August 26, 2022

OML UPDATE AT A GLANCE

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPEN FOR OML ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Ohio Municipal League has announced the opening of registration for its Annual Conference, which will take place Oct. 12-14 at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel. The conference will kick off with an optional tour of the Ohio Statehouse and offer a great opportunity to network with colleagues from other communities. The sessions will cover a vast array of topics affecting municipalities, including economic and community development, workforce challenges, housing, aging populations, home rule, the municipal income tax and more. More Info

NONCITIZEN VOTING TO BE A STATE BALLOT ISSUE

It was announced at an Ohio Ballot Board meeting this week that a proposed constitutional amendment barring noncitizens from voting in local elections will be Issue 2 on the Nov. 8 ballot. The proposal was first initiated through House Joint Resolution 4. Meanwhile, Issue 1 on the ballot will be a proposed constitutional amendment – initiated through House Joint Resolution 2 – requiring judges to consider public safety when setting monetary bail.

BOOTCAMP TRAININGS TO HELP SMALL & MID-SIZED CITIES DEVELOPMENT COMPETITIVE INFRASTRUCTURE APPLICATIONS

This fall, the Local Infrastructure Hub and the National League of Cities are hosting a series of bootcamps to help small and mid-sized cities with populations up to 150,000 develop competitive funding applications for federal infrastructure grants. Registration runs through August 31. Register

LATEST RECIPIENTS OF VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION GRANTS ANNOUNCED

Following Gov. DeWine's recent announcement that funding for Ohio's Violent Crime Reduction Grant program had been increased to $100 million, 21 local law enforcement agencies were announced as recipients of the latest round. They include the police departments in Bethel, Bexley, Boardman, Crestline, Garfield Heights, Grove City, Groveport, Orange, Silver Lake, South Euclid, Strongsville, Twinsburg, Upper Arlington, Willoughby, Willard, and Wilmington. More Info

STATE FIRE MARSHAL PROPOSES RULE CHANGES

The State Fire Marshal has filed a rule amendment package with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review to amend selected portions of the 2017 Ohio Fire Code related to hazardous materials, explosives and fireworks, and referenced standards. A public hearing will take place on Sept. 12. More Info

GRANTS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING PROGRAMS

The Ohio EPA and The Recycling Partnership announced a $300,000 grant to fund community projects aimed at working to prevent recycling contamination and improving the quality of materials residents recycle at drop-off locations. An additional $135,000 in matching funds from other stakeholders will be available to amplify the program. More Info

US EPA FUNDING COMMUNITY RECREATION PROGRAMS

The US EPA announced assistance for Beverly, Coshocton and South Point through the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program. The program helps rural communities leverage outdoor recreation to revitalize their Main Streets, leading to improved environmental protection and public health outcomes.