Ohio’s recognition as CNBC’s No. 1 state for business in 2026 reflects years of competitive tax policy reform, workforce investments, and a well-earned reputation for getting projects built.

But success brings new challenges. Across Ohio, increasingly organized opposition is slowing and sometimes stopping the kinds of projects that helped build that reputation. And it isn’t limited to one industry.

• Data centers get the most attention. Moratoriums are spreading from community to community, and the issue has become increasingly political. Opposition is moving beyond local zoning fights to a proposed statewide constitutional amendment to effectively ban data centers. Whether or not it ultimately succeeds, the effort is clear sign of how quickly opposition to major development projects is becoming more organized.

• Energy projects are facing similar resistance, and Ohio has seen this play before.  During the shale gas boom, energy projects generated significant pushback even as the industry employed thousands of Ohioans and invested billions of dollars in the state.  State law also allows counties to prohibit large-scale wind and solar development, and roughly three dozen have done so.

 Opposition to new generation is beginning to materialize again, regardless of whether a project is tied to a data center or simply intended to meet growing demand on the grid. That could become a significant challenge as Ohio works to attract more manufacturing, technology and other power-intensive investment. Economic growth requires energy, and new generation must be built somewhere.

• Housing is encountering many of the same obstacles. Rezoning battles, referendum threats, packed public hearings and a general increase in NIMBY-ism make new development more difficult, even in communities that need additional housing supply.

• Roads and infrastructure aren’t immune. Highway improvements, interchanges and freight corridors — infrastructure critical to Ohio’s manufacturing and economic development success — can face the same kind of organized opposition.

Different projects, but a similar pattern: relatively small, motivated groups can use zoning boards, township trustees and ballot referendums to stop or significantly delay projects with broader economic benefits.

Many of these projects have substantial local support. Jobs, investment, tax revenue, and economic growth remain popular. But supporters rarely organize with the same intensity as opponents.

Opposition groups increasingly arrive at public meetings organized, vocal, and prepared. They understand the local approval process, mobilize residents and, when necessary, turn to referendum campaigns. Supporters often begin organizing only after a project is already in trouble.

In local development battles, the side that shows up has an enormous advantage. Right now, opponents are showing up more consistently.

For every qualified technician candidate in Ohio, five positions sit open. JobsOhio has launched the Technician Path incentive program to close that gap, offering employers up to $10,000 per employee who completes an approved technician training pathway. The program rolled out statewide at seven events pairing JobsOhio regional network partners with educational institutions and employers actively hiring skilled technicians. It is the first phase of the $300 million JobsOhio Experiential Learning Initiative announced earlier this year alongside Gov. Mike DeWine.

Eligible employers must:

• Operate in Ohio;
• Fall within one of JobsOhio's 10 targeted industry sectors
• Pay participating workers at least $20 per hour.

Funds disburse across three milestones: $1,000 at enrollment, $4,000 at an approved training milestone, and $5,000 on completion of a two-year degree or registered apprenticeship. At the second and third, employers must document a 1:1 match and total award per company is capped at $500,000. Qualifying investments include wages paid during training; supervisor mentoring time; tuition and fees; books and supplies; career coaching; screening and assessments; and program administration.

Approved training spans 46 federal Classification of Instructional Programs codes and apprenticeships filed under 30 targeted Standard Occupational Codes, covering associate degrees, technical certificates, and registered apprenticeships. Participating workers keep earning wages while completing training. The Ohio Manufacturers' Association serves as concierge lead, coordinating regional service providers; Guild handles onboarding, reporting, and payments. Employers apply at jobsohio.com/path.