We’ve officially reached the halfway point of 2025 – and if the first six months are any indication, this year is all about momentum.
At MurphyEpson, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated public agencies, passionate community members and talented partners across the state (and beyond) to move important conversations forward – conversations about how we grow, how we move, how we stay safe and how we connect.
In May, our team facilitated 24 public and stakeholder meetings to support Access Ohio 2050, Ohio’s long-range transportation plan. We hosted the Strategic Highway Safety Plan stakeholder meeting in Marietta and helped bring forward-thinking ideas to life at Ohio’s Future of Mobility Conference with The Beta District.
In June, we continued that work with stakeholder and public meetings for major sewer and water infrastructure projects for Columbus Water and Power, followed by design and stakeholder workshops for the Columbus Aquatics Center, Downtown Wadsworth streetscape, I-71 corridor in Northeast Ohio and a new corporate headquarters campus in Upper Arlington. We also invited property owners in Downtown Columbus to a briefing about upcoming construction of The Capital Line.
Our work has also continued on the LinkUS mobility initiative, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape how people live, work and travel across Central Ohio. LinkUS is about more than building bus rapid transit lines – it’s about supporting walkability, housing, job access and sustainable growth in a region experiencing rapid change. We’ve been honored to engage Central Ohioans on this effort from the very beginning, helping ensure that the community’s voice remains central as the vision takes shape.
Throughout, our focus remained the same: listen deeply, make complex topics accessible and inclusive, and build trust.
The first half of the year also included these moments:
- Supporting the Ohio Department of Transportation and Cambridge Systematics on the Strategic Transportation & Development Analysis, a statewide review of how Ohio’s highway corridors can support economic growth
- Facilitating a National Cooperative Highway Research Program Safe Streets workshop with partners at ODOT, MORPC and COTA to pilot safe system design principles in the LinkUS East Main BRT corridor
- Facilitating the Greater Cleveland RTA Board Retreat in partnership with Corporate College, where we explored the future of transit in Northeast Ohio alongside CEO India Birdsong Terry and GCRTA’s senior leadership team
- Launching the Ohio Infrastructure Report Card with the Ohio Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, bringing visibility to the condition – and opportunity – of Ohio’s infrastructure
- Joining MORPC’s Sustainble2050 presentation and MORPC’s Rural Forum in Canal Winchester to share insights on engaging residents in growing rural communities with transparency and care
- Supporting the book launch of former Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown, honoring her decades of dedicated public service
- Celebrating a milestone with three PRism Awards from PRSA Central Ohio – such a meaningful way to mark MurphyEpson’s 35th year while acknowledging the great work of COTA, Franklin County Engineer’s Office and our partners for 9/11 Day - National Day of Service.
Earlier this year, I also had the opportunity to advocate for smart, community-focused infrastructure policy during a visit to Washington, D.C. with ACEC Ohio, and to connect with peers from PRConsultants Group (PRCG) during a week of learning and collaboration in New Orleans. That trip included a behind-the-scenes look at how the city plans and promotes events – a fascinating (and fun) reminder of what’s possible when creativity and strategy align.
And of course, a major highlight this spring: the launch of our new website. If you haven’t already, take a look around MurphyEpson.com to explore our work, our team and more blogs like this one.
Our work has always been about creating space for conversation – ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table and that every voice is heard. Whether it’s a statewide transportation plan or a neighborhood streetscape, we believe the best outcomes are rooted in inclusive, intentional engagement.
That’s just part of what we’ve accomplished so far in 2025, and we’re even more excited about what’s ahead!
