YOUNGSTOWN — Constructing a better Mahoning Valley starts with rebuilding its approach to housing.

Presented Thursday, the Mahoning Valley Regional Housing Strategy offers an in-depth review on what is happening locally and how a collaborative, long-term effort benefits households and those looking at the Valley as a potential home.

Touting a cross-section collaborative approach, the plan works on local and regional levels.

“The strategy provides recommendations and early implementation steps that will build on the strengths we have, address our unique challenges and will help align efforts throughout the Mahoning Valley,” said Jim Kinnick, executive director of Eastgate Regional Council of Governments during a presentation Thursday the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County on Wick Avenue.

Overseeing the project is the Eastgate Regional Council of Government in partnership with the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber and The Youngstown Foundation. The Greater Ohio Policy Center developed the plan in conjunction with the Reinvestment Fund, a national financial group.

Among the regional recommendations:

• Create a housing consortium, formed by Eastgate.

• Start an emerging-developers training program.

• Coordinate adjustments in zoning.

• Offer downpayment assistance programs.

• Assemble available land proactively.

Local recommendations focus on the following:

• Protect existing housing stock and prevent decline.

• Enhance existing neighborhoods and support residents.

• Protect vulnerable populations.

• Lower barriers to development and redevelopment.

“The Mahoning Valley Regional Housing Strategy is a good start to address the housing issues impacting Trumbull and Mahoning counties,” Guy Coviello, Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber president and CEO, said.

“We are eager to move forward and embrace the challenge to provide suitable, affordable and abundant housing for a growing workforce in the Mahoning Valley.”

Overseeing the project is the Eastgate Regional Council of Government in partnership with the Regional Chamber and The Youngstown Foundation. The Greater Ohio Policy Center and Reinvestment Fund.

“Our research indicates that private, public, and philanthropic partners are ready to roll up their sleeves and that the region has what is needed to strengthen and revitalize the area’s housing market,” said Alison Goebel, Greater Ohio Policy Center director.

The Valley’s Housing Issues

• Renters (45%) outnumber homeowners (25%) in Youngstown and Warren households.

• The cost of rent has increased post-pandemic. From 2018 to 2022, median rent and income grew in Mahoning County by 7% and in Trumbull County by 6% during the same time.

• A shortage of housing units exists for extremely low-income renters in Youngstown and Warren with 132 renters competing for every 100 units available.

• 1 out of every 4 Valley households suffer severe housing problems: incomplete kitchen facilities; incomplete plumbing facilities; overcrowding; or paying more than 30% of their income to housing costs.

SOURCE: Mahoning Valley Regional Housing Strategy

READ THE REPORT: https://eastgatecog.org/projects/planning-and-development/Regional-Housing-Plan