Ohio leads the nation in infrastructure investment and economic development

Columbus, OH, Sept. 3, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, the Ohio Department of Development and JobsOhio are proud to announce that for the second consecutive year, Ohio has been ranked No. 1 in Site Selection magazine’s Global Groundwork Index, based on a comprehensive analysis of job creation, capital spending and strategic infrastructure development from 2020 through July 2024.

“Ohio continues to lead the nation in the Global Groundwork Index as our investments in public-sector infrastructure underpin economic growth,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. “We are developing major industrial sites, expanding our skilled workforce, and strengthening our energy, telecommunications, transportation and water infrastructure to ensure Ohio is always at the top of the list for companies looking to start or expand.”

Ohio’s top ranking, determined by the convergence of public infrastructure development and private-sector business expansion, underscores why Ohio moved up five spots to become one of CNBC’s 2024 Top 7 States for Business. When companies choose Ohio, they benefit from visionary public investments, business-friendly policies and an unmatched responsiveness from JobsOhio’s dedicated industrial teams and a statewide network of private economic development partners.

“In Ohio, we pride ourselves on producing the essential goods people need to live and thrive, and we are committed to demonstrating that ‘Made in Ohio’ is an important part of ‘Made in America,’” said Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. “Team Ohio has implemented an aggressive strategy to improve infrastructure, including roads and bridges, broadband and 5G, water and sewer, brownfield and decommissioning financing, and other targeted investments to make sure They are ready to support “Growth of New and Existing Businesses.”

The Global Groundwork Index (GGI) Site Selection methodology is in its seventh year. Cumulative and per capita GGI calculations for business end-use facility capital projects were based on the Conway Projects Database, project-related job creation, and project-related capital expenditures, from January 2020 to July 1, 2024. Cumulative and per capita calculations for public infrastructure were based on project and financing data from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Maps Dashboard. (Retrieved from https://d2d.gsa.gov/report/bipartisan-infrastructure-law-bil-maps-dashboard)

Operating as a public-private economic development team, Ohio generated more than 94,310 new job commitments and $65.2 billion in capital investment based on JobsOhio data from 2020 to 2024. Major metropolitan areas also performed strongly in Site Selection’s highest metropolitan area rankings, with Columbus (No. 3) and Cincinnati (No. 4) securing positions in the top five nationally.

“Ohio makes things, moves things and takes care of the basic needs of any company that wants to be there – suitable locations, great talent, sustainable infrastructure, safe communities and a higher quality of life,” said JP Nauseef, president and CEO of JobsOhio. “Ohio has that balance and has tipped the scales in favor of prestigious investments from Abbott, Amgen, Ford, GM, the Honda-LG Energy Solution joint venture, Intel, Medpace, Sierra-Nevada and many others.

“These private sector investment decisions demonstrate the synergistic public-private investment dynamics that have made Ohio one of the top 8 states for industrial diversity and helped Ohio achieve a No. 1 ranking on the Global Groundwork Index,” added Mr. Nauseef. “But smaller companies are also thriving here as JobsOhio’s private investments in innovation districts, data centers, broadband, airline services, small businesses, and vibrant communities are improving Ohio’s business climate and quality of life.

“We really have this at the heart of it all,” Mr. Nauseef concluded.

To learn more about Ohio’s rise to the top and why businesses are drawn to the Buckeye State, visit the JobsOhio website.

About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, a private, nonprofit economic development corporation in Ohio, enhances company growth and workforce development by attracting, retaining and expanding business in ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of experienced professionals, JobsOhio leverages a comprehensive network to support talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Working with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to give companies a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

For more information, please contact:
Matt Englehart, PracaOhio
(614) 300-1152
[email protected]

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