Economic Development Services

Site Selection

Lucas County’s economic development approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, providing long-term sustainable growth. Strategically located at the intersection of Interstates 80/90 and 75, businesses in Lucas County have easy access to customers, suppliers, and major transportation hubs like Toledo Express and Detroit Metropolitan Airports, as well as the Port of Toledo and four major freight railroads.

Our healthy business climate offers competitive advantages, and our Economic Development team collaborates with companies and the community to create customized incentive packages for businesses looking to establish, expand, or relocate in Lucas County. Explore available sites in Lucas County, Ohio or refer to our FAQs for more information.

Incentive Programs

Lucas County Department of Planning and Development (LCDPD) offers different incentive programs that can help companies with specific needs. Each program has its own purpose and focus.

Financing Assistance

Lucas County Industrial Development Bonds

Industrial development bonds (IDBs) are special bonds that manufacturers can use to get funding for their facilities. These bonds are tax-exempt, meaning that businesses do not have to pay taxes on the money they borrow. Lucas County can help finance projects that create or save jobs in industries such as research, distribution, and sometimes commercial operations. By using IDBs, local companies can get lower interest rates on the money they borrow to fund their projects.

Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority

The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is an important partner of Lucas County Economic Development. They are known for creative financing solutions and have helped more than 600 economic development projects, worth more than $2 billion, while also creating and preserving almost 20,000 jobs.

Workforce Assistance

We can help companies that want to expand in or move to Lucas County by offering solutions and advice on workforce-related matters. Our Business Services team tailors our offerings to meet the specific needs of each company in the county.

Tax Programs

Enterprise Zone (EZ)

Lucas County offers an EZ property tax abatement incentive for companies that are growing and creating jobs in the area. To qualify, the company must invest at least $100,000 and create at least five jobs that pay at least 150% of the minimum wage. The tax exemption may last up to 10 years, with a discount of up to 75% in cities and 60% in rural areas, with school board & township approval dependent upon requested percentage. This program is also available in Toledo, Maumee, Berkey, Richfield, Washington, and Harding townships.

Community Reinvestment Area (CRA)

Lucas County offers a CRA for businesses that invest in designated areas in Lucas County. There are two types of CRAs:

• Pre-94: Provides a 100% exemption on the increased value of the property for 15 years.
• Post-94: Provides up to 100% exemption on the increased value of the property for up to 15 years, depending on the project.

Local authorities set the rates and terms, and in some cases, the local school board must approve them. The incentives are available for residential, commercial, and industrial projects that involve new construction or renovation.

*On January 2, 2023, Governor DeWine signed a new law, SB33, which increased the allowable percentage for Post-94 CRAs from 50% to 75%, and no longer requires school board approval.

WorkReady Lucas County

Lucas County is part of the ACT WorkReady Community, which helps improve the skills of the workforce. This benefits everyone from students entering the workforce to current employees and those transitioning to new jobs. By building these skills, we create a competitive advantage for our community and help businesses thrive.