State Representative Josh Williams

He is risen.

“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” — Luke 24:5-6.

On this Easter, we celebrate the empty tomb, the fulfillment of God’s promise, and the hope that comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyful Easter. ✝️

Over the past several weeks, I have spoken one on one with many constituents across Northwest Ohio about proposed development projects, particularly large industrial builds like data centers, and the questions they raise for local communities. I want to offer clarity on how these matters are handled legally in Ohio, and where authority actually lies.

Zoning and land use decisions in Ohio are local decisions, not state decisions. Township trustees decide zoning for township parcels, city and village officials decide zoning within municipal limits, and state legislators do not have a direct vote in those local zoning decisions. Most Ohioans want more local control, not less, and I agree.

Some have urged me to publicly pressure local officials or pick sides in these debates. I understand the passion, but I do not believe it is appropriate for state legislators, who are not in the room and do not hold legal authority, to pressure local elected officials on how they should vote. These decisions are complex, and turning them into political crossfire is unhealthy governance. If Ohio wants the Statehouse deciding what happens on every local parcel of land, that would require rewriting the entire zoning framework, and it would mean less local control, not more.

Where the state can and should lead is transparency. When a project is large enough to affect traffic, property values, energy usage, water infrastructure, and public safety, the public has a right to know what is being proposed before decisions are locked in. We need better disclosure of scope, timelines, impacts, incentives, tax arrangements, and stronger public notice and open meeting requirements so no community feels blindsided.

I also have substantial concern about the energy and water demands of these projects, including water treatment, discharge, and long term water quality. Communities deserve real answers about usage, infrastructure impact, and accountability. This is why I believe, whenever possible, these projects should be able to produce their own energy on or near site, rather than shifting massive demand onto local infrastructure and ratepayers. That is why I supported and co sponsored HB 15, which expanded behind the meter power generation.

On data centers specifically, I do not believe Ohio should hand out special incentives or tax carve outs that tilt the scale in favor of projects that may not benefit communities proportionally. I have supported reforms to reduce exemptions and ensure the tax code reflects real infrastructure and service costs. But I will also be honest, there are not currently enough votes in the General Assembly to ban data centers outright, and I do not support gutting Ohio’s township, city, and village zoning structure to give the Statehouse control. I get one vote out of 99, I do not get a veto over local zoning decisions.

My message to local officials is simple, vote your conscience. Social media does not get a vote, unelected administrators do not get a vote, and we might get sued is not a reason to vote yes or no. I am an attorney, anyone can sue anyone for anything, the question is whether the decision is lawful and defensible. Local votes matter, both legally and practically, and businesses pay attention when communities clearly oppose them through official action.

🚨LEGISLATIVE WIN: Governor DeWine recently signed House Bill 23, sponsored by State Reps. Josh Williams and Bill Roemer ✅ This legislation will directly strengthen public safety throughout Ohio communities!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
This season reminds us how fortunate we are to call Northwest Ohio home. I’m grateful for our community, for the strength and generosity of our families, and for the honor of serving you in the Ohio House.

May your day be filled with faith, family, and fellowship.