News

Governor DeWine, ODOT Announce $52 Million in Grants to Improve Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Across Ohio

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced today that nearly $52 million in grants will be awarded over the next four years to enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).

The funding will support 44 projects across 33 counties, improving infrastructure and advancing Ohio’s commitment to safe, connected, and sustainable transportation options.

“The Transportation Alternatives Program makes vital investments to support safer, more connected spaces for walking and biking,” said Governor DeWine. “This program helps improve quality of life, enhances public safety, and builds sustainable transportation networks that make our cities and towns stronger and more vibrant.”

The TAP Program provides funding for projects classified as transportation alternatives, including:

• On- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities

• Infrastructure projects to improve access to public transportation

• Enhanced mobility initiatives

• Community improvement activities

• Recreational trails

• Safe Routes to School projects

“Biking and walking are great modes of transportation that are not only fun, but foster connections, support local economies, and contribute to a healthier lifestyle,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “We are proud to do our part to support active transportation in Ohio.”

Project Selection Process:
Projects were selected through a committee-based review and scoring system with emphasis on:

• Safety

• Connectivity

• Preservation

• Implementation readiness

Investments were prioritized in regions with demonstrated high demand and need for improved walking and biking infrastructure. Funding awards were distributed across both:
✅ Short-term projects ready for near-term delivery
✅ Infrastructure projects of statewide significance

About the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP):

TAP is part of Ohio’s strategy to promote active transportation and improve multimodal mobility for residents and visitors. The program contributes to creating safer, healthier, and more accessible communities across the state.

-News Provided by: Curt Brown, Campbell City Schools

Campbell Local Schools Wellness Center on Track to Open in August 2026

Progress is underway on a major new resource for the Campbell community. The Campbell Local School District has begun construction on a state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot Student Wellness Center, with the facility expected to open for use by August 2026.

First announced last year by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, the project is supported through a $10.5 million state grant and an additional $2 million federal earmark. The total project cost is anticipated to be approximately $14 million, with the Campbell Local Schools contributing $1.5 million from district funds to complete financing.

“This is an exciting milestone for Campbell Local Schools and for our entire community,” said Superintendent Matthew Bowen. “We are building a facility that will support the full spectrum of student needs — academic, physical, emotional, and social — all under one roof.”

The Wellness Center is being designed in alignment with the Ohio Department of Education’s Whole Child Framework, an approach that recognizes the importance of supporting students’ comprehensive development — including social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and academic well-being.

Key features of the facility will include:

• A Family Service Center

• A Care Closet sponsored by United Way

• Onsite pediatric primary care and mental health counseling services

• Workforce development programs and educational pathways in the medical field

• A formal linkage with Akron Children’s Hospital to provide integrated healthcare services and referrals

The Wellness Center will serve not only Campbell Local School students but also families in the broader community, creating a collaborative hub for learning, health, and community engagement.

-Story provided by: Steve Mayhugh, Midpointe Library

MidPointe Library System to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Liberty Township Branch

The MidPointe Library System is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Liberty Township Branch on Sunday, June 1. The new, expanded facility is located at 6716 Yankee Road, directly across from the Lakota YMCA. Designed to meet the needs of this fast-growing community, the new branch offers a wide range of amenities and resources for patrons of all ages.

The new Liberty Township branch features:

• A collection of over 30,000 items

• Multiple study rooms

• A dedicated teen area

• Computers and digital resources

• A children’s programming room

• An outdoor literacy garden

• And much more

“This library is the realization of 15 years of planning, saving, and fulfilling promises to this vibrant community,” said Travis Bautz, Executive Director of MidPointe Library System. “We can’t wait for our patrons to enjoy this new space, and we look forward to continuing to be an essential destination in the region.”

The Grand Opening Celebration will take place on Sunday, June 1, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public and will include:

• An official ribbon cutting ceremony

• Library swag giveaways

• Balloon artists and face painters

• Craft activities for families

• A live art installation by local artist David Uy

• Guided tours of the new facility

• A kickoff for the library’s summer reading program

Parking directions will be posted on the MidPointe Library System social media channels, and guides will be on-site to assist with traffic flow.

The regular library hours will be:

• Monday through Thursday: 10 AM – 7 PM

• Friday and Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM

• Closed on Sundays (outside of the grand opening event)

For more information about the MidPointe Library System, visit https://www.midpointelibrary.org or call 513-424-1251.

We are excited to announce that Exhibitor Registration and Attendee Registration is officially open for the
2025 Annual State Conference of the Ohio Public Facilities Management Association (OPFMA)!

Conference Date: September 15th & 16th, 2025
Location: Cherry Valley Hotel & Convention Center

Whether you're looking to showcase your products and services as an exhibitor or gain valuable insights and network as an attendee, this is the premier event for professionals in public facilities management across Ohio.

Register today: https://opfma.org/events
Interested in presenting? Submit your proposal here: https://zfrmz.com/TzvOBiN1c2DXBwkGWhlC

Stay tuned for more updates on keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking events!

For questions, please contact us at edo@opfma.org or call 440-716-8518.

We look forward to seeing you there!

OPFMA Website Gets a Fresh New Look!

We’re excited to announce that the Ohio Public Facilities Management Association (OPFMA) website has undergone a complete overhaul and update!

With a modern design, improved navigation, and mobile-friendly features, the new site makes it easier than ever to:

• Access Training & Certification Information

• Register for Upcoming Events & Conferences

• Read the Latest Newsletter – Spotlight on Maintenance

• ‍ ‍ Connect with Fellow Members & Corporate Partners

• Submit Articles, Apply for Committees, and Renew Membership

Whether you're on a desktop or on-the-go, our new site is built with you in mind.

Visit us at www.opfma.org and explore the updates today!

We welcome your feedback as we continue improving your online experience.

Join the OPFMA Board of Trustees or Serve on a Committee

Deadline to Apply: August 15, 2025

The Ohio Public Facilities Management Association (OPFMA) is currently seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to help guide the future of our organization by serving in leadership roles.

Now Accepting Applications for:

Board of Trustees – Two-Year Term

We are seeking active members to serve as Association Trustees for the upcoming 2025–2027 term. Trustees are expected to:

• Attend monthly Board meetings (80% virtual)

• Contribute to the strategic direction and mission of OPFMA

• Maintain an active membership in good standing throughout their term

Committee Members – One-Year Term

Not ready for a board position? You can still make a meaningful impact! We are actively seeking volunteers for the following critical committees:

• Conference Committee

• Finance Committee

• Membership Committee

• Education Committee

Committee members help shape key initiatives and events and play a vital role in strengthening our Association.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be an active OPFMA member for at least two years

• Must be a member in good standing at the time of application and throughout service

How to Apply

To express your interest or request more information, please contact the Executive Director’s Office at:
edo@opfma.org
440-716-8518

Help shape the future of facility management in Ohio—serve, lead, and make a difference with OPFMA.

Cherry Valley Hotel – Newark, Ohio | September 15–16, 2025

Early Bird Registration

The Ohio Public Facilities Management Association (OPFMA) is proud to welcome you to the 2025 Annual State Conference, hosted at the beautiful Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio. This two-day event—taking place September 15th and 16th—brings together professionals from across the state for an engaging experience focused on education, networking, and advancing the field of facilities management.

Attendees will benefit from a robust schedule featuring a blend of general sessions and breakout workshops covering key topics in building operations, maintenance strategies, energy efficiency, regulatory updates, and more. Participants will also earn Building Operators Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) by attending sessions throughout the event.

To add a little fun to the professional development, we invite all conference participants to join us for a Monday evening social gathering on September 16th at Shipp Brothers Brewery. This relaxed after-hours event offers a great opportunity to unwind, network, and enjoy some of Newark’s finest local brews.  Transportation is available to/from the hotel.  This event is sponsored and no cost to Attendees. 

We look forward to seeing you at Cherry Valley for what promises to be an informative, energizing, and enjoyable OPFMA conference experience!

Don't forget to book your hotel room with Cherry Valley Hotel.  To make your reservation please call the hotel direct at:  740-788-1200.  Be sure to tell them you are with the OPFMA. 

Call for Articles – July Edition of Spotlight on Maintenance

Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025

We’re now accepting article submissions for the July edition of OPFMA’s official newsletter, Spotlight on Maintenance!

This is your opportunity to share what’s happening in your region, facility, or area of expertise with fellow members across the state. We encourage submissions from all member types:

• Corporate Members

• Individual Members

• District Representatives

• Retired Members

Whether it’s a facility success story, a recent project, new initiative, community partnership, or lessons learned—we want to hear from you!

Submission Guidelines:

• Submit articles in MS Word format

• Logos, photos, or graphics should be in JPG format

• Articles may be up to one page in length

• Email your submission to: edo@opfma.org

Let’s highlight the great work being done across Ohio’s public facilities—submit your article by June 15th and be part of our next issue!

OFCC Launches Interactive Grants Dashboard to Increase Transparency and Community Engagement

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) has launched a new interactive grants dashboard on the DataOhio Portal, providing the public with an easy-to-use tool to explore how state funding is being invested in their communities.

This new dashboard offers greater transparency and accessibility into OFCC’s grant distribution, showcasing the impact of state funding throughout Ohio.

Key Features of the Dashboard:

• Over $641 million in grants distributed across the past five years

• Funding data from six major programs, including:

  • School safety initiatives

  • Cultural and community projects

  • Career technical construction

  • And more

• Data can be filtered by award year, program, and county

• Designed with a user-friendly interface to encourage public engagement

This project was made possible through collaboration with the Department of Administrative Services’ InnovateOhio Platform Data Analytics Team, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for all users.

“We are proud to provide this level of transparency to Ohioans,” said an OFCC spokesperson. “This tool will empower the public to see how OFCC funding is making a difference in schools, cultural institutions, workforce development, and communities statewide.

Energy Optimizers Renews Executive Level Partnership with OPFMA for 4th Consecutive Year

The Ohio Public Facilities Maintenance Association (OPFMA) is proud to announce that Energy Optimizers, USA has renewed its Executive Level Partnership for the fourth consecutive year.

This continued commitment reflects Energy Optimizers’ ongoing dedication to supporting Ohio’s public facility professionals through innovation, energy savings, and sustainable solutions. As an Executive Level Partner, Energy Optimizers plays a vital role in helping OPFMA fulfill its mission of advancing education, training, and professional development across the state.

We are grateful for their steadfast partnership and look forward to another impactful year of collaboration!

Thank you, Energy Optimizers, for your continued support of OPFMA and Ohio’s public facilities community!