Could Ohio become the first state to completely abolish property taxes? With skyrocketing home valuations forcing seniors out of their long-paid homes and creating financial strain for countless homeowners, a group of determined citizens is fighting to fundamentally change how public services are funded.

Beth Blackmar from Citizens for Property Tax Reform joins us to share her personal story - a shocking 51.9% increase in her century-old bungalow's valuation that mirrors the experience of homeowners across the state. We dive deep into the frustrating appeals process that often provides little relief, even when professional appraisals contradict county assessments. Beth explains how only 30% of Ohio residents shoulder the entire property tax burden, with many seniors now paying monthly tax bills exceeding their original mortgage payments.

The conversation extends beyond tax policy to explore broader housing challenges facing Ohio. With Central Ohio projected to reach 3 million residents by 2050, outdated zoning codes from 70 years ago are hampering development. Business growth depends on housing availability, infrastructure investment, and thoughtful regional planning - all interconnected issues that demand proactive solutions rather than reactive policies.

What makes this movement particularly fascinating is that advocates for abolishing property taxes aren't seeking to defund schools or public services. Instead, they're challenging legislators to develop more equitable funding mechanisms that distribute costs across all Ohioans rather than concentrating them on property owners. Their petition has cleared initial hurdles, and with 500,000 signatures, Ohio voters could face this transformative question on November's ballot.

Visit reformpropertytax.com to learn more about this initiative or to get involved in reshaping Ohio's approach to funding essential services while preserving affordable homeownership.

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What happens when a school district grows from 2,000 to 24,000 students in just three decades? Superintendent Todd Meyers joins us to reveal how Olentangy Local Schools manages explosive growth while maintaining educational excellence. Topics covered include:

• 1,600 vs 16,000 per student, why making a case at the statehouse for school funding matters. "For every additional dollar we get from the state," Meyers emphasizes, "that's one less dollar we have to ask from our local taxpayers."
• District faces potential $90-100 million "clawback" of reserves needed for continued growth in the proposed budget
• Need for 5 new school buildings in the coming years to accommodate 2,000+ new students annually
• Security measures include vestibules at all entrances and school resource officers at secondary schools
• Community partnerships providing additional facilities for student activities help us achieve our educational excellence goal.

Olentangy Local Schools continues breaking records with seven state championships in just two years. From Liberty High School's football and lacrosse titles to Orange High School's back-to-back girls wrestling championships and recent boys basketball state victory, athletic excellence mirrors academic achievement. The district's robotics team just made their third appearance at the world competition, while journalism, speech and debate, and marketing programs consistently earn national recognition.

Listen to hear how the staff at Olentangy Schools is working to ensure the students' educational excellence in the future.

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Every day, millions of Ohioans travel across thousands of miles of roadway without giving much thought to the complex systems keeping them safe. That changes the moment we see those dreaded orange barrels or "Road Work Ahead" signs. What happens behind those barriers? How are decisions made about which roads get fixed and when?

Matt Bruning, Press Secretary for the Ohio Department of Transportation, pulls back the curtain on the state's transportation infrastructure in this revealing conversation. From the strategic redesign of Columbus's notorious I-70/71 split (home to several of Ohio's most dangerous crash locations) to the science behind winter road treatments, Bruning offers fascinating insights into how ODOT works to keep traffic flowing safely across the Buckeye State.

Topics Include:

• The Downtown Columbus I-70/71 split project aims to reduce crashes by eliminating dangerous lane crossings
• Worker safety remains critical, with 58 ODOT crews hit so far this year compared to 84 in all of last year. The Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching vehicles with flashing lights. Bruning reminds us - "When you see road workers, remember they're real people with families waiting for them at home. Move over, slow down, and give them room to work safely."
• Infrastructure funding faces long-term challenges as fuel-efficient vehicles reduce gas tax revenue despite increased traffic. The federal gas tax hasn't increased since 1993, creating funding challenges as costs rise.
• Roundabouts significantly improve intersection safety despite public resistance. Center landscaping in roundabouts strategically forces drivers to look left at yielding traffic.
• Projects across Ohio include US 33 upgrades in Athens County and studying a potential Route 23 bypass in Delaware County.

Whether you're curious about major projects transforming Ohio's transportation landscape or simply want to understand why that pothole on your commute hasn't been fixed yet, this episode delivers valuable insights about the roads connecting our communities. Follow ODOT at transportationohio.gov for project updates, construction guides, and to report road issues in your area.

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