Partnership to bring greater access to resources and strengthens collaboration in the region
During its June Commission meeting, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) unanimously passed a resolution to accept Licking County as its newest member, joining 78 other communities and regional organizations in Central Ohio as MORPC member organizations.
“The Licking County Commissioners and Licking County Planning Commission are pleased to join MORPC. We look forward to collaboration on area projects and know that having MORPC resources will be beneficial to future planning in Licking County and central Ohio."
Licking County is the third most populous county in the Central Ohio region. Its current population is 180,450 and it becomes the 4th largest MORPC member. Places of regional interest include: Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve; Ye Olde Mill in Utica, where Velvet ice cream is produced; the Newark Earthworks, nominated for World Heritage List Status; Dennison University and Central Ohio Technical College; the future site of Intel’s two semiconductor factories; and much more.
This past January, Intel announced plans to build a $20 billion dollar semiconductor plant in Licking County that will employ 3,000 workers and spur economic development in the region.
Licking County joins nine other MORPC member communities located within its geographic area including: City of Johnstown, City of Pataskala, Etna Township, Granville Township, Village of Buckeye Lake, Village of Granville, and Village of Hebron as well as portions of City of Reynoldsburg and City of New Albany.
"We are pleased to welcome Licking County as the newest member of MORPC. As a county official, I know the value MORPC brings to its member counties, and now as a MORPC member Licking County will be able to strengthen its work for communities and businesses alike through access to advisory services, grants and resources, advocacy and economic development in infrastructure. We look forward to working with Licking County as we work together for the future of our region."
The MORPC board meets ten times a year to discuss important regional issues, guide the direction of the organization’s work, create solutions to shared regional challenges, and provide input on funding decisions. The commission services its members through planning assistance, direct service, public policy information, innovative programming, and intergovernmental coordinating services in the areas of transportation, sustainability, land use, energy conservation and housing. Additional benefits of serving on MORPC’s board include access to grants, funding opportunities, educational forums, technical assistance, data, employee professional development, and policy development.
