Rep. Sweeney Honored for Leadership on Brownfield Redevelopment and Revitalization
COLUMBUS – The Greater Ohio Policy Center has named State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) as one of its 2026 Ohio Brownfields Conference Honorees. The recognition honors Rep. Sweeney’s longstanding commitment to the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, including her work during the most recent state budget process to secure an additional $200M, bringing the state’s total investment in brownfield remediation to $900M over the past six years.
As Ranking Member of the House Finance Committee, Rep. Sweeney has championed policies to strengthen the administration of Ohio’s Brownfield Remediation Program and has pushed for greater accountability in the distribution of grant funding through her oversight role on the State Controlling Board. She has also served as the lead Democratic sponsor of bipartisan legislation in both the 135th and 136th General Assemblies, House Bill 519 and House Bill 93 respectively, which would streamline the program’s current application process, establish merit-based evaluation criteria, and create a dedicated long-term funding source for program by leveraging excess funds derived from state liquor profits.
“Brownfield redevelopment has the power to transform communities by turning blighted properties into space for new housing, businesses, greenspace, and community assets that strengthen neighborhoods and local economies,” said Rep. Sweeney. “But none of this progress would be possible without the continued advocacy of local leaders, developers, nonprofits, and organizations like the Greater Ohio Policy Center who have worked to demonstrate the value of these investments. I’m honored to be recognized for this work, and I remain committed to ensuring communities across Ohio have the tools and resources they need to revitalize these sites and build toward a stronger future.”
The Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program provides state grants to local governments, nonprofits, and private developers to assess and remediate environmentally contaminated sites that have often sat vacant for years. Redeveloped sites can then support new commercial or mixed-use developments, housing projects, and public amenities that drive long-term community revitalization. A 2025 economic impact study by the Greater Ohio Policy Center found that Ohio’s brownfield investments generate nearly $5 in economic return for every $1 invested by the state, highlighting the program’s significant value as a driver of economic growth and neighborhood renewal.
Rep. Sweeney was honored alongside Finance Chair Brian Stewart in recognition of their commitment to the Brownfield Remediation Program in the most recent state operating budget, securing an additional $200M for the clean-up and remediation of contaminated and abandoned properties statewide.
Rep. Sweeney represents Ohio’s 16 House District, which includes Westlake, Bay Village, Fairview Park, Rocky River, and Cleveland Wards 13 and 15. She serves as the Ranking Member on the Finance Committee, helping craft the State of Ohio’s $60B budget, and has long been an advocate for policies that strengthen families, expand opportunity, and invest in Ohio’s future.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Sweeney accepting the award is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats