Chambers say Columbus growth hinges on housing, workforce and permitting reform

Derek Clay, president and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and Steve Stivers, president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, told a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum that the Central Ohio economy is booming but faces capacity constraints that could limit future growth.

"We're a boom town right now," Derek Clay said, pointing to multiple large investments in the region. He and other panelists cited Intels construction and a Honda battery plant nearing completion as examples of large employers bringing jobs and supply-chain demand to the region.

The panelists identified three interlocking challenges that must be solved to sustain growth: a workforce pipeline aligned to employer needs, a regional housing shortage, and lengthy permitting and regulatory processes. Steve Stivers said permitting reform is a priority at the Ohio Chamber. "Permitting reform is something that, is a giant drag on economic development and growth," Stivers said, adding that some federal permits can take "6 to 12 months" and slow projects.

Both leaders emphasized workforce development across education levels. Clay noted Central Ohio has "25 plus institutions" of higher education and said internships and certificate programs are essential to supply employers with skilled workers. Stivers described an initiative to connect students at Ohio colleges with Ohio employers through internships as a retention tool; he cited a specific example of an intern, Megan Del Rey, who took a job in Ohio after interning at the Ohio Chamber.

Housing constraints were discussed as a limiting factor for future growth. Clay said the region is "about 200,000 units short in housing," and credited the City of Columbuss recent "zone-in" legislation with putting an estimated "88,000 units" into the market over the next few years. He and Stivers both argued that zoning and a broader regional housing strategy are needed because growth in Columbus affects the whole states supply chains and labor market.

Trade and macroeconomic risks were also raised. Stivers warned that tariffs and rising inflation could create headwinds for Ohio businesses, noting particular concern about tariffs that could affect Canadian energy supplies to Ohio refineries.

The two chambers said they work at different scales but often collaborate: the Ohio Chamber focuses on state-level policy and permitting issues while the Columbus Chamber concentrates on local programs to attract and retain talent and support small businesses. Clay described new local initiatives such as an executive relocation service and programs aimed at succession planning for family businesses.

The forum concluded with both leaders urging a regional approach: faster, clearer permitting; more housing; and coordinated workforce strategies to ensure Central Ohio can absorb large job-creation projects without losing momentum.

Ending: Panelists said next steps include continued policy advocacy on permitting and taxes, expanded internship and upskilling programs, and regional coordination on housing. No formal actions were taken at the forum.