A blend of residential, professional/commercial and recreational development has made West Chester a place “Where Families Grow and Businesses Prosper.”

The community’s vibrancy and the heart of its residents have made West Chester “One of America’s Best Places to Live.” West Chester, named to Money Magazine’s prestigious list recognizing the top 100 communities in America.

West Chester’s nearly 35 square miles is home to more than 64,000 residents and more than 3,600 businesses with a tax base of 40% commercial and 60% residential.

Township Government 

The township form of government is one of the oldest in the history of the United States, dating as far back as 1620. Townships are different from cities. State law permits Ohio townships to perform basic functions for residents and stakeholders.

Three elected officials known collectively as the Board of Trustees are voted on by residents. They make decisions and set priorities with regard to West Chester Township. Trustees are elected to four-year terms.

The elected Fiscal Officer is responsible for recording the proceedings of the West Chester Board of Trustees meetings through the Meeting Minutes.

The Township Administrator, under the direction of the Township Board of Trustees, is in charge of day-to-day operations of local government functions, planning and goals. The Administrator is hired, not elected, and serves in the career position as chief administrative officer. Duties of the Administrator are defined by the Ohio Revised Code and by each township.

West Chester Township adopted a Limited Home Rule form of government per the Ohio Revised Code. Limited Home Rule allows certain townships of at least 2,500 residents in an unincorporated area to exercise “all powers of self-government,” subject to certain exceptions. Examples of these powers include establishing a police force and enforcing resolutions with fines of up to $1,000.

As a large Limited Home Rule township, West Chester is considered an “urban township” because the unincorporated population is greater than 15,000. This designation provides elected officials in large, city-like townships more tools for governing communities of their size.

There are more than 1,300 townships in Ohio. Townships encompass the unincorporated areas of the state and serve approximately one-third of the state’s population.

West Chester is one of 13 Butler County townships and Ohio’s largest township by population with more than 65,000 residents.

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