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Working from home is here to stay but it could pose a financial burden for Ohio cities

By Matthew Rand

Published October 27, 2021 at 1:00 PM EDT

A new study predicts working from home will continue after the pandemic, and the trend will put a burden on the finances of cities across Ohio.

The Ohio Mayors Alliance report found that one in three Ohioans could opt to work from home at least part of the week.

The study looked at economic data from 10 Ohio cities, including Akron, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Elyria, Fairfield, Kettering, Springfield, Strongsville and Toledo.

It found remote working could result in losses in municipal income tax revenue ranging from 6 to 17 percent.

OMA Executive Director Keary McCarthy said while working from home isn't a bad thing, it does come with the potential for some unintended consequences.

"It could have a significant impact on our ability to invest in public safety, maintain our roads and bridges do all the basic services that are so essential to our cities around the state," said McCarthy.

Summary of Likely Impacts of WFH on Income Tax Collections by Ohio Cities as Percent of Tax Collections (General Fund Only)
City	High	Medium	Low
Akron	7%	4%	3%
Cincinnati	12%	7%	5%
Columbus	12%	7%	4%
Dayton	17%	10%	6%
Elyria	14%	9%	6%
Fairfield	15%	9%	6%
Kettering	12%	7%	5%
Springfield	10%	6%	4%
Strongsville	6%	4%	3%
Toledo	6%	3%	2%

McCarthy said the Ohio Mayors Alliance is not currently asking for additional state funding to make up the difference but said the impact of working from home needs to be closely monitored.

"We fundamentally believe that you know, the fiscal health of our cities and the economic interests of the state are inextricably tied. And we can't have a strong vibrant statewide economy unless we have strong, vibrant cities," said McCarthy.

You can read the full report here.