April 3, 2026

Sub. House Bill 1 – Ohio Property Protection Act

Following recent House Public Safety Committee discussions, the Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition (OMCC) weighed in on Substitute House Bill 1, legislation that would expand restrictions on foreign ownership of agricultural land and other “protected property,” including sites located near military installations and critical infrastructure. As written, the bill’s definitions could apply to a significant portion of Ohio.

While the OMCC shares the General Assembly’s commitment to protecting Ohio's national security, critical infrastructure, and agricultural assets, we have raised concerns about potential unintended consequences for Ohio’s economic competitiveness, workforce, and housing market.

We feel this legislation may create barriers for individuals who are lawfully present and working in the United States—many of whom are critical contributors to Ohio’s economy—to establish long-term roots in our communities. More specifically, the bill’s restrictions on property ownership could limit access to single-family homeownership, which remains a foundational step for workforce retention, community stability, and long-term economic growth.

Read the OMCC Letter

Be Prepared for the May Primary

Ohio is entering a pivotal election year, with voters set to choose a new Governor/ Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer and vote on multiple Congressional and Ohio Supreme Court seats.

With so many critical offices on the ballot, make sure your voter registration information is up to date. Below are the upcoming deadlines:

Monday, April 6: Deadline to register for the May 5 Primary and Special Election

Monday, July 6: Deadline to register for the August 4 Special Election

Monday, October 5: Deadline to register for the November 3 General Election

If you register or update your information after the deadline, the change will apply for the next election. Click here for more information or to check your voter registration status.

On Capitol Hill and Around the Table

Advancing our Federal Advocacy Efforts on Capitol Hill

Members of the ACAA, alongside the University of Akron, recently celebrated Ohio’s statehood while engaging in productive conversations with our congressional delegation during the annual Ohio Birthday Party in Washington, D.C. Key priorities discussed were federal appropriations, reauthorization of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s SBIR/STTR programs, and policy updates to Workforce Pell grants to further support public-private partnerships.

The commitment of our members who show up, engage, and advocate ensures the region’s business community remains front and center in Washington, driving long-term progress and opportunity for Northeast Ohio.

Roundtable on Tax Credits and Government Incentives

Development projects across the Akron‑Canton region rely on well‑designed tax credits and government incentives, and getting them right directly influences whether businesses can grow, invest, and compete locally.

To advance that conversation, the ACAA convened private‑sector leaders with deep experience in incentives alongside Senators Jerry Cirino, Kristina Roegner, and Jane Timken. The dialogue surfaced on‑the‑ground perspectives, identified specific opportunities to improve a variety of programs, discussed priorities for next year’s State Operating Budget, and agreed to collaborate on next steps.

This roundtable provided ACAA members with a valuable platform to communicate their needs directly to their elected officials, strengthening the relationship between policymakers and the economic development community.

Upcoming Events

You're Invited: Ohio Summer Social in Washington, D.C.

Hosted by the University of Akron, the Ohio Summer Social draws hundreds of attendees, including members of Ohio's congressional delegation and leaders from all across the state, offering valuable networking opportunities and a chance to connect with congressional representatives, staff, and other key decision makers.

The Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance is a collaboration of the Greater Akron Chamber and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce to represent the needs of our 4,500 members and engage with elected officials and policymakers for the benefit of the Akron-Canton region.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

For more information, contact John Rizzo, Vice President, at jrizzo@akroncantonadvocacy.org or Daisha Okolo, Coordinator, at dokolo@akroncantonadvocacy.org.

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