TIFFIN, Ohio – Residents living in Sandusky and Seneca counties have the opportunity to help shape the future of their community.
The economic development offices of Sandusky and Seneca counties have been working together for a few years to create a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS.
Once completed, CEDS will serve as a key roadmap for provinces, cities and investors to pursue and bring about new developments in needed areas.
The next step is to take the public's opinions in the form of an online survey to find out what the general public thinks are important.
“It's easy for me, when I'm meeting with manufacturers all day, or with the education sector, to say what I think we want in terms of economic development,” said Aaron Muntz, president and CEO of the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership. “It's easy for city leaders to say what they want, but we need public feedback.”
Seneca County leaders identified the need for direct rail access to future industrial sites and the need for infrastructure for new housing development.
While in Sandusky County, the current need is also to improve infrastructure for both new housing and commercial space.
“We're really looking at infrastructure to help improve energy, upgrade water and sewer, and if we want to continue to grow as a county, those things have to play a role,” said Beth Hannam, executive director of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation. .
Credit: John Monk
Sandusky County has identified a need for more infrastructure for new residential and commercial development
After collecting public survey data, both counties expect to submit CEDS to the state Economic Development Department a few months later.
“It's not the only plan we have. From our downtown strategic plan to our housing development, we have a lot of plans. But this will be one of the main plans that we'll be using for the next five years, at least.” Ten years, if not beyond.” Muntz said. “Please give us your feedback because it's easy to overlook things. There's a lot going on, and our world is changing faster than ever, especially with artificial intelligence and vehicle electrification. We want to see what ideas people have to make sure we're not missing anything.
People in both Sandusky and Seneca counties will have until February 23 to fill out this survey.
