Collaboration is at the core of Buckeye Hills Regional Council. Buckeye Hills serves as a forum through which local leaders work cooperatively to address regional challenges. Our leadership is comprised of individuals who know that, by working together, we can bring greater benefits and improved outcomes to Southeast Ohio.
Since our humble beginnings in 1968 with just a handful of staff, Buckeye Hills has experienced significant growth and diversification of services. Our directors lead with passion, dedicating their time and service to our members. This leadership team maintains diverse and lasting partnerships that promote the interests of our region and its residents at the state and federal levels.
The General Policy Council functions as the overall governing body of Buckeye Hills Regional Council. The Council is comprised of representatives from across the region, two-thirds of whom are elected public officials. The remaining one-third represent various interests such as business, industry, agriculture, education, health, and issues related to the needs of our vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. These individuals work together to prioritize regional strategies to increase the vitality of Southeast Ohio. The General Policy Council meets annually each April.
The Executive Committee is formed from 15 members of the General Policy Council, including the Mayors of the two largest cities in the District, eight county representatives appointed by County Commissioners, and five private sector representatives. The Executive Committee meets monthly and acts on behalf of the General Policy Council. Officers serve for both the General Policy Council and the Executive Committee.
For over a decade, Buckeye Hills Regional Council has worked with local, state, and federal partners to address broadband issues. From what was first a primary focus on mapping and infrastructure, Buckeye Hills now views broadband as a holistic issue through the lens of Digital Equity. Digital Equity includes the four pillars of Access, Affordability, Devices, and Digital Skills. The Buckeye Hills Regional Council Broadband Committee provides guidance on these program areas and the council’s role at the Southeast Ohio Regional Digital Inclusion Alliance.
The Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) reviews grant submissions and makes recommendations for awarded funds from the Clean Ohio program, dedicated to environmental conservation, including the acquisition of green space, the protection of rivers and stream corridors, and the enhancement of rivers and stream corridors.
The Ohio Public Works Commission administers the State Capital Improvement and Local Transportation Improvement programs and depends on the actions of 19 regional districts formed for the purpose of allocating funds. District 18 includes Athens, Belmont, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, and Washington and their local political subdivisions. The work of this 10-county region is completed by the following committees:
Integrating Committee: The 11-member Public Works Integrating Committee scores and ranks infrastructure project applications.
Executive Committee: The 8- 8-member Executive Committee approves all decisions of the Integrating Committee.
Small Government Subcommittee: Appointed by the Integrative Committee, this subcommittee represents the interests of villages and townships, and reviews and selects unfunded eligible capital improvement projects for submission to the Administrator of the Small Government Capital Improvements Commission to compete statewide for a second chance at funding.
Buckeye Hills Regional Council serves as the administrative agency for the OneOhio Region 12 Committee. In this role, the council organizes and schedules the regional meetings and assists the Region 12 committee with their duties as defined in the Region 12 bylaws. The activities of the Region 12 Executive Committee are governed by both its bylaws and the statewide OneOhio Memorandum of Understanding. The OneOhio MOU defines approved expenses for OneOhio State Foundation opioid lawsuit settlement funds. OneOhio focuses on prevention, treatment, and recovery with the goal of improving the rate of recovery for those suffering from addiction. The OneOhio Region 12 committee is comprised of county commissioners from each of the member counties, mayors of the county seats, township trustees, health department representatives, and private sector representatives.
The Regional Advisory Council (RAC) serves as a liaison for older adults and their local County Councils on Aging. The RAC is formed of representatives from the County Councils on Aging and other appointees approved by the Buckeye Hills Regional Council Executive Committee. Together, the RAC sets a strategic direction for the future growth of our Area Agency on Aging by approving the Strategic Area Plan, convening to problem-solve shared issues, and forming a united voice to advocate for older adults in our region.
The Executive Committee of Buckeye Hills serves as the Policy Committee of the Regional Transportation Planning Organization. The RTPO Policy Committee exists to allow local officials to have more input in the transportation decisions of the region. The RTPO Policy Committee is charged with taking action on all RTPO documents, policies, and other activities.
The RTPO Transportation Committee is composed of county engineers, community officials, stakeholder representatives (i.e., bicycle groups, outdoor trail groups, etc.), private citizens, and other parties interested in assisting with transportation planning activities.
