Eastgate Seeks Input on Development Strategy

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Eastgate Regional Council of Governments is seeking feedback on the comprehensive economic development strategy for Ashtabula, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

The strategy, which Eastgate developed with its partners, contains pertinent economic and demographic information on the region including distress criteria, employment trends and regionally significant industries. It outlines regional goals and strategies under the themes of workforce and education; innovation and entrepreneurship; access to capital; infrastructure and site development; industry and business climate; and quality of life and community vitality.

Sarah Wenger, economic development program manager at Eastgate, credited the Regional Economic Development Committee and community leaders with providing valuable guidance on how the strategy was structured as a roadmap to address critical issues facing the three counties. The committee is made up of representatives from city and city economic development agencies, regional economic development organizations, academia and the private sector.

“This document is intended to be more than just a checklist for federal funding, but also a resource for the future of the region,” Wenger said.

The strategy can be found here, and the survey can be found here. The deadline for completing the survey is Sept. 5.

The strategy is required by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. It allows the region to be eligible for EDA funding for public works and development projects for a five-year period. It also serves as a framework for diversifying and strengthening the regional economy by integrating planning efforts, encouraging collaboration across sectors, and identifying priority initiatives and projects for public funding.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.