It’s hard to believe we are closing the book on 2025 and opening the next edition for 2026. When you’re busy (or as you age), the hands of time seem to move much more quickly. In looking back, January 1 began with a full schedule, and no matter how many items were checked off the list other important issues and activities were there to fill the void.
On the legislative, labor, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), workforce development and association events fronts, OCA staff schedules were jam-packed with matters affecting our industry through all of 2025. I hope you find assurance that the experienced OCA staff, working on your behalf, is well-equipped and highly regarded when maneuvering through matters where the interests of heavy/highway contractors must be presented and defended.
In speaking with many of you, I have the sense that work opportunities have been plentiful in both the private and public sectors to keep your crews busy and, when desired, to facilitate the growth of your company. That is good news to hear. However, 2025 did introduce greater awareness of developing clouds on the horizon.
It was abundantly clear from the ODOT Director that the Department is concerned with funding levels, which restrict it from keeping pavement and bridge conditions at an acceptable level. At the same time, projects that expand highway capacity or address
economic development needs could begin to fall by the wayside in favor of system preservation. Federal funding, hopefully at increased levels, will be put in place by Oct.1, 2026. Concurrently, Ohio will be selecting a new governor that will no doubt be bringing new goals and priorities with his or her administration. We are well aware that educating the new administration, regardless of party, will be a priority for OCA through the
campaign season of 2026 and into the early months of 2027. Educating candidates on transportation funding will be front and center in 2026.
There are many other precursors that will be built upon for a successful 2026. Our labor relations have never been better. Chapters are thriving and introducing new opportunities for community involvement, networking and member growth. Our focus on workforce development has resulted in greater industry awareness. Communications between us and our primary client, ODOT, are mature and effectively interactive. Membership is strong. Networking opportunities abound. OCA is financially strong. We are positioned to guarantee that you are well served.
Your support through engagement on committees, networking opportunities, events at the statewide and chapter levels and sharing your experiences and opinions with us, along with your financial support, are what have built an association that you can count on to work for your company’s benefit. OCA has consistently performed in the past and will do so in the future.
Thank you for being part of the OCA family of members and we wish you a happy and successful 2026.