Serving Southeast Ohio
Events
News
Search
Buckeye Hills Regional Council Logo - Home
Get Help

Buckeye Hills Forward: A Regional Economic Plan

What does the future hold for Southeast Ohio? What do economic prosperity and resilience look like for those who live here? As an Economic Development District designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Buckeye Hills Regional is responsible for working with local leaders and residents to draft and update a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) that encompasses Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington counties.

Read More
Downtown in Athens Ohio, part of Buckeye Hills Forward

The latest version of the CEDS, which looks ahead to 2025-2030, is titled Buckeye Hills Forward: A Regional Economic Plan.

This comprehensive economic development strategy is a locally based, regionally-driven economic development planning process and document that creates the space for our region to identify its strengths and weaknesses while bringing together a diverse set of partners to create good jobs, diversify the economy, and spur economic growth.

What’s Next?

On July 19, 2025, the U.S. Economic Development Administration approved Buckeye Hills Forward, our updated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

This plan is more than a document that will sit on a shelf. Buckeye Hills Forward is a shared vision for the future of our eight-county region, built on the voices, ideas, and priorities of communities. Now, the work begins of turning that vision into reality.

Over the next five years, Buckeye Hills Regional Council will:

  • Work closely with local governments, economic development organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and residents to prioritize and launch projects identified in the plan.
  • Seek state, federal, and private investment to move key initiatives forward.
  • Offer data, mapping, planning, and grant support to help communities bring their ideas to life.

The CEDS is a living document. Every year, Buckeye Hills will track progress, update strategies as conditions change, and share regular updates on the milestones achieved together.

Community members are encouraged to stay connected and share any ideas for advancing the plan’s goals. Together, we can ensure Buckeye Hills Forward is not just a plan, but a movement toward a stronger, more vibrant Appalachian Ohio.

View Buckeye Hills Forward at the link below.
Buckeye Hills Forward

Buckeye Hills Regional Council completes a fully revised Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy every five years. During the revision years, annual reports are completed detailing any changes in information, demographics, statistics, or strategies. You can view past CEDS at the links below.

The Buckeye Hills Forward advisory group comprises public- and private-sector representatives from across the Buckeye Hills region.

Buckeye Hills Forward Advisory Group Members

  • Adam Kody, ACENET
  • Adam Shriver, Morgan County Economic Development
  • Alyssa Stephens, OSU Extension – Monroe County
  • Bobby Smathers, Hocking Hills Chamber of Commerce
  • Brian Howard, BHRC Executive Committee
  • Casey Bott, The Next Lodging
  • Clara Bone, Voinovich School – Ohio University
  • Daniel Leffingwell, Washington State College of Ohio
  • Deana Clark, Marietta-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Faith Knutsen, Voinovich School – Ohio University
  • Fred Redfern, Village of Crooksville
  • Greg Gifford, Caldwell Local School District
  • Gwynn Stewart, OSU Extension – Noble County
  • Jason Hamman, Monroe County Port Authority
  • Jeff Slack, Village of Roseville
  • Jeremy Garber, Miba Sinter
  • Jesse Roush, Southeast Ohio Port Authority
  • Jessie Powers, Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia
  • Jona Rinard, Washington State College of Ohio
  • Joy Evangelista, Hocking County CIC
  • Justin Denius, Noble Local School District
  • Kyle Huck, Wings Etc./Apex Gaming
  • Luann Cooperrider, Thornville Economic Development
  • Matthew Hupp, Morgan County Board of Developmental Disabilities
  • Megan Riddlebarger, Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development
  • Mollie Fitzgerald, Athens County Economic Development Council/Athens Port Authority
  • Perry Varnadoe, Meigs County Economic Development Office
  • Ryan Collins, National Association of Development Organizations
  • Sarah Arnold, Ohio Southeast
  • Shannon Wells, Morgan County Economic Development Office
  • Tasha Werry, Building Bridges to Careers
  • Tony Huffman, Washington County Career Center
Woman attending BHRC community development seminar takes notes

Learn More

Review the Goals and Objectives of Buckeye Hills Forward

Below are the eight goal areas and their objectives developed with community input for inclusion in Buckeye Hills Forward.

Goal Areas

Advice Line

Older Adults & Caregivers

We connect older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers with relevant program and enrollment information.

Need immediate help for yourself or a loved one?

800-331-2644

Learn about transportation options.

About our advice line

Aging and health services

More ways to contact us

Community Leaders

We provide local community leaders with up-to-date strategic data, program information, and funding opportunities.

Need funding for a project in your community?

800-331-2644

We can help you plan and apply for grants.

Complete our project intake form

Community development services

More ways to contact us

Are you a service provider?

Information for providers