...WHERE BUSINESSES PROSPER

West Chester’s Claim as the Economic Engine of the Cincinnati-Dayton Metroplex

The West Chester advantage has arguably remained constant for 200 years – location and access.

Growth of our local economy is rooted in West Chester Township’s ideal location along major arteries of travel between Cincinnati and Dayton.

If combined, the Cincinnati-Dayton Metro Area accounts for a population of 3.07 million people, enough to rank our market the 19th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the United States. That’s larger than the Denver, St. Louis, Baltimore, Orlando and Charlotte metro areas.

Beginning in 1950, Union Township experienced incredible growth with population nearly doubling every decade for a period of 40 years, culminating in the remarkable commercial and residential boom of the 1990s. By the turn of the 21st century, about 55,000 residents called West Chester home.

Thankfully, development throughout those pivotal years was carefully guided by the intentional planning, stewardship and foresight of visionary civic leaders and elected officials.

On May 17, 1988, the West Chester (Union Township) Board of Trustees agreed to take control of planning and zoning by voting in favor of a resolution establishing township zoning under provisions of the Ohio Revised Code. Previously residents defaulted to the Butler County Zoning Resolution.

And today, of the 3,653 businesses in West Chester, 5.3 percent (192) are considered corporate headquarters. And of the 58,852 employees in West Chester, 21 percent (12,333) are company headquarter employees.

West Chester has the highest assessed valuation in the Greater Cincinnati region (behind the City of Cincinnati) at $2,450,558,050.

Volunteer Guided by a Mission for Community

Making an impact. Through the years many residents of West Chester have been instrumental in leading the community forward and making it a place where families grow and businesses prosper.

Larry Brueshaber brought his family here in the 1970s and a chance encounter with an early trustee of the community – John Boehner – set him on a path to be a part of the vision. Larry volunteered with the Township’s first citizen Vision Committee in the early 90s.

“Many of the things we talked about for the community have come true,” Larry says. “West Chester really is a miracle.”

Since the opening of the Union Centre Boulevard interchange in 1997, West Chester has reaped $3.9 billion in new investment, more than 46 million square feet in new construction, and nearly 46,000 new jobs.

More than $82.2 million has been invested in major infrastructure improvements throughout the township in the 25 years since the opening of the Union Centre Boulevard interchange.

It is the evolution from suburban community to vital, diverse economic engine that has allowed West Chester to continue to serve residents and businesses with exceptional public safety and roads services, as well as amenities like parks, a library and great community events.

Aside from generation of traditional property taxes, newer development within the Township’s Tax Increment Financing Districts and Joint Economic Development District generate additional revenue that supports public safety, roads/infrastructure and Township amenities.

Larry went on to serve on the Township’s Community Improvement Corporation which later became the West Chester Development Council. He remains as that group’s volunteer chairman 25 years later.

The West Chester Development Council (WCDC) serves as an advisory group focused on economic development. They are funded by corporate stakeholders in the community and work closely with site selectors considering West Chester for future investment.

Learn more about the WCDC at westchesterdevelopment. com. See a full interview with Larry on West Chester’s Storyteller Playlist.