Fourteen economic development practitioners were asked to participate in a modified Delphi study that attempted to provide a level of agreement about future trends and issues that affect economic development at the county level in Ohio. Literature from several fields was reviewed to find potential trends and issues and, using a Likert-type scale, statements presented to the experts in three rounds were dropped from the survey as they achieved consensus. Six major trends/issues a move to a new economy; increased importance of quality of life/sustainable development; continued importance of local economic development strategies; workforce development; financial incentives; and utility deregulation were discussed. Some of the implications that arose from the study are as follows: (1) the different educational and training needs of local economic developers should be explored; (2) local economic developers will need to prepare for new economy changes; (3) utility deregulation will need to be addressed; (4) workforce issues will be critical; (5) quality of life issues are important to citizens; (6) Ohio Extension should update this type of study on a regular basis and incorporate results into training, research, and policy formation; and (7) the modified Delphi should be considered for information collection by extension educators. (Contains 3 tables and 13 references.) (MO)