TIFFIN, Ohio — Residents living in both Sandusky and Seneca Counties have a chance to help shape the future of their community.
The economic development offices of Sandusky and Seneca counties have been working together for a few years to create a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS.
Once finished, the CEDS will act as a major roadmap for the counties, cities and investors to follow and bring new developments in needed areas.
The next step is taking public input in the form of an online survey to see what things the general public thinks are important.
"It's easy for me who meets with manufacturers all day long, or the education sector to say what I think we want economic development wise," said Aaron Montz, president and CEO of the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership. "It's easy for city leaders to say what they want, but we need the feedback from the general public."
Seneca County leaders identified a need for direct rail access for future industrial sites and a need for infrastructure for new housing developments.
While in Sandusky County, the current need is also infrastructure upgrades for both new housing and commercial space.
"Really looking at infrastructure to help with power upgrades, water/sewer upgrades, that if we want to continue to grow as a county, those things have to come into play," said Beth Hannam, executive director of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corp.
After collecting the public survey data, both counties expect the CEDS to be submitted to the state Economic Development Administration after a few months.
"It's not the only plan we have. From our strategic downtown plan to our housing development, we have a lot of plans. But, this is going to be one of the key plans that we will use for the next, at least, five to ten years if not beyond." said Montz. "Please give us your feedback because it is easy to overlook things. There is so much going on, our world is changing quicker than ever, especially with AI and electrification of vehicles. We want to see what ideas people have to make sure we're not missing something."
Folks in both Sandusky and Seneca County will have until Feb. 23 to fill out that survey.