(Columbus—January 19, 2010) The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is in the process of developing a plan for the 12-county region. The first such plan for MORPC, it includes Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Ross, and Union counties. The plan will incorporate elements on energy, air and water quality, local food, housing, land use, transportation, waterways and the economy. MORPC is currently collecting input to clarify plan goals and expected outcomes, and is traveling the region asking community leaders and the public what would make them proud to call central Ohio home. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the goals process by completing a more in depth survey on the website http://regionalplan.morpc.org/.

MORPC goal for survey responses is 10,000. Currently, MORPC has received approximately 5100 responses to the survey. The responses from many outlying counties are currently under the targeted response rate.

"Central Ohio is connected by economics, transportation, natural resources, and industry. How many people do you know that live in one county and work in another? However, each county has different issues they are dealing with or they may have varied priorities. We want to make sure that the outcomes from this planning effort are comprehensive and relevant to people and decision makers throughout the central Ohio region," states Nancy Reger, MORPC's Deputy Director of Transportation.

A five step process was created to help develop the plan:

• 2009—Identify the plan's vision and goals.
• 2010—Scenarios and policies will be developed.
• 2010—Scenarios and policies evaluated based on the established goals
• 2011—Recommendations, action steps and performance measures will be discussed throughout the region.
• 2012—The regional plan will be presented for discussion to community leaders and the public.

The plan is scheduled for adoption in the spring of 2012. Additional information about the plan is available at http://regionalplan.morpc.org. The website will be frequently updated and public discussion about the plan will be sought throughout its development.

MORPC is a voluntary association of 47 local governments in central Ohio. It serves the region through planning, direct services, developing public policy, innovative programming, and coordinating intergovernmental services in the areas of transportation, land use, energy conservation, the environment and housing.