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When we talk about regional planning, it’s easy to picture dusty binders, endless meetings, or vague talk about “growth.” But for William Murdock, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, the work is a lot more urgent and a lot more human. MORPC is the quiet engine behind how 90 Central Ohio communities prepare for what’s coming next, from housing pressures to transportation demand to environmental resilience.
In this conversation, William and I dig into the big swings—why LinkUS is finally moving from aspiration to implementation, how passenger rail could reshape the entire region, and what it really takes to support fast-growing communities with limited staff and resources. We also talk about the nuts and bolts: the data, the policy work, and the behind-the-scenes coordination that helps local governments make smarter decisions. And at a moment when Central Ohio is feeling both the excitement and strain of rapid growth, William makes a compelling case for why this region can get better as it gets bigger, if we’re willing to plan like it.
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The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is Central Ohio’s voice. As a regional council with nearly 90 local governments and community partners, we provide nonpartisan data analysis, community resources and long-range planning. Together, we drive the future prosperity and sustainability of the Central Ohio region.
Transcript on page 2.
