Youngstown, Ohio, is making huge strides forward in its pursuit of self-improvement. Last week, the city released its 2010 Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for the future development of the community and its citizens.
The plan contains a number of ambitious and innovative goals that are designed to move Youngstown forward and create a shining example of growth and renewal for other cities to follow.
The main goals of the plan are threefold: economic and job growth, improved educational opportunities and neighborhood revitalization. To achieve these goals, the plan sets forth several ambitious initiatives such as attracting new businesses and employers to create jobs, boosting investment in education through targeted initiatives, and offering suggestions to improve neighborhoods with better access to services, green spaces, and activities.
Already, the plan has gained widespread support from both local leaders and citizens alike. Mayor Jay Williams has personally championed the plan’s implementation and praised it as a ‘bold vision’ for Youngstown’s future. Local business owners have also expressed their enthusiasm at the prospect of growth and development that could come from such an ambitious plan of action.
The plan is an inspiring example of how communities can proactively create their own future when the drive for improvement is present. It signals Youngstown’s commitment to leading the way on self-improvement and creating a strong foundation for a brighter future.
Youngstown, a small city in Ohio that has stood against all odds, is making a major push for self-improvement. Forbes Magazine recently rated it as one of the best cities for starting a business in the U.S., and now Youngstown has released the 2010 Plan – the city’s five-year plan to revitalize and strengthen the local economy.
The 2010 Plan seeks to build upon previous successes such as Inner Beltway redevelopment, historic preservation, housing, job growth and educational opportunities with further investments in green infrastructure, cultural development and improved public safety initiatives.
The plan’s centerpiece is a free bus system connecting downtown with local business districts, universities and health care centers which will open in Spring 2021. The plan also outlines investment in public space improvements and historic buildings within the downtown business district to create more attractive residential and commercial areas. Additionally, Youngstown plans to promote its retail corridors through infrastructure upgrades, expanded services and tax incentives.
In terms of economic development, the plan includes incentives for businesses working towards sustainability goals and other initiatives such as workforce development through education partnerships. In addition, Youngstown aims to create microloans and other forms of financial assistance to help small businesses get off the ground.
One of the most ambitious aspects of the plan is its green initiatives – it calls for city wide evaluation of energy use in order to find ways to save money while reducing pollution. Renewable energy sources are encouraged through incentives such as tax abatements and support furnished by utility companies.
Youngstown is setting a good example for cities nationwide with its comprehensive 2010 Plan – it exemplifies what can be achieved when government and citizens come together for a common goal of community improvement. Hopefully others will take notice and look to Youngstown as an example of successful urban revitalization.