Mission: The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) will be the regional voice and a catalyst for sustainability and economic prosperity in order to secure a competitive advantage for central Ohio.

MORPC  is the place where visions and ideas about our growing region are created, designed, discussed, and embraced. We are a voluntary association of local governments serving central Ohio. A catalyst for regional change, evidence of our work is seen everyday through planning, programming and public policy in the areas of economic development, energy, environment, housing, transportation and land use.

A Message from MORPC Executive Director Chester R. Jourdan, Jr.

Dear MORPC Supporters, Friends and Partners:

The year 2008 was a busy time for MORPC and the region. We saw gas prices hit record highs; the national economy falter and a housing foreclosure crisis affect the country like no other time before. However, the tribulations of the nation and the state have helped to bring central Ohioans together. Your support helped MORPC answer the needs of the region. When Hurricane Ike hit central Ohio you helped MORPC collect canned goods to restock local food pantries. When the cost of gasoline surged you contacted MORPC commuter services program, RideSolutions and shared the ride to work with your friends, neighbors and co-workers. Your efforts not only saved you money, it helped address air pollution and contributed to the region’s desire to create a greener future.

The region’s enthusiasm for sustainable, healthy communities led MORPC’s Center for Energy and Environment to hold its second Summit on Sustainability and the Environment last year. MORPC is honored that so many central Ohioans helped spread the word about MORPC services like air quality forecasting, home energy assistance and foreclosure and mortgage assistance last year.
 

As the New Year unfolds MORPC hopes to build upon the efforts of the past and continue to provide the region with services that have become synonymous with the agency. 2009 marks MORPC’s 40th anniversary. As the metropolitan planning organization for the region, MORPC recognizes that transportation is the backbone of the country and that central Ohio’s infrastructure is a key component in the region’s economic well being. A new political era has begun for our country and MORPC is at the forefront of the movement to alert state and federal legislators and appointed and elected officials about the critical need for transportation funding in central Ohio. As a member of Ohio’s 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force, I had the privilege to assist the Ohio Department of Transportation with a recently released final report that outlines strategies on how Ohio can move into a progressive new world. The world is changing and Ohio has to change with it. I encourage you to read the Ohio’s 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force report and see how a fully-integrated, well managed transportation system can be one of the key drivers of business growth and economic opportunity.

As you know, MORPC believes in partnerships and collaboration. This is a New Year filled with tremendous challenges but also new opportunity. Working together the region can face the challenges of today and successfully prepare for the future of tomorrow.

Subscribe to Regional eSource

For the latest news and information on MORPC events and services subscribe to the electronic publication Regional eSource. Weekly news on issues that are important to the central Ohio region will be sent to your email inbox.

To subscribe or to make a story suggestion contact MORPC Senior Communications Coordinator Pia Brady at 614-233-4130.