the distribution of royalties from the Wayne National Forest. “We want to ensure the mineral rights and royalties generated here stay in our county to fund schools and infrastructure,” Schilling asserts. The proposed Federal Mineral Royalty Clearing Fund would prevent these dollars from being diverted into the state general fund. Schilling notes that building rapport with future leadership remains a priority.“We are alreadyengaging with the incoming gubernatorial administration to ensure they understand the opportunities here. We want to hold the administration to their word regarding regional parity. Whenever it is said that Ohio should thrive from corner to corner, we want to see that actioned through the elimination of red tape for our local business sectors.” TRANSFORMING DOWNTOWN MARIETTA Marietta’s downtown business district is the geographic heart of the county, currently experiencing a shift from retail expansion toward residential density. Roush points out that storefront occupancy is no longer the primary challenge for the city.“Most of our first floors are full, which is a great problem to have, but it means we have to look upward to the second and third stories,” Roush says. Under the Enrich Marietta master plan, the city is prioritizing the conversion of historic upper-floor spaces to meet modern demand. “We need downtown residential options to support a high-skilled workforce that wants to walk to a local brewery or a coffee shop after work,” Roush notes. A major private investment is currently revitalizing three prominent downtown buildings, totaling approximately 100,000 square feet of mixed-use space. Schilling emphasizes that these developments are essential for retaining talent within the region. “We are seeing developers take these massive, underutilized structures and turn them into modern apartments and professional offices,” Schilling states, noting that this revitalization aligns with efforts by the Restore & Thrive Committee to improve the city’s aesthetic appeal ahead of the America 250 celebrations. “Maintaining that quaint, beautiful river town feel is a priority,” Schilling says. “When you provide quality housing in a walkable historic district, you create an environment where young 150 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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