Legislative Advocacy
Our advocacy work is rooted in the real-world experiences of municipal leaders and focused on protecting local decision-making, sustaining essential public services, and strengthening the communities Ohioans call home.
Guided by OML’s Board of Trustees and our Public Policy Agenda, we actively monitor legislation of municipal interest, analyze policy impacts, draft and deliver testimony, and engage directly with state legislators, administration officials, and regulatory agencies.
We track current bills affecting municipalities, provide timely updates and resources to our members, and coordinate grassroots outreach so local leaders can effectively share their perspectives with policymakers. Through this comprehensive approach, OML ensures that the municipal voice is heard, informed, and influential throughout the legislative process.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH OUR MEMBERS
Legislative Bulletin
OML keeps members up to date through our weekly Legislative Bulletin, a concise email summarizing key statehouse activity affecting Ohio’s cities and villages. The bulletin is open to any elected official or staff member at an OML-member community, and we encourage broad participation across municipal teams.
Sign up for the Legislative Bulletin and other member communications here.
Member Alerts
OML members also receive periodic Member Alerts, time-sensitive emails that require special attention—as well as occasional notices about webinars, briefings, and special opportunities, including OML’s biennial Lobbying Day at the Ohio Statehouse.
Calls to Action
When immediate engagement is needed, OML issues Calls to Action that bring attention to the most pressing and timely legislative issues, such as when a bill reaches a critical committee hearing and input from municipal officials is essential to help block or advance it. Members can also opt in to receive a text message notification whenever a Call to Action is distributed, ensuring no urgent request is missed.
Sign up for the text message notifications here.
PREPARING AND DELIVERING TESTIMONY
OML actively tracks legislation and works closely with statehouse leaders to anticipate when bills of municipal interest are moving through the legislative process. When hearings are scheduled, we assist members in preparing written and in-person testimony that clearly communicates local impacts and priorities.
Legislators want to hear from the communities they represent. Our team can help you understand committee procedures, refine messaging, coordinate timing, and answer practical questions about visiting and testifying at the Ohio Statehouse.
Whether you are a first-time witness or a seasoned advocate, OML is here to support your participation.
CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATORS
Strong advocacy is built on consistent, constructive relationships. OML encourages members to maintain regular and open communication with the state legislators who represent your community.
Members can visit the Ohio House website and Ohio Senate website to:
- Identify their Ohio House representative and Ohio senator
- Find contact information to call offices or send letters and emails
- Invite legislators to in-district meetings, community events, or tours of municipal facilities
OML can also offer guidance on effective outreach strategies and help connect legislative priorities to real-world municipal impacts.
FEDERAL ADVOCACY
Through its membership in the National League of Cities (NLC), OML is able to keep Ohio's municipalities alerted to activities in Washington. Cities that are members of the OML are eligible to become direct member cities of NLC. Only direct member city officials may serve on NLC Committees.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS
OML works alongside other local government associations, business groups, nonprofit organizations, and educational partners to advance shared priorities. We regularly provide in-person and virtual presentations on the latest Ohio Statehouse developments from the municipal perspective.
If your organization, council, board, or professional group would like a legislative update or briefing, please contact our office. We are happy to tailor presentations to your audience and focus on the issues most relevant to you.