The Brookings Institution’s Post

My new episode of the #ReimagineRural podcast explores how local rural leaders & municipalities are responding the Intel Corporation's megasite in central Ohio incentivized by the CHIPs & Science Act. Intel's investment to build two semiconductor chip plants in Licking County represents the largest private sector investment in Ohio's history & promises to bring big changes to the area. Surrounding rural municipalities, which were not part of the decision to bring Intel in, are benefiting from the leadership of the local Thomas J. Evans Foundation, which brought the 15 rural jurisdictions together through a process called Framework to collectively prioritize how to manage the economic changes and set priorities for growth. By ensuring all communities got a seat at the table and including the voice of residents alongside elected officials, Licking County is now in a better position to preserve its rural character and protect the integrity of its towns. Yet, as a subsequent controversy around water rights has showed, there will be many decisions that occur as Intel's plants come online that will challenge the extent to which the collective vision created through Framework is achieved. You can subscribe to #ReimagineRural on whichever platform you like to listen! https://lnkd.in/dm4vjsen Many thanks to participants in this episodes, including Bryn Bird, Jeff Gottke, Mayor Melissa Hartfield, and Jennifer Roberts. #RuralMatters #RuralDevelopment #Rural #CHIPs https://lnkd.in/evqxPfvH