Chris Magill Quoted in Feature on Ohio Economic Development Incentives
- Vista Site Selection
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Chris Magill, a managing director for Vista Site Selection, was quoted several times in a recent Columbus Business First article, titled “State Funds Fuel Projects Across Ohio.” The feature focused on how the state government uses economic development incentives programs to accelerate local economies, especially in Ohio’s largest city centers.
Chris, both in his role with Vista and as the former executive director of the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, was uniquely qualified to offer insights on the topic.
He warned developers directly that the state had a particular project type in mind when it assigned incentives.
“It’s very clear: They want to swing big on these really big projects,” Chris said, noting that many of the losing “major city” applications for funds were located in the suburbs. “We could hand out nickels and dimes to the small projects or we can go after the big projects because we know the ripple effects it will have in the economy.”
The feature listed several varieties of developmental incentives, including Transformational Mixed-Use Development Program (TMUD) tax credits, funds for restoring historic properties and money for environmental clean-up projects. Vista Site Selection has helped many Ohio developments attain TMUD tax credits; seven clients collected $58 million in awards during 2024, representing more than 58% of the funds distributed.
Accessing these incentives means more than simply having a worthwhile project, however. There are numerous levels of compliance required to qualify, which can be a hurdle for projects seeking financial assistance. Chris hinted at the difficulties when speaking to Columbus Business First.
“It is a strict program,” he said, noting that one-in-eight applications don’t move onto the scoring round. “Some people have been eliminated for really small things.”
The article ultimately shares good news for developers: The State of Ohio is eager to spur development and job creation with its range of economic development incentives. That said, such large awards come with intense compliance demands and scrutiny during the application process. Vista’s demonstrated success in Ohio demonstrates two things: our knowledge of the state’s development landscape and our professionals’ ability to ensure that our clients check all required boxes when applying.
If you would like to speak with Chris or another member of the Vista team to learn how we can help your project access valuable economic development incentives, reach out today. We’ve got a history of success in Ohio…and 30 other states since 2023.
To read the entire story on the Columbus Business First website, click here. (Subscription may be required).