What We Do
Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) advocates for a modern transportation and mobility network that is safe and reliable for users of all modes. Additionally, we disseminate best practices, information on funding, tools, and technical assistance to develop transportation networks that create vibrant, revitalized spaces in the cities and towns of Ohio.
GOPC is recognized as a transportation policy leader, and has been appointed to serve on a number of public boards and commissions, including the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Statewide Transportation Planning Committee, Access Ohio 2050, and the Active Transportation Advisory Committee, among others.
Our 2025-26 Public Policy Agenda
Responsible Growth, Sustained Prosperity
Greater Ohio Policy Center’s 2025-2026 Public Policy Agenda
Connect Ohioans to Opportunity and Independence
In the next 25 years, Ohio is projected to lose 5.7% of its 2020 population. This means we will have fewer rate payers available to support the long-term maintenance costs of Ohio’s highways and roadways. During this same time period, Ohio’s motor fuel tax receipts are expected to decline.
Simultaneously, the share of aging Ohioans will grow and their desire for independence will continue. Working age Ohioans, especially those in urban job centers, will look at other states and expect Ohio to have a similar range of transportation options that are safe and convenient.
To continue connecting Ohioans to opportunity and independence, Ohio must protect the important transportation assets we already have and prepare for a future where a variety of transportation modes will safely and efficiently connect Ohioans to work, school, medical services, and desired amenities.
Maintain Ohio’s built-out highway system and avoid expansion projects.
Ohio’s transportation system expanded greatly at the height of Ohio’s manufacturing history and during a time of rapid suburbanization.
Today, Ohio’s transportation system is built out and the marginal gains expected from proposed new expansion projects will come at high costs for future generations. Now, and in the future, the state must be responsible stewards of limited public dollars. We must prioritize maintaining our current highways and roadways at the highest levels possible, critically assess the cost and benefits of any new expansion projects, and limit system expansion to only the most needed projects that show clear, long term demand.
Promote Health and Community Vibrancy with safer streets.
Local governments and ODOT are making streets safer for cyclists, pedestrians, transit-riders, and drivers. However, funding for these safety measures is modest and typically implemented through individual, small-scale projects. The majority of Ohio’s local roadways have few or no options for non-drivers, due to their current design. As a result, today’s roadway designs are a large factor in Ohio’s stunningly high rate of pedestrian injuries and crashes.
Ohio must take a comprehensive approach to creating local roadway and mobility infrastructure that gives Ohioans of all ages more and safer transportation choices. Transportation investments that are appropriate to the local context, will boost safety and convenience, support healthy lifestyles, and create vibrant places where people want to live, shop, and work.
Invest in Public Transportation.
Despite historic levels of funding in the last six years, public transportation systems are still struggling to get workers to jobs, and others like seniors and people with disabilities, to their destinations. In addition, 25 Ohio counties still have no public transit services.
To ensure Ohio’s prosperity, the state must continue to invest funds into public transportation. These investments will connect working Ohioans to jobs and critical services, and preserve the independence of Ohioans who cannot or choose not to drive.
Photo by Darius Pinkston via Flickr
Support Rail Expansion.
Expanding passenger rail service in Ohio will increase connections between and within the state’s regions and connect Ohio to the Midwest. This connectivity will be vital as remote and hybrid workplaces remain the norm. Viable cross-state passenger rail will reduce the assumed need for roadway expansion and allow existing rail infrastructure to better support the increased demands of commercial and industrial freight logistics.
Fulfilling our Mission
Researching and Advocating for Active Transportation in Ohio
Active Transportation infrastructure is good for Ohio because it moves traffic by taking cars off the road. Active transportation provides more choices for how Ohioans get around in their daily lives without relying on a car; supports in-demand vibrant neighborhoods; and offers cost-effective mobility options, for both individuals and the state, all while helping to promote active lifestyles, improved health, and decreased congestion on roadways.
GOPC is proud to have developed the Active Transportation in Ohio Newsletter to educate advocates and the public at large about opportunities to invest in more active transportation infrastructure statewide.
What We Have Accomplished
GOPC has been proud to champion greater investment in public transit services in Ohio following the launch of our report Fueling Innovation in Ohio in 2018. Along with supporting greater awareness and investment in Active Transportation, GOPC continues to work every day for an infrastructure system that gives Ohioans of all ages and abilities access to safe, reliable modes of transportation.
Advocating for Enhanced Transit Services in Ohio
Public transportation is a vital link for millions of Ohioans. Since FY2020, the Ohio General Assembly has invested a record $395.8 million in Ohio’s public transportation agencies. Just a few year ago, Ohio’s state investment was limited to less than $5M per year.
GOPC has been a leading advocate for greater investment in public transportation through our publications and research, including Fueling Innovation in Transit and An Argument for State Investment in Public Transit in Ohio.
Recent Testimony & Related Publications
Additional Resources
How to Build Safe, Vibrant Streets in Ohio: A Guide For Non-Engineers
The Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC), has published How to Build Safe, Vibrant Streets in Ohio: A Guide for Non-Engineers.
The guide describes innovative approaches to making neighborhoods and streets calmer, safer, and more welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.
Testimony provided to the House Finance Committee on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Click here to learn more about House Joint Resolution 8