The OCCD staff and Executive Board look forward to welcoming you to OCCD’s Spring Quarterly Meeting on April 23 and 24. We will meet at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North-Worthington, 6500 Doubletree Avenue in Columbus for a day and a half of networking, informational sessions, and a chance to renew and revive our commitment to our communities.   Continue Reading »

OCCD instituted a scholarship fund in memory of two of its best public servants – Bill Graves and Gary Locke. Both of these men were dedicated to public service and to the continual growth of the community development profession. In their honor, OCCD established the scholarship fund to help students interested in serving the public in the areas of public policy, planning, or finance.   Continue Reading »

This coming June 25-28, development professionals from across the country will come to Columbus to learn best practices in community and economic development. Hosted by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners the 2014 National Community Development Association (NCDA) Annual Conference will take place in downtown Columbus at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 33 East Nationwide Boulevard.   Continue Reading »

Are you proud of your unique and creative program that at least partially uses HUD or State funds? Apply for the OCCD President’s Award to get the recognition you deserve. In order to encourage innovative and excellent programs, OCCD is again requesting self-nominations for the “OCCD President’s Award for excellence and innovation in the delivery of housing and community development services.”   Continue Reading »

OCCD is issuing a Call for Nominations for the 2014 OCCD Member Awards. These awards recognize Community Development Staff, Community Development Departments/Agencies, and Community Development Partners/Advocates who have made exemplary contributions to our field.   Continue Reading »

Most of us are products of immigration, even the American Indians came from Asia. Our ancestors came here to escape European Feudalism because they thought it would be better. It obviously was. They prospered with a lot of help and hard work. We enjoy the benefits of their success. Others of us are not the offspring of immigration; their ancestors were brought here to make plantations profitable. Both groups have made wonderful contributions to America’s culture, economy, and governance. We like to think of ourselves as one people with diversity.   Continue Reading »

Oh, please freezing temps and snow never stop….. As I write this, temps are in the 60’s and I have my office window open. There is also a weather advisory for snow tomorrow and a forecast of thirty-two degrees in two days.   Continue Reading »

On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act. The Act set out to prevent housing discrimination for Americans based upon features such as race and religion. In 1988, the law was expanded to prohibit discrimination based on disability and familial status as well as enforcing penalties when discrimination did occur.   Continue Reading »

It has been a long, cold winter and here at the Development Services Agency (DSA), like you, we are ready for spring. This winter we have been working to ensure that Ohioans have the energy resources they need to make it through these cold days. Our Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program has helped manage energy costs in more than 120,000 homes. We also extended the program deadline from March 31 to April 15, so more low-income Ohioans have an opportunity to utilize the program. This support is just one of the ways we help Ohioans and Ohio communities.   Continue Reading »

Goodbye winter and welcome spring. What a winter in Ohio this year!! I think most of you would agree that this is the most welcomed spring in years… Spring in our office means that, again, our CPD Reps are busy working to get Consolidated Plans approved and formula and Continuum of Care grants executed. We are now looking forward to the lazy days of summer!   Continue Reading »

The Warren Business Exchange, a program of Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corporation, was designed to provide structured guidance for existing early stage and start-up businesses in Warren, Ohio. Formed in 2011 with the support of the city of Warren, the WBE is a hybrid business incubator designed to nurture, support and strengthen the "business - side" functions of each member business.   Continue Reading »

The following is a summary of recent General Assembly activity relating to economic development matters through February 28, 2014.   Continue Reading »

Traveling Display For Sale   Continue Reading »

Worth Noting   Continue Reading »