Editor’s Note: This article was paid for and written by JobsOhio and approved by Area Development.
Since 2019, Ohio has seen a surge in economic vitality. New project wins have increased by 47% to 2,155, creating over 126,000 jobs. New payroll climbed 27% to $6.6 billion, putting more money in Ohioans’ pockets. Ohio is the only U.S. state in the top five for economic development projects and projects per capita for five consecutive years (2019-2024). This success stems from a best-in-class business climate.
From attracting global giants like Amazon Web Services, Intel, and Joby Aviation to investing in more than 550 small businesses, Ohio’s inclusive approach is spearheaded by JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation. “We are private, which means less red tape,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “We help companies avoid game-changing surprises with a proven process that protects their confidential information. We don’t just see company growth as a metric – we want Ohio to be their competitive advantage. And we’re willing to work as hard as it takes to make it happen.”
JobsOhio recently secured the largest job-generating megaproject in state history: Anduril’s $910 million investment in a military drone aircraft facility near Rickenbacker International Airport, creating 4,000 jobs over ten years. The company cited Ohio’s advanced manufacturing prowess, ideal site options, aerospace supply chain, and ease of working with JobsOhio as key factors in their decision.
Ohio’s inclusive approach is spearheaded by JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation. We are private, which means less red tape.
Seamless Site Options
JobsOhio provides companies with a competitive advantage through best-in-class industrial sites. The SiteOhio program and Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP) proactively prepare and authenticate shovel-ready locations for business expansion. SiteOhio ensures all utilities are at property boundaries, due diligence is complete, and relevant state and federal entity approvals. Of the 32 sites authenticated, 10 have already been developed, attracting companies like Google, MAGNA, and Nestlé Purina.
OSIP accelerates site readiness, turning $148 million in investment since 2020 into nearly $1.8 billion in private development, adding over 18 million square feet of industrial space. The state’s All Ohio Future Fund, a $750 million investment, will further prepare sites for the next wave of megaprojects.
A Skilled Workforce
Ohio is experiencing significant domestic migration. From 2019-2023, a net of 97,000 people moved to the state for jobs. A 2024 Bloomberg analysis shows Ohio’s 25-44-year-old workforce is stable or growing in most counties. Newcomers cite proximity to family, affordability, and quality jobs as key advantages.
To sustain this workforce, Ohio invests in programs like TechCred, which has awarded over 100,000 credentials, equipping workers with skills for advanced industries. Additionally, Ohio’s universities graduate 21,000 engineers and scientists annually, ensuring a strong talent pipeline.
Our aspiration is for Ohio to be the #1 state in the Midwest and top five in the U.S. for high-quality jobs, a resilient economy, and increased prosperity.
New Horizons
With the conclusion of JobsOhio’s five-year strategic plan, its next phase, JobsOhio 2030, aims to elevate the state’s economic impact under the banner “Let’s Grow, Together.”
“Our aspiration is for Ohio to be the #1 state in the Midwest and top five in the U.S. for high-quality jobs, a resilient economy, and increased prosperity,” said Nauseef. Six strategic pillars will drive progress:
- Silicon Heartland: Building on Intel’s investment, JobsOhio aims to position Ohio as a semiconductor innovation hub.
- AI Integration: Leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance Ohio’s industrial base.
- Skilled Technical Workforce: Strengthening workforce development through Talent Acquisition Services and upskilling programs.
- Innovation: Uniting JobsOhio’s Innovation Districts under the Ohio Discovery Corridor to attract research, investment, and talent.
- Energy Production: Capitalizing on Ohio’s natural resources, projected to supply nearly half of America’s natural gas by 2040.
- Competitive Brand: Promoting Ohio’s appeal as a destination for companies and talent through its “Heart of It All” brand.
Ohio’s dynamic economic strategy, bolstered by JobsOhio, continues to drive inclusive growth, attracting investment and talent while ensuring long-term prosperity.
