-standing priority for the Chamber, TMACOG and others.

​​​​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​We believe that your perspective as a business leader is essential to help guide decision-making in the Toledo region. The Chamber often receives requests from area officials for recommendations to serve on local government boards and commissions. It is vital that these bodies include the expertise of our business community to inform decisions that impact our residents and overall business climate.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce congratulates the 32 individuals who recently completed their public service leadership training as part of the 2022 Institute for Leadership & Advocacy, the longest-running program of its kind in the state. Graduates were recognized for their accomplishment at a ceremony on March 21 at Glass City Metropark featuring an address by The Honorable Myron Duhart, Presiding Judge for the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals. The graduates are among the more than 460 leaders to date that have completed this course.

Toledo City Council is expected to review at its meeting on Tuesday, March 22, a proposal that would repeal requiring a Special Use Permit (SUP) in order to operate a convenience store as well as the prohibition on placing a convenience store within 2,000 feet of an existing location. The proposal is aimed at avoiding over-regulation of these stores following City Council adopting licensing requirements that are effective May 1.

​At a public hearing at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, Toledo City Council will review comprehensive updates to the city sign code which include banning placement of new billboards. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce opposes this proposed prohibition due to the negative impact it would have on our businesses and Toledo’s economy.

​​​​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its session at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, Toledo City Council will review proposed funding for programs under the City’s Vibrancy Initiative to assist renovating business properties in low to moderate income locations, and the replacement of private lead water lines. Most of the proposed funding falls under Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s spending framework for Toledo’s allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars that was previously approved by City Council.

​​​​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its session on Tuesday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m., Toledo City Council will review a proposal that would give the Toledo Plan Commission office zoning code enforcement responsibilities, and change current penalties for zoning code violations.

​​​​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

During its session at 2:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to consider moving out of committee a proposal that would require obtaining a city-issued license in order to operate a convenience store. Council could vote on the proposal at its December 21 meeting.

​​​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

Toledo City Council will review Mayor Kapszukiewicz’s proposed 2022 general operating budget proposal at its meeting at 2:00 p.m. today. The Mayor first announced and publicly shared the details of his budget plan about two weeks ago which is available at www.toledo.oh.gov/2022budget.