Ohio Department of Development Update

Fall is quickly approaching and just as seasons change, we grow and change with them. A recent change at Development is our name. We are now the Ohio Department of Development, but we’ll still be referred to as Development.

Cooler weather is nearly upon us, but the hot summer temperatures remain. Here at Development, we’re providing assistance to help Ohioans stay safe and cool in their homes. We have a couple of programs that can help Ohio’s most vulnerable: The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program and the Home Relief Grant.

The Summer Crisis Program provides financial assistance for energy bills and/or fans and A/C units to customers. The program is available until September 30. Ohioans can apply for assistance by visiting energyhelp.ohio.gov or by contacting their local Energy Assistance Provider.

The Home Relief Grant is available to those impacted by those COVID-19 pandemic and can assist with mortgage, rent and utility payments. To apply, individuals can contact their local Community Action Agency. A list of these agencies can be found online at InvestingInOhiosFuture.Ohio.Gov under Home Relief Grant.

We’re also working to support Ohio businesses and communities through various programs in the Investing in Ohio’s Future Initiative. We’ve launched the Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program. Communities can learn more about the program guidelines and submit projects now at InvestingInOhiosFuture.ohio.gov. This program will help add and improve much-needed infrastructure across Ohio, providing clean and safe water for our residents.

And we’ll be launching two new programs to help communities overcome obstacles to development. $350 million will be available for brownfield remediation and $150 million for demolition.

Other Investing in Ohio’s Future initiatives are still available. Eligible businesses can find more information and apply for the Food and Beverage Establishment Grant; Entertainment Venue Grant; Lodging Grant; and New Small Business Grant at InvestingInOhiosFuture.ohio.gov. The Office of BroadbandOhio also launched its website Broadband.Ohio.gov. On the site, you can find more information on funding opportunities, the state’s broadband strategy and much more. The office is working hard to expand high speed internet access across the state and to build a best-in-class broadband network. If you have ideas on how to expand broadband in your area, please reach out to the BroadbandOhio team.

There are great things happening in your communities that have potential for big impact in our state. We want to help you get the word out. Please feel free to share your stories with us to megan.nagy@development.ohio.gov.  

When you’re sharing your success, we hope you will include our new Success. Ohio. Find It Here. brand. We are using it as we promote Ohio and the innovative spirit that lives in our communities and businesses. Sharing our success will help attract companies, investment and talent to our state. More information about the Success. Ohio. Find It Here. tool kit can be found at techtoolkit.ohio.gov, and includes  messaging, brand guidelines and brand assets to help tell your community’s stories.

You can tell your own stories about Ohio on social media with the hashtag #OhioFindItHere.

And, as we head into fall, you can plan your trips, including the most scenic places to see colorful fall foliage and best fall festivals at TourismOhio’s Fall in Ohio webpage. Don’t forget to share your trips with the hashtag #FallinOhio.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Ohio a great place to live.