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

At its meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19, Toledo City Council will review Mayor Kapszukiewicz’s proposed plan for spending $180.9 million under the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The city received half of the ARPA funding last May and the other half is expected in May of 2022. ARPA funds must be obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.

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

Toledo City Council is expected to further review an ordinance that would make adjustments to Toledo’s current year budget at its session at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5. The proposed adjustments are mainly a result of revenue trends for 2021 continuing to be higher than previously estimated by the city.

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

​Toledo City Council will review two ordinances at its session at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5 that would transfer both ownership and management of the Skyway Marina to Metroparks Toledo. Skyway Marina is located at 1701 Front Street within the Glass City Metropark across from downtown along the Maumee River.

With October comes cooler temperatures, pumpkin-flavored treats at all of our favorite shops in northwest Ohio and events that celebrate the spookiest month. But before we get into celebrating Halloween and all that comes with the start of fall, we're taking a look back on the newest Toledo Chamber members who joined in September 2021. Please join us in welcoming these businesses to the Toledo Chamber community, and next time you visit one of these businesses, don't forget to wish them your congratulations!

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

At its meeting on September 21 at 2:00 p.m., Toledo City Council will review establishing a Job Creation Incentive (JCI) program aimed at promoting economic development within a tax-sharing zone in Troy Township, Wood County. The program is meant to encourage businesses to invest in the Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) by offering them grants tied to expected creation of jobs and payroll.

Here at the Toledo Chamber, we're proud to house the Toledo Small Business Development Center, which every day oversees the important task of supporting our region's small business community. Recently, Financial Counselor Paula Avila-Palomares joined the team, ready to provide financial guidance and her expertise to the backbone of the Toledo Region: small businesses. While we hope you meet Paula at one of our many upcoming events, you can get to know her a little bit through this Q&A.

It's always exciting to welcome a new member to the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce community, and it's doubly exciting to get to celebrate that member's ribbon cutting! We were lucky enough to get to do both for new Chamber member YogaSix, who joined us in the beginning of 2021 and whose ribbon cutting we took part in on June 26. In this New Member Spotlight, learn a little more about YogaSix and what they do.

August is now behind us, and though our warm temperatures and beautiful sunny skies don't show it, fall is nearing in the Toledo Region. The Toledo Chamber has plenty to look back on and celebrate during the start of September, and we've got even more to look forward to as the year continues on. But before we get into the exciting and important events on the schedule this month, let's highlight and celebrate our newest members who joined in August 2021.

At its meeting on August 10 at 2:00 p.m. Toledo City Council will review a proposal aimed at making it easier to close down locations that are deemed a public nuisance and operating illegally. The proposal would amend Toledo Municipal Code by removing the requirement that a criminal conviction is needed in order for a nuisance abatement order to be issued. The proposal is being introduced in response to nuisance activity at certain after-hours bars and other locations in the city.

The city currently investigates nuisance complaints and sends owners and operators of such properties letters outlining violations that need addressed. If violations remain unaddressed the city can file an action in Toledo Municipal Housing & Environmental Court to stop activity at the property. Under current city law an abatement order to prevent activity at the location cannot be issued by the Court without a criminal conviction against the owner or operator of the property.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce will continue to review and monitor the status of this ordinance given its potential impact on the rights of business owners and the conduct of legal business activity in the city. All council meetings are held in Council Chambers on the first floor of One Government Center located on Jackson Boulevard in downtown Toledo and can also be viewed via video on the city’s website at https://toledo.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.