NILES — City Council has greenlit a $50,000 Housing Technical Assistance Grant from the Ohio Department of Development to overhaul the city’s zoning codes, which will focus on modernizing housing regulations and boosting neighborhood revitalization.

The grant, which requires no local funding match, will enable Niles to hire a consultant to review and propose updates to its zoning codes, according to Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz and Councilman Aaron Johnstone, D-2nd Ward.

The initiative aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan and the Eastgate Regional Council of Government’s housing strategy to address housing shortages amid a job boom in the Mahoning Valley. Mientkiewicz talked about the need to update codes to support mixed-use developments, such as retail spaces with apartments above, and to accommodate new housing to retain and attract residents.

“Our housing stock is aging, with even newer neighborhoods pushing 50 years,” he said, noting the urgency to modernize zoning to support projects like the Kimberly-Clark development in Howland and Warren townships and activity around the Eastwood Mall in Niles.

Johnstone called the grant a critical tool to proactively update codes — noting some have been unchanged since the 1970s — rather than addressing issues reactively.

“This lets us bring in fresh perspectives from other communities,” he said, stressing that city council will retain final approval over any changes and ensuring community input. The grant, part of a $1.5 million state program supporting 20 Ohio counties, will help Niles align its zoning with modern housing trends.

The effort complements ongoing projects, including a neighborhood demolition program that the city says has seen 18 of 22 targeted properties rehabilitated rather than razed, thanks to a proactive housing officer.

The city is also expanding the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) program to offer incentives for new builds and home rehabs, along with securing $4 million through the Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) program with Cortland, Hubbard and Girard to upgrade low- to moderate-income homes.

Mientkiewicz highlighted the need for new housing to support regional growth, citing economic development reports indicating insufficient housing for new jobs.

The city is also working toward improving its walkability through sidewalk projects, with additional local programs planned for 2026. While community engagement details are pending, Johnstone expects public meetings and social media outreach — similar to the comprehensive plan process — to gather resident input.

“This grant is about positioning Niles for the future,” Johnstone said. “We’re an older community, but with updated zoning, we can offer modern housing options while keeping our residents’ voices at the forefront.”