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Chris L. Connelly
- E cconnelly@taftlaw.com
- T (614) 334-7108
- F (614) 221-2007
- C (614) 634-2936
Summary
Chris focuses his practice on state, local, and federal economic development incentives and all aspects of public finance, including the issuance of bonds and conduit financing by public bodies. Chris counsels developers, private businesses, and governmental entities seeking to utilize public financing sources in connection with capital development. He regularly appears before city councils, boards of county commissioners, boards of township trustees, and school district boards of education to advise on public financing matters.
He is also experienced in assisting Ohio port authorities and other public sector clients with the issuance of debt. Chris has served as underwriter’s counsel for the Ohio Treasurer of State on several large debt issuances for projects throughout Ohio.
Also a certified public accountant (inactive), Chris has experience with a broad range of state and local tax matters, including appearing before local boards of revision and the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals on real property valuation matters. Chris is the incoming Chair of the Ohio State Bar Association Taxation Committee, of which he has been involved with for more than 12 years.
Chris is an active volunteer in the Central Ohio community. He is a board member for Gladden Community House, a settlement house that serves the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, and provides food and after school programs for families and youth in the community. He is also an active volunteer with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure organization.
Chris received his J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law, summa cum laude, and his B.S. in accounting, magna cum laude, from The Ohio State University. While there, Chris was a member of The Ohio State University Marching Band.
Awards
Honoree, Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations Practice, Public Finance Law (2024)
All Service Areas
Education
- University of Dayton School of Law (2004)
summa cum laude
Staff Writer and Managing Editor of the University of Dayton Law Review - The Ohio State University (1997)
B.S., Accounting, magna cum laude
Admissions
- State - Ohio
Speeches and Publications
Speeches
Ohio Township Association Conference, 2016–2017, 2021
Ohio Tax Conference, 2008–2014
Mid?Ohio Regional Planning Commission Innovative Financing for Ohio Transportation, June 2008
County Commissioners Association of Ohio Summer Conference, June 2006
Publications
“Local Incentives Programs Spurring Capital Investment in Ohio,” Columbus Business First, Feb. 2018
“Revenue?Sharing Trend Growing Among Local Communities in Ohio,” Columbus Business First, Nov. 2006
News
Three Hundred Sixty-Three Taft Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers in America® 2025 News
Three Hundred Six Taft Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® 2024 News
Connelly to Present on Economic Development for Townships Law Bulletins
New COVID-19 Community Response Initiative Created by Ohio Treasurer of State to Provide Assistance to Local Governments
Professional Affiliations
- Ohio State Bar Association
Chair, Taxation Committee
Community Involvement
- Gladden Community House
Board Member
- Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure
Volunteer