MORPC Economic Development Academy

MORPC’s new Regional Economic Development Academy is a one-of-a-kind training program designed to enhance your foundational knowledge of economic development tools and programs. Participants will learn from practitioners and specialists recognized for their expertise across the economic and community development fields.

Through expert instruction, case studies, and panel discussions, the Academy will deliver:

• Tailored insights into Central Ohio’s economic development tools and strategies

• Actionable knowledge on incentive programs and best practices

• Networking opportunities with peers and professionals across sectors

Course #1 (August 7)

Role of Local Governments in a Community's Economic Development

Description: This course will focus on the strategies, tools and context local governments can leverage to advance economic growth, including zoning regulations, ordinances, policies, infrastructure investment, incentive mechanisms and more.

August 7, 2025, 10am-2pm

Instructors:

· Steve Schoeny, City Manager, City of Upper Arlington

· Sam Filkins, President, Knox County Area Development Foundation

· Dana McDaniel, Partner, Management Advisory Group, LLC

Course #2 (September 17)

Fiscal Impact Analysis (in partnership with OEDA)

September 17, 2025, 9:30am-12:30pm

Instructors:

· Mark Barbash, Founder/Director, The Ohio Economic Development Institute

· Jeffry Harris, Partner, Bricker Graydon

Course #3 (September 17)

Economic Impact Analysis (in partnership with OEDA)

September 17, 2025, 1pm-4pm

Instructors:

· Mark Lundine, Economic Development Administrator, City of Columbus

· Chris Magill, Partner & Managing Director, Vista Site Selection

*Courses 2 and 3 will be offered the same day.

Course #4 (October 7)

Comprehensive and Master Planning

Description: How communities can use strategic and comprehensive planning and collaboration to guide community priorities. This will include physical development, community character and conservation, economic development, housing, industrial, infrastructure, and commercial development.

The course will be presented by professionals from a range of community types with recognized and recent comprehensive planning success. It will include interactive discussions, providing participants with ample opportunities to explore their specific needs.

October 7, 2025, 9:30am-1:30pm

Instructors:

· Jamie Greene, Principal, Planning NEXT

· Sarah Kelly, Director, Planning NEXT

· Bill Bogantz, Township Trustee, Liberty Township (Licking County)

Course #5 (November 6)

Housing: The New Economic Development Imperative

Description: MORPC’s Leaders Listen survey found that rising housing prices and shrinking housing choices are two of the greatest threats to Central Ohio’s economic security. Affordability, once the defining feature of the region’s market, is rapidly evaporating, putting pressure on employers and workers alike. Solving the problem, however, presents the kind of win-win results that economic development professionals spend their lives chasing.

November 6, 2025, 10am-2pm

Instructors:

· Carlie Boos, Executive Director, Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio

· Dr. Stephanie Moulton, Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty and Research, The John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University

· Eric Meyer, Director of Development, City of Reynoldsburg

Course #6 (December 17)

Academy Capstone - Bringing it all together: The Pros and Cons of Economic Development Tools

Description: How communities can (or should) deploy Ohio’s alphabet soup of economic development tools – TIF, CRA, EZ, JEDD, and NCAs - to finance public infrastructure, seek to create sustainable local government revenue sources, and advance development opportunities.

December 17, 2025, 10am-2pm

Instructors:

• Jeffry Harris, Partner, Bricker Graydon

• Daryl Hennessy, City Administrator, City of Sunbury

• Ben Vollrath, President and CEO, Logan County Chamber of Commerce

For questions about the program, contact Padmini Roy-Dixon at cHJveWRpeG9uIHwgbW9ycGMgISBvcmc=.

Refund Policy

Refund requests will be accepted up to seven (7) days prior to each individual course. For those who purchase the full course package, refund requests must be submitted no later than seven (7) days before the first course, scheduled for August 7.

Requests submitted after the deadline will not be eligible for a refund; however, ticket transfers are permitted.

For questions or assistance, please contact Amanda McEldowney at .

Invoices

If you prefer to pay by invoice, please choose pay by invoice when you register. You will receive an invoice from MORPC within two weeks of registering.

Also check out other Workshops in Columbus, Nonprofit events in Columbus.