Circlville Noon Rotary learns about MORPC's plans

William Murdock, the Executive Director of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), presented to members of the Circleville Noon Rotary, shedding light on the region’s planned growth and sustainability initiatives.

MORPC, serving as the regional voice for Central Ohio communities, facilitates collaboration among stakeholders to plan for future growth and ensure sustainability. With a focus on providing data analysis, community resources, and long-range planning, MORPC plays a pivotal role in guiding the development of the region.

During his presentation, Murdock emphasized the importance of “growing better as we get bigger,” underscoring the significance of responsible growth strategies amid increasing population trends. With Central Ohio experiencing notable growth, the need for homes and job opportunities is on the rise.

Highlighting data from MORPC’s Population Resource Hub for Pickaway County, Murdock projected an approximate increase of 20,000 people in the county over the next two decades. He pointed out Pickaway County’s strategic location, situated within 40-60 minutes of major companies like Intel, Honda, and LG, positions it as an attractive residential area for employees working in the region.

In addition to discussing population trends, Murdock showcased MORPC’s ongoing initiatives, including long-range transportation planning. He mentioned the Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO), which consists of seven counties and is supported by MORPC. Last year, CORPO unveiled its 2023-2025 Transportation Plan, outlining transportation strategies for counties such as Fairfield, Knox, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, and Union.

Murdock concluded his presentation by reaffirming the prospects of growth and development in Pickaway County, emphasizing that the region will continue to witness improvements over the next five years and beyond.

For those seeking further information about MORPC or CORPO, Murdock encouraged exploration of their website at morpc.org.

The Circleville Noon Rotary’s upcoming meeting on April 4th will feature Jon Melchi from the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio, who will delve into housing dynamics in Pickaway County and the broader region.

Interested individuals can access previous articles from the Noon Rotary Economic Development series on The Herald’s website or at pickawayprogress.com/news.