By 1808Delaware
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has released results from its latest Leaders Listen survey, showing strong public support for environmental protection and renewable energy as Central Ohio continues to grow.
The survey, conducted in late 2025, gathered responses from more than 2,000 residents across the region’s 15 counties. As Central Ohio remains the fastest-growing region in the Midwest and is projected to reach 3.1 million residents by 2050, respondents expressed increasing concern about how that growth may affect air quality, water resources, and energy reliability.
Survey results indicate broad support for conservation efforts. Ninety-one percent of respondents said protecting waterways should be a priority, while 87 percent emphasized the importance of preserving green space.
Energy issues also emerged as a key concern. With projections indicating potential electricity shortfalls by 2028 due in part to high-tech industrial growth, 92 percent of respondents said expanding renewable energy is critical. At the same time, 76 percent indicated support for slowing the development of energy-intensive industries, including hyperscale data centers, if necessary to maintain the stability of the power grid.
On environmental policy, only 23 percent of respondents believe the region is currently doing enough to reduce pollution contributing to climate change. In contrast, 84 percent expressed support for stronger pollution reduction policies.
Infrastructure priorities were also reflected in the survey. Eighty-two percent of respondents identified expansion of the Central Ohio Greenway trail network as a top-tier priority.
“The Leaders Listen series was created to reflect our responsibility as regional leaders to hear, elevate, and respond to the voices of our residents – especially as we make decisions that will shape Central Ohio’s future,” said Laurie Jadwin, mayor of Gahanna and chair of MORPC’s Regional Sustainability Roundtable. “As our region evolves into a global hub for high-tech manufacturing, our residents are sending a clear message: economic success cannot come at the expense of our natural resources. They are looking to us to find a balance that ensures we aren’t just growing bigger, but growing smarter, greener, and more resilient.”
MORPC launched the Leaders Listen survey series in 2023 in partnership with The Columbus Dispatch to gather public input on regional issues including transportation, housing, and economic development.
“Our latest findings were consistent with past MORPC surveys; providing strong supporting evidence that the vast majority of Central Ohio residents desire clean air and water, preservation of green spaces, and further reduction of climate emissions,” said David Dixon, MORPC’s director of data analytics and strategy.
The survey also explored additional topics, including public awareness of PFAS “forever chemicals,” perceptions of community disaster preparedness, and opinions on expanding small-scale nuclear energy generation.
MORPC officials said the findings are being shared with local governments and regional planners to help inform future decisions on land use, transportation systems, and energy strategies. More information, including the full Actionable Insights report, is available through the Leaders Listen Survey Series on MORPC’s website.
