02/11/2025

CCAO Members urge a YES Vote on State Issue 2 in the May 6 election

A broad coalition of stakeholder groups has taken shape in support of State Issue 2 in the upcoming May election. Urging a “Yes” vote on the statewide ballot issue, the Strong Ohio Communities coalition seeks renewal of the State Capital Improvement Program, administered by the Ohio Public Works Commission. Voter approval of State Issue 2 will allow issuance of general obligation bonds up to $250 million per year over 10 years to fund local infrastructure improvements across the State of Ohio and will create an estimated 35,000 construction jobs. Issue 2 relies on existing state revenues and does not raise taxes. The ballot issue was endorsed unanimously by the CCAO Board of Directors last month.

“A ‘Yes’ vote on Issue 2 is a vote to strengthen the future of our state and its communities,” said Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman, on behalf of Strong Ohio Communities. “The State Capital Improvement Program has a long and proven track record of success — funding vital roadway improvements and critical water safety projects across all 88 counties. Issue 2’s broad support from local elected officials, business leaders, and labor groups mirrors the nearly unanimous bipartisan support the General Assembly gave in agreeing to place the renewal issue before voters on the May 6 ballot.”

Since Ohio voters first approved the program in 1987, it has provided funding for more than 19,000 critical infrastructure projects and upgrades to local roads and bridges, wastewater treatment systems, water supply systems, solid waste disposal facilities and storm water and sanitary collection, storage, and treatment facilities across all 88 counties. In the current 10-year cycle, $2.3 billion has been awarded to 1,084 local governments for 4,490 projects benefiting cities, counties, townships and other subdivisions across the state.

Funding for this program relies on voter approval about every 10 years. House Joint Resolution 8 cleared the Ohio General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support in December 2024, making way for the renewal to be placed before voters in the May 6, 2025 election. The last voter renewal of the program was on May 6, 2014, passing with a yes vote of 65%.