The Leadership FundThe Leadership Fund, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce's political action committee, was formed in 2001. The purpose is to promote candidates in Toledo and its surrounding communities who understand and work to preserve a pro-business climate in our region. The fund supports candidates at the local and state level and does not endorse candidates for federal office.
2026 Leadership Fund Endorsements Ohio Senate Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson, District 11 Ohio House of Representatives Representative Erika White, District 41 Representative Michele Grim, District 43 Edward Schimmel, District 44 Representative Haraz Ghanbari, District 75 Patti Rockey, District 81 State legislators play a critical role in shaping the business climate through policies that impact taxation, workforce readiness, infrastructure, energy, housing, economic development, and regulatory certainty. The Leadership Fund's endorsements reflect its commitment to supporting candidates who understand the importance of creating an environment where employers can invest, innovate, and grow. County Commissioners Commissioner Lisa Sobecki, Lucas County Commissioner Ryan Lee, Wood County Commissioner County commissioners play a critical role in shaping the economic future of their communities through oversight of county budgets, infrastructure investments, workforce initiatives, and partnerships that support private-sector growth. Judicial Offices Justice Dan Hawkins, Ohio Supreme Court Colleen O’Donnell, Ohio Supreme Court Judge Myron Duhart, Sixth District Court of Appeals How endorsements are made Candidates were invited to meet with members of the Leadership Fund board. For legislative and county offices, the board considered candidates’ understanding of business issues, positions and voting records where applicable, community leadership, and ability to represent the interests of local businesses. Judicial candidates were evaluated on their qualifications, judicial philosophy and experience. For questions about the Leadership Fund’s endorsements, contact Brian Dicken, Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives, at [email protected]. Levy InformationThe Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce gathers information regarding levies each year, providing members with the information about them needed to make informed voting decisions. These levies will appear on the ballot on the November 2026. These four levies will appear on the ballot in Lucas County (The Toledo Public Schools levy and City of Toledo income tax are for voters in the City of Toledo only.)
Toledo Public Schools: New operating levy (For Toledo Public School district voters) Toledo Public Schools is seeking a new 6.9-mill levy for five years. If approved, collections would run from 2027 through 2031 and generate an estimated $22.8 million annually. The estimated additional cost is $242 per year for each $100,000 of property value. The district says the funding would support day-to-day operations and continued work on career development and pathway programs. Imagination Station: Levy renewal Imagination Station is seeking to renew its 0.17-mill levy for five years to support operating costs. It would generate an estimated $1.35 million annually. The estimated cost is $3.22 per year for each $100,000 of property value, with no change from the current cost. The proposed collection period is 2027 through 2031. City of Toledo: New temporary income tax (For City of Toledo voters) The City of Toledo is seeking a new, temporary 0.25% municipal income tax for four years, from 2027 through 2030. It is expected to generate $25 million annually. The additional tax would be $250 per year on $100,000 of earned income. If approved, the tax would apply to Toledo residents regardless of where they work and to nonresidents who work in the city. The city says it would use the revenue to support fire and police services and protect programs such as the Vibrancy Initiative and blight cleanup. Toledo-Lucas County Public Library: New operating levy The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is seeking a new 3-mill levy for five years to support operations and maintain library services. If approved, the library would stop collecting its current 3.7-mill levy and begin collecting the new levy in 2027. The proposed levy would run through 2031 and generate an estimated $34 million annually. The estimated cost is $105 per year for each $100,000 of property value, a $12.42 annual increase over the current levy’s estimated cost. Although the proposed millage is lower, the new levy would be calculated using current property values. For questions about this guide, contact Annsley Mann at 567.420.1226. Tax ChartsThe chart below compares property tax, sales tax and income tax rates in regional metro counties and cities. An updated comarison of State of Ohio metro counties and cities will be available soon. The information does not reflect school property taxes, state income tax or federal income tax rates. Information is current as of September, 2026.
For more information, please contact the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Advocacy & Public Policy Department at 419-243-8191. Voter ResourcesKey 2026 General/Special Election Dates
September 18: Military and Overseas Absentee Voting begins October 5: Deadline to Register to Vote. Boards of elections and the Ohio Secretary of State's office are open until 9 p.m. October 6: Absentee Voting by Mail begins October 6: Early In-Person Voting begins October 27: Absentee ballot applications must be received by your board of elections by 8:30 p.m. November 3: General/Special Election Day: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. November 3: Non-UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections by 7:30PM. November 7: UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received (by mail) by boards of elections by this date to be counted. Early, In-Person Voting Hours
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