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Department of Development highlights mega-projects, broadband and housing supports; says JobsOhio partnership is central
Summary
Lydia Michalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, told the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee that the agency is focused on attracting large private investment while supporting small businesses and local infrastructure across Ohio’s 88 counties.
Lydia Michalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, told the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee that the agency is focused on attracting large private investment while supporting small businesses and local infrastructure across Ohio’s 88 counties.
Michalik highlighted several high-profile and programmatic points: the state’s recent wins in large economic projects such as Anduril Industries’ planned 5,000,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility “Arsenal 1” in Pickaway County — which she said is expected to create more than 4,000 direct jobs and inject nearly $1,000,000,000 into the state — and continued investments in broadband, brownfield remediation, and water and sewer infrastructure.
On small-business support, Michalik said Development awarded $89,000,000 through more than 600 low-interest loans to under-resourced businesses during the current biennium. She reported that since program inception the department has awarded $657,500,000 for brownfield remediation and cleanup and has provided over $620,000,000 for drinking-water and sewer system improvements. Michalik also described a housing initiative in the governor’s budget, the Ohio Housing Investment Opportunity Program, as a $100,000,000 proposal to support infrastructure in rural and border counties.
Committee members pressed Michalik on how Development coordinates with JobsOhio, a private nonprofit economic development corporation. Michalik said the relationship is collaborative: “We work very closely with our friends and partners at JobsOhio and its regional networks,” and she described Development’s role as preparing communities for private investment while JobsOhio engages businesses and recruits projects. She added that the partnership has been a strong factor in recent project wins.
Senator DeMora raised questions about the Intel project that borders his district, asking whether the state will see the planned investment and whether clawback provisions exist if Intel reduces or cancels commitments. Michalik said construction is continuing on the site and hiring is underway; she said incentive agreements include clawback provisions and that the department has exercised such provisions in past cases (citing the Lordstown/GM example) and would use the tools available to recoup funds if necessary.
Michalik also said several community-services programs historically administered by Development — including HEAP and CSBG among others — are proposed to move to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to better align service delivery. She told the committee the transfer is aimed at improving customer experience and integrating assistance programs with other services.
Michalik closed by underscoring the department’s commitment to all 88 counties and to investments in Appalachian communities and said the department will continue to partner with local leaders to leverage public investments to attract private-sector follow-on development.
No committee votes were taken during Michalik’s testimony.
