Lake County commissioners revise NOACA rules after public criticism over "mission creep"

The Lake County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a revision to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) code of regulations after public comment raising concerns about the regional body's priorities.

The change — described at the meeting as a narrow revision to how Lake County selects its NOACA representatives and alternates — won approval by roll call after residents urged the board to consider disengaging from NOACA entirely. "This is not a step we should simply go along with," said John Mara, who identified himself as a Timberlake resident, urging the county to form its own MPO with Geauga County and to stop supporting NOACA initiatives he said sideline local road and drainage needs.

Why it matters: NOACA is the metropolitan planning organization for the multi‑county region; the commissioners said the amendment gives Lake County greater control over its delegates to NOACA. Supporters argued that increased local control could help the county better advocate for projects, while critics warned the agency has drifted into climate and economic‑development initiatives at the expense of core infrastructure.

At the meeting, one commenter said NOACA "has moved in a direction that does not align with the core needs of our communities," pointing to EV charging stations, bike lanes and other priorities. Another resident called the agency a "bureaucratic monster." In response, a commissioner who supported the amendment said the specific change restores local choice over representation: "It simply gives the local counties more control over their own fate as far as who represents them," the presiding official said during debate.

Commissioners also acknowledged a trade‑off: withdrawing from NOACA or reducing participation is complex and could affect access to certain federal transit funding. One commissioner noted that NOACA membership can affect timing or priority for U.S. Department of Transportation grants to Lake Tran, the county's transit provider, saying a unilateral exit could jeopardize Lake Tran's place in funding queues.

The action: The board approved the bylaw revision by roll call. Commissioners McIntosh, Plecnik and Beveridge voted in favor of the measure (roll‑call votes were recorded on the meeting transcript). Immediately afterward the board also approved a related resolution appointing Lake County representatives and alternates to NOACA; the president thanked alternate Mayor John Marr of Timberlake for his service.

What happens next: Commissioners said they will continue to review NOACA's role and the financial implications of deeper changes. Multiple speakers said a fuller analysis would be necessary before considering withdrawal; no motion to exit NOACA was made at the meeting.

The board moved on to routine county business after the NOACA votes.