Legislative & Policy Priorities for 2025-26
At the Ohio Mayors Alliance, we come together to identify our common concerns, share innovative ideas, and work together to build a stronger Ohio. We hope to collaborate with state leaders in Ohio’s 136th General Assembly on issues of common interest that will help us build a stronger Ohio together and ensure that Ohio’s cities continue to thrive. The Ohio Mayors Alliance has identified the following priorities for 2025-26:
Create a state fund to support public safety and local first responders
Create a new, dedicated state fund to support local public safety and first responders with a focus on improving standards and hiring, retaining, and training talented public safety professionals.
Establish a bipartisan state commission on home rule
Establish a formalized state commission to review legislative issues related to home rule and local control and improve collaboration between state and local governments on issues that impact all Ohioans.
Enact state incentive programs for pro-growth housing policies
Work with state leaders to fund and implement a local and regional pro-growth housing policy that creates more housing for all Ohioans, with resources that make housing more affordable.
Allow local regulatory protections on marijuana and tobacco products
Pursue legislation and agency action to allow for local regulatory and taxing authority over issues that impact local health and economic concerns within municipalities.
Support local communities and promote economic opportunities
Pursue policies that preserve municipal fiscal stability, promote local and regional economic development, and ensure safe and effective infrastructure in Ohio’s cities. These include supporting passenger rail expansion, investing in innovation hubs, brownfield funding, and comprehensive local infrastructure support.
