Economic Development
Questions? Contact the Director of Economic Development, Steve Adams, at 614-409-4410 or by email if you have questions.
The City of Obetz is strategically located along Interstate 270, which provides access to Interstates 70 and 71, as well as US Routes 23 and 33. Alum Creek Drive provides direct access to the Rickenbacker International Airport, a major cargo hub in central Ohio. Convenient passenger transportation is also readily available at Port Columbus International Airport.
Obetz actively supports the expansion of existing businesses and aggressively pursues the addition of new business ventures. Obetz offers a set of local programs and provides assistance to companies seeking state incentives.
In addition to the programs listed below, Obetz offers a variety of customized incentive programs tailored specifically for particular projects. We will work with your company to make Obetz your new home.
Community Reinvestment Area Program
Obetz’ Community Reinvestment Area program is an economic development tool that provides real property tax exemptions for property owners who renovate existing or construct new buildings. The program is delineated into two distinct categories, those created prior to July 1994 (“pre-1994”) and those created after. This program offers eligible companies abatement on new real estate property taxes for up to 15 years at a 100% exemption.
Tax Increment Financing Districts
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is an economic development mechanism employed by Obetz to finance public infrastructure improvements and, in certain circumstances, residential rehabilitation. A TIF works by locking in the taxable worth of real property at the value it holds at the time the authorizing legislation was approved. Payments derived from the increased assessed value of any improvement to real property beyond that amount are directed towards a separate fund to finance the construction of public infrastructure defined within the TIF legislation.
Municipal Utility Services
The City of Obetz is one of the few municipalities in the State of Ohio that operates its own water, electric, and gas utility systems. As a result, Obetz is able to offer extremely competitive utility rates.
State Programs
The State of Ohio offers a variety of tax incentive programs. For more information on state programs visit the Ohio Department of Development’s website.
Municipal Services – Benefits of Being in Obetz
Obetz treats employees that work in Obetz the same as residents when it comes to special access and low fees (often times free) for the use of City facilities. This includes facilities such as the Obetz Athletic Club, Fortress Obetz, Obetz Conference Center, Dixon Quarry Pavilion, Splash Pad, and Ice Rink. Work residents of Obetz also get the benefits of our youth sports programs. One of those benefits is that our youth teams’ home field is Fortress Obetz. Even with the best facilities, you’ll find that our registration prices for our youth programs are more affordable than anywhere else.
Fortress Obetz
Fortress Obetz is our 50-acre, multimodal, 6,500 seat entertainment facility. The Fortress hosts many annual Obetz events and dozens of other events throughout the year.
Obetz Atletic Club
The OAC features a gym full of brand new equipment (as of 2021) and two state-of-the-art golf simulators. Memberships to the OAC are only $10 per month.
Rent Our Facilities
Our Conference Center and the Dixon Quarry Pavilion offer ample rental space at extremely discounted prices for residents. Every year, residents and work residents get four free rental hours. These venues see a variety of events from weddings to graduation parties and everything between.
Obetz Splash Pad, Ice Rink, & Other Parks
The Splash Pad and Ice Rink are both free to use for residents and work residents. They are both featured in Lancaster Park, which is just one of our many great parks. We have nearly 150 acres of park land in Obetz.
