(Photo courtesy of OhioSE Economic Development) A production line worker at Milo’s Whole World Gourmet in Nelsonville. Manufacturing and Barriers to Workforce are two of eight goal areas addressed in Buckeye Hills Forward: A Regional Economic Plan.

Buckeye Hills Regional Council has unveiled the latest update of its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), titled Buckeye Hills Forward: A Regional Economic Plan.

The document outlines a shared vision for economic growth and resilience across eight counties in Southeast Ohio: Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington.

Approved by the U.S. Economic Development Administration on July 19, 2025, Buckeye Hills Forward is more than a strategic plan, said Buckeye Hills Development Director Sam Miller.

“Buckeye Hills Forward reflects a regionally driven approach to economic development built by the voices, ideas, and priorities of the people who live and work in Southeast Ohio,” Miller said. “Buckeye Hills Forward helps us identify our strengths, address our challenges, and work together to create good jobs, diversify our economy, and build a more vibrant future.”

Over the next five years, Buckeye Hills Regional Council will work closely with local governments, economic development organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and residents to implement the initiatives outlined in the plan. Key priorities include:

¯Launching community-driven projects that align with regional goals.

¯Securing state, federal, and private investment to support economic growth.

¯Providing data, mapping, planning, and grant support to help communities bring their ideas to life.

The plan directs these efforts toward eight goal areas: Agriculture, Energy Development, Housing, Manufacturing, Outdoor Recreation, Small Business Core, Barriers to Workforce, and Regional Leadership.

Earlier this year, Buckeye Hills hosted a series of open house sessions across Southeast Ohio to gather input and share the vision behind Buckeye Hills Forward.

These events provided a platform for residents, local officials, and stakeholders to consider the future of their communities.

“Buckeye Hills Forward belongs to all of us,” Miller added. “It outlines priorities for strengthening our economy, investing in infrastructure, supporting our workforce, and preserving what makes this region special. Most importantly, it’s a living document–a guide that we will adapt and update as we work together to make its goals a reality.”

Buckeye Hills Regional Council will track progress annually, update strategies as conditions change, and share regular updates and milestones at buckeyehills.org/forward.

To learn more about Buckeye Hills Regional Council, visit www.buckeyehills.org, call 740-374-9436 or 1-800-331-2644 (toll-free), or email info@buckeyehills.org.