COLUMBUS – The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is launching a new service for local governments that will provide them the support and expertise needed to identify, access, and acquire resources to advance their economic development efforts.

Called Local Economic Assistance Program or LEAP, the new service is a direct technical assistance program offering project development and consultation, strategic grant guidance, competitive application assistance and project advocacy to participating local governments.

“Economic development is crucial for communities because it drives job creation, boosts tax revenue for better public services and attracts investment, improves infrastructure, and increases residents’ wealth and living standards,” said Padmini Roy-Dixon, MORPC’s Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer.

“We look forward to working with participating partners to foster a resilient and vibrant local economy that provides opportunities for all to have a strong future and quality of life.”

The program will focus on the following areas:

  • Economic Development
  • Infrastructure
  • Water Resources
  • Brownfields
  • Disaster Relief

MORPC’s Economic Development office will provide tailored support to meet communities’ individual needs, while aligning local projects with regional priorities. LEAP is available to local governments and organizations in MORPC’s 15-county region.

For detailed information on how local governments can participate, please visit: Local Economic Assistance Program (LEAP) – MORPC.org.

If your community is ready to request technical assistance on an economic development project, please complete the request for services form: LEAP – Intellistack.

15 counties in MORPC

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) serves a 15-county region in Central Ohio, including Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, Ross and Union Counties, providing data, planning, and resources for regional growth and sustainability, with a core focus on the larger Columbus metro area. 

Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is Central Ohio’s voice. As a Regional Council with more than 90 local governments and community partners, we provide nonpartisan data analysis, community resources, and long-range planning. Together, we drive the future prosperity and sustainability of the Central Ohio region. Learn more at www.morpc.org.