COLUMBUS: Ohio’s economic development agency has a new name.
The former Ohio Department of Development became the Ohio Development Services Agency on Friday.
The name change follows earlier restructuring of the state agency that was spearheaded by Republican Gov. John Kasich and approved by the state Legislature.
Key job-creation functions were transferred from the former Development Department to JobsOhio, a new private nonprofit board.
The renamed Development Services Agency will focus on business and community programs. Its continued efforts include tourism promotion, community development programs, energy grants, and affordable housing initiatives.
JobsOhio still awaits final approval of a deal that will provide its start-up funding through control of Ohio’s liquor operation.
