The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) is a council of local governments, business organizations and community groups committed to developing collaborative strategies to improve the quality of life and the economic vitality of the region.

Formed in 1964, OKI has spent 42 years cultivating partnerships and alliances that range from the federal government to local councils. Its 103 members represent governmental, social and civic groups from 198 communities in the eight county, three-state region.

Together we work to solve interstate dilemmas, create far-reaching development plans, break through political bureaucracy, provide services to the public and advocate for federal funding.

OKI has final authority over all federal dollars spent on transportation in the region. This past year, OKI approved over $30 million in funding for projects in this region.

While OKI’s primary mission has been transportation, OKI is not confined to just highways and pavement.

• OKI has been actively helping communities develop strategies to develop plans for Greenspace and Land Use. Green infrastructure, along with other precious resources—water and air—are key to the vitality of future generations.
• OKI continues to work on water quality issues with a number of groups including the Mill Creek Council of Communities. The Mill Creek is a vital but much abused waterway in the very center of our community.
• Also, OKI’s work with the Regional Ozone Coalition, has received statewide recognition in leading the fight for cleaner air. OKI is the recipient of two Ohio Governor’s awards for outstanding achievement in pollution prevention.

OKI has had a tremendous impact on our region. Its work with reconstructing Fort Washington Way has received recognition from Ohio and Kentucky for multi-jurisdictional coordination as well as efficiency.

Other OKI projects include…

• Homeland Defense: OKI is working with emergency responders and others to assess regional capabilities in the case of disaster.
• Brent Spence Bridge Cooperative: OKI is working closely with the business community, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Ohio Department of Transportation to develop strategies for the replacement of this vital river crossing.
• RideShare: For over 25 years, OKI’s RideShare program has offered tri-state commuters alternatives to driving alone to and from work. RideShare helps commuters save money and time and reduces stress by forming carpools and vanpools.
• The Dixie Fix: Envisioning the Future of Dixie Highway: Dixie Highway has been called the most heavily traveled and congested arterial in Kenton County. In partnership with the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission (NKAPC), The Dixie Fix identifies transportation planning and design solutions.
• Southeastern Indiana Transportation Gateway: U.S. 50 Corridor Transportation and Land Use Plan: This study will create a new vision for the US 50 corridor in Dearborn County, improve mobility and safety for residents, commuters and freight and establish a development plan that improves the economic potential of the region. A multi-modal system and access management will also be examined.
• I-471 Corridor Study: In summer 2006, OKI began to examine mobility and safety issues in this corridor anchored at the north end by the Ohio River and on the south by Northern Kentucky University and the Technology Commercialization Triangle.
• Geographic Information System (GIS): OKI has partnered with local, state, and federal agencies to develop a regional GIS program which serves as a support tool for our transportation and environmental planners.
• Uptown Transportation Study: This critical study is investigating opportunities for mobility to, from and within the Uptown area which is home to 60,000 employees and 70,000 residents.
• Western Hamilton County Transportation Study: OKI initiated a major investment study of the western portion of Hamilton County. The study will focus on improving mobility and safety for residents, commuters, visitors and freight within this growing portion of the county.

By focusing the collective strength of organizations from the region, OKI has accomplished more in terms of growth, development and quality of life improvements than any other entity in the Tri-State. The impact is seen and felt in nearly every major project being undertaken in the region. These projects continue to support OKI’s mission of promoting regional cooperation and growth.