“Clermont County is one of the few counties in Ohio that’s seeing steady population growth,” says Commissioner David Painter. “We’ve got several features that make that possible. On the south side, you’ve got the Ohio River for boating and recreation, and then you move into our central region where State Route 32 connects us to Hamilton County and beyond.” He emphasizes the strategic advantage of Route 32, a four-lane highway stretching across the county without stoplights. “It’s a game changer for logistics companies like TQL, one of the world’s largest, and even for businesses like Nestlé Purina, which invested $550 million in a new facility here.” Kris McClintick, Director of Community and Economic Development, adds to the picture, highlighting the county’s proximity to Cincinnati. “You can live here and be downtown at the Reds, Bengals, or FC Cincinnati stadiums in 20 to 25 minutes,” he explains. In addition, the Little Miami River, the Cincinnati Nature Center, and various parks make the area ideal for those seeking an active lifestyle. “We’ve got an outstanding outdoor recreation component here,” McClintick says, describing the surge in visitors and new residents who value the area’s natural beauty and opportunities for leisure. INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Clermont County’s growth story is deeply intertwined with its strategic investment in infrastructure. One of the county’s most ambitious initiatives is its push for high-speed internet access. McClintick outlines a $130 million investment by the state of Ohio and Alta Fiber (formerly Cincinnati Bell), paired with $5 million from the county itself. “We’re ensuring that every resident and business has future-proof access to high-speed broadband,” he says. “If people want to work from home or run a business, they’ll have the infrastructure to support it.” Commissioner Painter ties this investment to broader economic incentives. “When you combine that connectivity with our 6.75% sales tax—lower than all the surrounding areas—it’s a very desirable place for people to live and businesses to invest,” he says. Again, high-pressure natural gas service is another recent game-changer. Painter highlights the Bethel-to-Batavia pipeline, developed in partnership with Duke Energy, which brought natural gas to previously inaccessible areas.“This isn’t just critical for residents—it’s a major driver for industrial development,” he explains.The pipeline extends into the Williamsburg Township area. Economic development in Clermont County follows a collaborative model. Rather than dictating growth to individual townships, Painter explains that the 107 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 CLERMONT COUNTY, OH
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