YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mayor Jamael Tito Brown was in Columbus last week to attend both the annual meeting of the Ohio Mayors Alliance, where he serves as a member of the group’s board of directors, and Power a Clean Future Ohio’s Clean Energy Champion Awards to accept an award on behalf of the city. 

During its awards ceremony Dec. 11, PCFO presented the city with its Energy Justice Champion award for its advocacy on behalf of residents regarding the SOBE waste-to-energy proposal. PFCO cited the city’s “commitment to protecting the well-being of its residents by standing up to ill-advised development proposals, thoroughly investigating the environmental impacts and listening to the voices and concerns of residents,” a news release states.

“This award is a testament to the power of listening to our community and prioritizing their health and well-being,” Brown said. “In Youngstown, we believe that every energy decision we make should serve our residents equitably and be made in the best interest of the next generation.”

During OHMA’s meeting Dec. 12, the group finalized its legislative priorities for next year and emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation. The group also met with Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, to discuss policy topics impacting Ohio’s cities. 

OHMA’s legislative priorities for 2025 will include:  

  • Creation of a dedicated public safety fund for local communities.
  • Establishment of a state commission on home rule.
  • A state program to incentivize pro-growth housing policies.
  • Local and regulatory protections on products such as marijuana and tobacco sales. 
  • Support for a range of state economic development initiatives and programs that support local communities. 

“We look forward to working with the state legislative leaders and Gov. [Mike] DeWine in the next General Assembly session,” Brown said. “We know there is common ground on issues like public safety, housing and economic development, and we look forward to making important progress on these issues for our communities and the entire state of Ohio.”

Pictured at top: Mayors throughout the state, including Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, fifth from the left in the back row, attended the Ohio Mayors Alliance meeting Dec. 12. (Ohio Mayors Alliance)