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Economic Development
Batavia is the county seat of Clermont County, positioned along the East Fork of the Little Miami River and minutes from State Route 32. The Village offers a historic downtown, an active commercial district, and direct access to Village leadership for businesses and property owners considering investment here.
Batavia takes a deliberate approach to growth. Council has adopted a formal policy statement outlining how the Village evaluates development, incentives, annexation, and its obligations to the taxing authorities that serve this community. Every project is considered individually, on its own merits, and against the long term interests of Village residents and taxpayers.
How the Village Evaluates Development
Commercial and industrial investment expands employment, diversifies the tax base, and strengthens the services residents depend on. Where an incentive is necessary to attract or retain an employer or to remain competitive with surrounding communities, the Village will consider it based on measurable public benefit.
It is the policy preference of Council that residential property tax abatements be avoided for new residential development except in extraordinary circumstances where a substantial and clearly documented public benefit exists.
Community Reinvestment Area
The Village's Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) program is designed to encourage the rehabilitation, renovation, and reinvestment of existing homes, businesses, and properties within designated CRA boundaries. While qualifying new construction projects may also be eligible, the program's primary purpose is to support improvements that strengthen existing neighborhoods, preserve property values, and revitalize the community. Eligibility is not automatic. Property owners and developers interested in the CRA are encouraged to contact Village Administration to discuss whether a project qualifies and to learn about the application process.
Partnership With Schools and Emergency Services
The Village consults with the Batavia Local School District and the Central Joint Fire and EMS District on significant developments, annexations, and planned unit developments that may affect enrollment, facilities, emergency response, or service costs. Where legally permissible and financially practical, the Village pursues mechanisms that offset revenue affected by Village supported incentive programs. Development agreements should include provisions designed to ensure that the cost of serving new development is shared equitably and does not fall disproportionately on existing residents and taxpayers.
Batavia Community Improvement Corporation
The Batavia Community Improvement Corporation supports economic development at the local level, working in coordination with Village Council to attract investment and support existing businesses.
Annexation
The Village does not actively pursue, solicit, or promote annexation as a means of growth. Ohio law grants property owners the right to petition for annexation, and the Village has a legal obligation to consider those petitions. Requests are evaluated individually based on infrastructure capacity, utility availability, fiscal impact, public safety, planning objectives, and the long term interests of the Village.
Start a Conversation
Businesses and property owners interested in locating or expanding in Batavia are encouraged to contact Village Administration directly.
Chip Stewart, Village Administrator
513.732.2020
chip.stewart@bataviaoh.gov