Ohio Air Quality Development Authority
09/17/2026 | Press release | Archived content
Q3 2026 AirFocus Newsletter
September 30, 2026
Director's Corner
Within the last month, Choice One Engineering in Sidney turned to OAQDA as it prepared to retrofit a building to reduce operating costs as part of its company expansion.
We issued bond financing to support this project, which brings new life to a vacant property that will serve as the headquarters for more than 100 employees and is expected to cut annual energy bills nearly in half, saving $109,000 each year.
That project reflects what we hear from businesses across Ohio. Energy and operating costs are bigger factors in capital planning, while higher project costs and financing expenses can make an otherwise sound investment harder to complete.
In recent events throughout Ohio, the OAQDA team heard similar themes from manufacturers, service providers, small businesses, and lenders. I heard many of the same issues discussed on the national scale at the Bond Buyer Infrastructure Conference in Chicago earlier this month. Across projects large and small, the question boils down to how we finance investments in a way that works for the project and keeps costs manageable.
This is where OAQDA can help. We work with businesses and capital providers to identify tools that can close gaps and help projects move forward. Sometimes that means a large federally tax-exempt bond financing. Other times, it may mean helping a neighborhood dry cleaner replace equipment with safer, more efficient technology.
This newsletter shows the range of that work at OAQDA. Through the third quarter, we have closed on more than $211 million in bond financing for projects across Ohio, with additional projects on track to close before the end of this year. We also relaunched the Small Business Clean Air Program and continue to expand lender and technical partnerships to reach more Ohio businesses.
Looking ahead to a busy fourth quarter, we are preparing to address business needs, whether due to changes in technology or financing conditions. Our job is to keep listening, adjust our financial tools where it makes sense, and remain a steady, practical partner for Ohio businesses and communities.
Your partner,
Christina O'Keeffe
Executive Director
BY THE NUMBERS
IMPACT OF PROJECTS CLOSED
PROJECT SITES
CUMULATIVE PROJECTS APPROVED BY THE BOARD
Q3 PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS
Apparel Care Cleaners | Cincinnati
Choice One Engineering | Sydney
FEATURE
2026 Program Update
OAQDA Relaunched its Financial Assistance for Small Businesses into the Small Business Clean Air Program
OAQDA has relaunched its financial assistance for small businesses into the Small Business Clean Air Program (SBCAP) with expanded project eligibility, simplified standards, and a wide range of available financial tools designed to make financing more accessible for Ohio's small businesses. The program now supports a broader range of projects, including energy efficiency improvements, while streamlining participation and focusing on projects up to $2 million. Larger or more complex projects continue to be served through OAQDA's Clean Air Improvement Program (CAIP).
Procurement Opportunities
Open Opportunities
OAQDA currently has multiple RFPs open for organizations interested in supporting OAQDA programs and projects.
Small Business Clean Air Program Financial Partners: OAQDA is seeking Ohio financing institutions to participate in the Small Business Clean Air Program as participating lenders and bond purchasers. The network of lending partners will use a streamlined, standardized financing process to benefit small business borrowers by reducing transaction costs, shortening closing timelines, and accessing affordable capital and incentives.
Technical Support Services: OAQDA is seeking firms with expertise in technologies and industry practices used in OAQDA-financed projects to support application due diligence and verify project performance.
INSIGHTS & IMPACTS
Q3 READS
BUILDING ON 30 YEARS OF SUCCESS: INTRODUCING THE SMALL BUSINESS CLEAN AIR PROGRAM
[Read the Blog -->]
Q3 TIP
Energy-saving technologies and air-quality improvements don't have to be part of a large-scale development. Small businesses can make meaningful improvements by upgrading equipment, improving energy efficiency, or investing in technologies that reduce emissions and operating costs.
The Small Business Clean Air Program (SBCAP) can help Ohio small businesses invest in these improvements that strengthen operations and support long-term growth. Learn how the SBCAP can help your project.
IN THE NEWS
Talbott Tower and 801 N. Garver Road:
Local News Coverage
Apparel Care Cleaners:
Local News Coverage
National News Coverage
Click here for more OAQDA News
ON THE ROAD
Buckeye Hills Regional Council: Small Communities, Big Impact Summit, August 5 | Senecaville
OAQDA's Hannah Poling and Gabe Lorenz attended the Buckeye Hills Regional Council's Small Communities, Big Impact Summit. This important gathering of local leaders focused on collaboration, community development, and strengthening Ohio communities. We were able to connect, share ideas, and learn more about the work happening across the region at this event.
The Ohio Manufacturers' Association Energy Conference, August 27 | Columbus
OAQDA was proud to attend the 2026 Ohio Manufacturer's Association Energy Conference, connecting with manufacturers, energy leaders, and partners from across the state to discuss strategies that help businesses improve energy efficiency, manage operating costs, and remain competitive. .
HEAPY PIVOT Conference, September 10 | Dayton
The OAQDA team was glad to attend the HEAPY PIVOT Conference. This important gathering of industry leaders focused on innovation, collaboration, and building a stronger future for Ohio. This event provided the opportunity to connect with partners, share ideas, and contribute to conversations about strengthening Ohio's communities and economy.
Bond Buyer Infrastructure Conference, September 14 | Chicago
OAQDA Executive Director Christina O'Keeffe participated in the Bond Buyer Infrastructure Conference in Chicago, bringing together public finance and infrastructure leaders to discuss transportation, energy, housing, and the evolving role of public finance. The conference provided an opportunity to connect with industry professionals, including colleagues from the Ohio Treasurer of State's office, and share ideas about creative financing approaches and partnerships that can help Ohio businesses and communities move projects forward.
Every meeting is an opportunity to listen and build partnerships. Let's keep the conversation going!
WHAT'S NEW: OAQDA RESOURCES
- The Small Business Clean Air Program, relaunched July 1, 2026, provides Ohio's small businesses with more opportunity to pursue equipment upgrades and save energy with building improvements. Read more in our new brochure here.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow us to see the real impact of clean air financing in action.
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Copyright © 2026 The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, All rights reserved.
The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority
(614) 224-3383
175 S 3rd St, Suite 1050
Columbus, OH 43215
info@aqda.ohio.gov
Ohio Air Quality Development Authority published this content on September 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 01, 2026 at 02:41 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]