South Dayton News

State Representatives Phil Plummer, Andrea White, and Tom Young have announced the Ohio Controlling Board's approval of $4.3 million in funding to support the City of Dayton and Montgomery County in hosting the NATO Parliamentary Session from May 21st to May 26th, 2025. The funds will be provided through the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

The allocation is intended for security and protective measures necessary for managing this large-scale event. As outlined in the Controlling Board request, these measures include costs related to activating state and local emergency operation centers, deploying police and fire personnel, public works operations, as well as acquiring equipment and supplies needed to ensure safety for both Ohioans and participants of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Representative Plummer expressed satisfaction with securing funding after extensive efforts: “I’m happy to announce we have secured funding for our NATO security apparatus after months of hard work. We take immense pride in hosting our country’s closest allies in Dayton, and no stone will be left unturned to protect our neighbors and the Parliamentary Assembly.”

Representative Andrea White emphasized the significance of collaboration: “In just a few months, the world’s eyes will be on Dayton, Ohio. We worked hard with our legislative team, Congressman Turner and local partners, and the Governor’s Office to ensure our state’s resources are mobilized and aligned with local resources so that we can provide a safe, landmark, world-class experience to the world!”

Representative Young highlighted the global attention on Dayton: “The NATO conference is an extraordinary event for us. The eyes of the world will be watching!”

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly was established in 1955 as a bridge between NATO itself and member nations' parliaments or governing bodies. It comprises 281 parliamentarians from thirty-two countries along with 88 delegates from associate members and observers. The assembly meets twice annually at various international locations; it was last hosted by the United States in 2003. The event draws worldwide interest necessitating robust security measures for attendees' safety alongside that of visitors and residents.