MORPC hosts annual Summit on Sustainability to advance sustainable initiatives in central Ohio

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) welcomed nearly 600 attendees to the Hilton Columbus Downtown for the 2025 Summit on Sustainability, the annual signature environmental conference. 

This year’s Summit convened leaders to explore and share sustainable solutions and to celebrate individuals making a difference in Central Ohio. The theme, Local Roots. Lasting Impacts, explored vital connections between our communities and the environment. The event highlighted collective approaches for resilient and sustainable regional growth, with sessions focused on critical topics like air quality, energy, conservation, water, housing, trails, and more.
 
“As Central Ohio grows, we must work together to make it an even better place to call home,” said MORPC’s Executive Director William Murdock. “Sustainability is a key strategy for our region’s future.  It’s about conserving our natural resources and ensuring every community access to tools to improve the environment. This event also convenes community leaders and experts around both practical solutions and innovative ideas in water, energy, and building stronger neighborhoods.”
 
This year’s morning plenary featured insights from experts on critical topics shaping our future, including conservation, economic development, trails, and mobility. Panelists included Brian Coghlan, Chief Operating Officer, Del-Co Water Company, Matthew Killam, Chief External Relations Officer, Metro Parks Toledo, Megan Maloney, Sustainability Manager, City of Dayton, and Bill Stanley, Ohio State Director, The Nature Conservancy.
 
Keynote Nicole Silk, Global Director of Freshwater Outcomes at the Nature Conservancy, shared innovative initiatives leading to transformative ideas that are replicated across the globe to produce a tremendous impact. Nicole leads efforts to address the crisis of biodiversity loss as it related to rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

“Water connects us all. Its blue lines weave across the landscape, stitching together forests and wetlands, farms and communities, and rivers to lakes and the ocean too. It is also the driver of economic development and growth,” said Nicole Silk, Global Director of Freshwater Outcomes. “To achieve a future that includes water for people and nature, we must work across the public and private sector to deliver lasting impacts. This is today’s challenge and tomorrow’s promise.”

Each year, MORPC recognizes individuals and organizations demonstrating leadership and a commitment to sustainability, planning, and practices across the region. This year’s Regional Sustainability Awards recognized Glenn Marzluf, Del-Co Water Company, as the recipient of the 2025 Leadership in Sustainability Award; The Nature Conservancy, as the recipient of the 2025 Collaborative Achievement in Sustainability Award and Commissioner Steve Davis, Fairfield County, as the recipient of the 2025 Leadership in Mobility Award.
 
“This year’s honorees exemplify the power of local initiatives in driving sustainability across Central Ohio,” said Jessica Kuenzli, MORPC’s Chief Regional Planning Officer. “Their leadership and innovative spirit remind us that lasting change happens when communities come together with shared purpose. Each honoree’s efforts inspire us all to build a healthier, more connected, and resilient region.”
 
The event included an attendee favorite, Pecha Kucha-style presentations from Mayor Laurie Jadwin, City of Gahanna and MORPC Board Secretary, Aryeh Alex, City of Columbus, Carol Kauffman, Ohio Environmental Council, and Dr. Chante Meadows, Meadows Counseling Group. 
 
This year’s Summit was made possible thanks to the Presenting Sponsor NOPEC; Connecting Sponsors Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA); Ohio University, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service; Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), and the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). Supporting Sponsors include AECom; City of Bexley; City of Columbus, Office of Diversity and Inclusion; Columbus State Community College; City of Dublin; Ohio Air Quality Development Authority; The Ohio State University, and Sustainable Columbus. Breakout Session Sponsors include Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA); Columbus Region Green Fund; Del-Co Water Co.; Columbus Water & Power; Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation (COCIC) - Franklin County Land Bank; Kegler, Brown, Hill + Ritter; MurphyEpson; Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District; Velo; Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council and Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO).
 
To view a copy of MORPC’s 2025 - 2028 Regional Sustainability Agenda, visit https://www.morpc.org/2023/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Regional-Sustaina….
 
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is Central Ohio’s voice. As a Regional Council with 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. Learn more at www.morpc.org.