Pickaway County Commissioners and Pickaway Progress Partnership Announce $50,000 Land Use Planning Grant from Ohio Department of Agriculture

Circleville, Ohio – The Pickaway County Board of Commissioners and Pickaway Progress Partnership (P3) are proud to announce that the county has been awarded a $50,000 Land Use Planning Grant from the Ohio Department of Agriculture to empower the community to preserve the foundational role of agriculture in the economy while also embracing new economic opportunities. 

The grant will fund the development of the county’s first-ever comprehensive Land Use Plan.

This historic plan will build directly on the ongoing county-wide Agricultural Study and serve as a strategic roadmap for growth, development and conservation. It is designed to help residents, farmers, local governments and stakeholders come together to proactively shape Pickaway County’s future – managing responsible growth, preserving prime farmland, and ensuring long-term prosperity and opportunity for generations to come.

“Pickaway County stands at a pivotal moment,” said Commissioner Jay H. Wippel, president of the Board of Commissioners and P3 board member. “This grant gives us the opportunity to come together as a community to determine our own future. By managing growth responsibly and preserving our agricultural heritage, we can ensure prosperity and opportunity for generations to come.”

Commissioner and P3 board member Harold "Champ" Henson added, “Agriculture has always been the backbone of Pickaway County. This Land Use Plan will help us balance exciting new economic development opportunities with the protection of our farmland and rural character. We are excited to work hand-in-hand with our residents and partners to shape a future that honors our past while embracing progress.”

“This is more than just planning on paper – it’s about empowering our communities,” said Commissioner Gary Scherer. “Through this collaborative effort with P3, we will create a clear vision that directs development where it makes the most sense while safeguarding the open spaces and working lands that define who we are.”

Brian Hill, Executive Director of P3, said, “P3 is proud to partner with Pickaway County on this important initiative. The Land Use Plan, developed in close coordination with our Agricultural Study, represents a powerful opportunity for residents, farmers, business leaders and local governments to unite and chart a course that sustains our agricultural economy, manages growth intelligently and creates lasting prosperity for all of Pickaway County’s future generations.”

The plan is not legally binding, but it will provide a strong foundation for future land development regulations, zoning ordinances, budgeting decisions and other local policies. It will include robust public engagement, GIS mapping, stakeholder workshops, and close coordination with townships, villages, cities and regional partners.

For more information or to learn how to participate in the planning process, visit  www.pickawayprogress.com.

About Pickaway County

Located just 29 miles south of downtown Columbus, Pickaway County is a vibrant agricultural community with 283,165 acres of agricultural land. The county is committed to balancing economic growth with the preservation of its rural character and farmland heritage.

About Pickaway Progress Partnership

P3 is a collaborative economic development organization dedicated to advancing prosperity in Pickaway County through strategic partnerships, community engagement and initiatives that support agriculture, business growth and quality of life.

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