Press Releases

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Mayors Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of mayors from the state’s largest and mid-sized cities, convened today in Columbus and passed a resolution supporting State Issue 2, the May 6 ballot initiative that would renew a critical infrastructure funding for communities across the state.

“Our bipartisan coalition of mayors unanimously supports Issue 2,” said Keary McCarthy, Executive Director of the Ohio Mayors Alliance. “That is because this critical bond program ensures that our cities have the resources to rebuild local roads, replace aging pipes, protect public health, and  improve economic development opportunities— all without raising taxes.” 

The Ohio Mayors Alliance also hosted its 6th Annual Mayors & Lawmakers Luncheon, which brings Ohio’s local and legislative leaders together to discuss issues that impact cities and the entire state. This year, a panel of mayors and police chiefs discussed how cities are delivering smart, effective public safety services. The mayors also emphasized the importance of establishing a dedicated state fund to support local public safety. 

“Public safety is the largest budgetary expense for Akron and most cities across Ohio,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “Cities have made significant investments to reduce crime and we continue to look for opportunities to partner with the state to support our first responders and help fund local public safety efforts.”

The panel was moderated by Malik and included Lancaster Mayor Don McDaniel, who previously served as Lancaster’s police chief. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge also joined the panel discussion to highlight the work Cincinnati has done to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Before the luncheon, the organization passed a resolution in support of State Issue 2, which would extend the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP). This long-standing state bond program provides stable, long-term funding for essential local infrastructure — including roads, bridges, water systems, and public safety improvements — without raising taxes. The program has been especially important for Ohio cities with aging infrastructure and high usage demand which require significant ongoing investment.

Mayors also met with Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel and discussed a range of issues from workforce training, housing, and child care.

The Ohio Mayors Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of mayors in Ohio’s 31 largest cities, and the Ohio Mayors Alliance Foundation provides non-partisan policy and research support to cities. For more information, including a list of members, visit: OhioMayorsAlliance.org.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Tristina Allen, 614-649-1784
tristina@ohiomayorsalliance.org