Valley Vision 2050 gets support

Two of three Trumbull commissioners are behind the initiative

WARREN -- Trumbull County Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa on Tuesday said he could support the Valley Vision 2050 initiative if the group could accept half of the $1 million being requested for the economic development project.

Cantalamessa initially stated he wanted to take the proposal under advisement.

The group seeking the funds includes representatives of the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, Valley Partners, Western Reserve Port Authority, Youngstown Foundation and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.

Its goal is to stabilize and expand existing businesses; increase public awareness of arts and cultural industries; increase public participation in workforce training; expand education and employment opportunities; and increase stability of nonprofit organizations and businesses.

It approached the Trumbull County Commissioners about investing $1 million in early October. At the time, its leaders noted they already approached the Mahoning County Commissioners and said it would be asking Youngstown and Warren cities for smaller contributions.

The Mahoning commissioners last week voted to provide its $1 million.

Trumbull County Commissioner President Denny Malloy was immediately supportive of the project proposal. Commissioner Niki Frenchko was against the proposal.

"I don't want to be left behind," Malloy said. "I would like to invest the million."

To address Cantalamessa's hesitancy, Malloy suggested splitting Trumbull's contribution in half, so they will be able to see what actions are done before fully committing to the proposal.

"It will give a little testing ground," he said. "We are betting on ourselves. If we can't trust the entities involved, we're doomed anyway. We need to give them every tool to succeed."

Cantalamessa agreed.

"Everything they're touching on in their proposal are exceptionally important," he said. "Especially, when it comes to workforce development and modernizing housing."

He called the proposal proactive, rather than reactive.

"I've taken a long hard look at this," Cantalamessa said.

"We get bogged down in everyday budgets. This is a way to look ahead. We are able to do that because we've been fiscally responsible and now is the time to invest some of that money. We can look forward to job creation. We will be looking for the right kind of housing."

Cantalamessa describes this as being a possible "win-win."

Malloy said this project will allow Trumbull and Mahoning to work as a region.

Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber, said both counties will have a seat at the table in making decisions. He described the initiative as bringing together public, private and philanthropic sectors in a cooperative way like he has never seen in his lifetime.

"This is a proactive approach to what we are doing," Coviello said. "There is opportunity to expand the population, workforce, housing and available sites for commercial and industrial development."

The success of the effort should be measured by not just jobs created and retained, but also the total number of jobs in the community, Coviello noted.

"We need to pay attention to where the jobs are to make sure they are reaching underserved neighborhoods," he said

Coviello emphasized the results of the work they are planning to do likely will not be accomplished in an election cycle or even during the time when these commissioners and members of the regional chamber will be serving.

"The biggest successes likely will take place at a time when our successors will be able to take credit for them," Coviello said. "None of us are thinking about credit. All of us are thinking about doing what is best for the future."

Coviello said they will be using some of this money to attract other funds from private and other organizations.

Trumbull County Auditor Martha Yoder said funds are available in the county's budget to supply the $1 million.

Malloy hopes to get the proposal on today's county agenda. He, however, acknowledged it might be delayed until next week's board meeting to ensure the agenda item is worded correctly.