MORPC Economic Development Academy

The Economic Development Academy is a one-of-a kind training program for community officials and leaders in Central Ohio.
About this Event

MORPC’s Economic Development Academy

MORPC’s new Regional Economic Development Academy is a one-of-a-kind training program designed to enhance your foundational knowledge of economic development tools and programs. Participants will learn from practitioners and specialists recognized for their expertise across the economic and community development fields.

Through expert instruction, case studies, and panel discussions, the Academy will deliver:

• Tailored insights into Central Ohio’s economic development tools and strategies

• Actionable knowledge on incentive programs and best practices

• Networking opportunities with peers and professionals across sectors

Course # 1 August 4, 2026

9:30 AM - 1:30PM

Negotiation of Incentives: This course will discuss the mechanics of economic development incentives weighed against mitigating risks and advancing public interests. Attendees will learn about identifying the most effective incentive tools, real negotiation techniques and how to measure success.

Instructors: Tom Homan, Former City Manager, Delaware County; Rachel Ray, Economic Development Director, City of Westerville; Michael Loges, Development Director, City of Groveport

Course #2 September 22, 2026

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Responsible Data Center Development (In partnership with OEDA): AI demands and cloud computing have created an explosive growth of data centers across the country. Ohio has over 200 data centers with over half of them in Central Ohio. To maximize informed and transparent decision making, this course will focus on the various considerations that should factor in a community’s choice to advance a data center project. Along with the fiscal impacts of a data center development, this course will provide information on resources communities can leverage and feature two case studies around existing data center projects.

Instructors: Miriam Keller, City Planning Executive, City of St. Louis; Daryl Hennessy, City Administrator, City of Sunbury; Meagan Niebler, Community Democracy Program Manager, Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services; Sarah Kelly, Director, planning NEXT

Course #3 October 14, 2026

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Community Engagement Dynamics: This course will focus on the common grounds and diverse approaches to community engagement both before and after an economic development project gets underway. You will hear from three experts at the state, region and local levels who will discuss their strategies and tactics for sharing information and building trust in their communications with stakeholders and residents across different scenarios.

Instructors: Christina O'Keeffe, Executive Director, Ohio Air Quality Development Authority; Emma Speight, Community Affairs Director, City of Upper Arlington; Ann Aquillo, Chief Policy Partner, The Columbus Partnership

Course #4 November 10, 2026

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Supply Side Solutions that Fit Central Ohio's Housing Problem: As housing prices continue to strain Central Ohio families’ budgets, MORPC’s Leaders Listen surveys also demonstrated the growing stress these housing costs are placing on the region’s economic development objectives and growth management priorities.

This expert panel of researchers, nonprofit leaders, and housing producers will share the latest data illuminating the scope of the challenge and highlight solutions that have been effective at taming costs and improving efficiency in peer markets. Participants will also join an interactive pro forma simulation to experience the real-life balancing act that’s needed to create workforce housing without breaking the budget.

Instructors: Carlie Boos, Executive Director, Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio; Kelsey Fox, Director of Housing & Community Solutions, United Way of Delaware County; Samantha Makoski, Senior Manager of Applications & Operational Excellence, The NRP Group

Course #5 December 9, 2026

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Rural Futures: As metropolitan regions such as Columbus continue to expand, outward growth often brings increased development pressure to surrounding communities. One significant consequence of this pressure is the permanent loss of farmland and open space. As historically rural communities confront these challenges, how can they embrace growth as well as rural and agricultural conservation? Attendees will hear from practitioners on ways communities can proactively and intentionally plan for development, along with proven actionable strategies they can employ, to support a harmonious approach and sustainable stewardship of resources.

Instructors: Jamie Greene, Principal, planning NEXT; Matthew Starr, Mayor, City of Mount Vernon; Jeffrey Fix, Commissioner, Fairfield County

For questions about the program, contact Padmini Roy-Dixon at [email protected].

Refund Policy

Refund requests will be accepted up to seven (7) days prior to each individual course. For those who purchase the full course package, refund requests must be submitted no later than seven (7) days before the first course, scheduled for August 4.

Requests submitted after the deadline will not be eligible for a refund; however, ticket transfers are permitted.

For questions or assistance, please contact Amanda McEldowney at .

Invoices

If you prefer to pay by invoice, please choose pay by invoice when you register. You will receive an invoice from MORPC within two weeks of registering.