Mayors' Partnership for Progress expands to strengthen Southeast Ohio communities

The Mayors' Partnership for Progress (MPP), a 501(c)3, has notably expanded its reach, increasing from 19 to 26 counties in Appalachian Ohio in a one-year period.

This milestone represents a major achievement for the organization, which serves as a vital platform for local leaders to share knowledge, collaborate on regional challenges, and advocate for their communities at the state and federal levels.

The MPP has become an indispensable network for mayors and city managers, offering crucial support and guidance for navigating the complexities of local governance. The Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service at Ohio University plays an integral role by providing staffing, research, and technical assistance to ensure the success of the partnership’s initiatives. When the group formed in 1995, they approached the school about support. The two organizations ultimately signed a memorandum of understanding, with the school agreeing to provide technical assistance to increase capacity in a variety of ways.

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Mayor Jennifer Lyle of New Concord (Muskingum County) shared her eagerness to join the MPP as soon as she took office, recognizing the steep learning curve of transitioning from a career in sales to public service. Lyle, the newly installed president of the organization, said she saw the MPP as an invaluable resource during her transition.

"There's no task book, there’s not even a rule book to be a mayor because you’re jumping into deep waters," Lyle said. "I think the MPP is a wonderful organization to support those who step up to do what we do."

Thanks to the Mayors' Partnership for Progress, Lyle has established important relationships with other mayors and state officials. The partnership has also provided her with crucial resources, especially in areas such as zoning, zoning inspectors and code enforcement, where both the MPP and the Voinovich School have offered ongoing support throughout her tenure.

"The MPP has allowed me to build relationships with fellow mayors and state officials who help me solve problems," Lyle said. "Without this network, it would be a lot harder to make progress in the challenges we face."

Mayor Judy Ruckman of Mingo Junction (Jefferson County) echoed this sentiment, highlighting how transformative the MPP has been for under-resourced communities like hers.

“As an under-resourced community, the MPP has been a saving grace for collective problem-solving, resource sharing and advocacy,” Ruckman said. “Through meetings and field visits, the partnership has helped me tremendously—whether it’s identifying infrastructure funding, spurring economic development or improving public safety.”

Ruckman emphasized the power of connection and collaboration made possible through the MPP. 

“Attending meetings and meeting other mayors, administrators and others has helped me navigate being mayor of a community with many issues,” Ruckman said. "Making those connections has been a great source of knowledge and shared experiences.”

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Mayor Steve Patterson of Athens (Athens County), who has been involved in the MPP since he took office in 2016 and served as its president from 2021 to 2024, emphasized the significance of the MPP’s growth. He noted the expansion strengthens the unified voice of municipalities in the Appalachian region. 

When Patterson first joined, only 12 counties were involved, so seeing the partnership grow to 26 counties is something he takes great pride in.

"To see it grow to 26 counties is truly remarkable," Patterson said. "We almost doubled in size in just nine years."

Patterson also spoke about the powerful role of peer networks within the MPP, especially as the partnership continues to expand. These networks allow local leaders to share resources and insights that help them overcome obstacles in their communities.

"As a part of the Mayors’ Partnership, we share challenges and solutions across counties, and often, someone else has already found a way to address the issue," Patterson explained. "This collaboration is what makes the MPP so valuable—it’s a support system we can rely on."

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As the partnership continues to grow, both its mission and the Voinovich School’s commitment to supporting municipal leaders remains steadfast. 

“Every day, our staff at the Voinovich School wake up and wonder how we can make a difference in a community today,” said Amista Lipot, director of external relations at the Voinovich School and executive director of the MPP.  “And every day, we remain laser-focused on increasing the capacity of these local leaders, ultimately for their communities as a whole. It is rewarding work and a hallmark of the Voinovich School.”  

With an expanding network of engaged officials and increasing influence in state policy discussions, the MPP is well-positioned to drive meaningful change for communities throughout Southeast Ohio. This expansion marks an exciting future for the region, highlighting the transformative power of collaboration in overcoming shared challenges and creating a more prosperous Appalachia.

You can learn more about the MPP here.