Are Newton Falls’ best days in the past or yet to be realized? The power to shape the destiny of this quaint, picturesque town, located in southeast Trumbull County, lies with its citizens.

For decades, primary indicators used to determine economic health of communities such as total population and percentage of owner-occupied homes have been declining in Newton Falls.

Newton Falls’ population declined 18% from the 1970 peak of 5,378 residents to the 2020 U.S. Census population count of 4,557. Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau currently reports even though 91% of Newton Falls’ residential units are occupied, only 52% of the occupied residential units are owner occupied.

No doubt, major factors which fed these trends, including the regional loss of good-paying auto and steel manufacturing jobs, were beyond the control of local government and residents of Newton Falls.

Two additional blows that exasperated Newton Falls’ declining economy once the downturn began were the 1976 closing of the Newton Falls Rockwell International Plant that, at its apex, provided steady employment to 1,000 workers manufacturing car bumpers and the devastating 1985 F5 tornado, which destroyed homes, schools and a sizable portion of the Newton Falls business district.

The question at hand is “Can Newton Falls now reverse the downward trajectory, recover and even thrive?”

Absolutely, and now is the time to act.

A study of cities known as “turn-around communities” indicates there is a proven formula that towns can adapt to not only stabilize but thrive.

Features strong towns tend to possess are:

l Cohesiveness: Embracing the concept that government, businesses and citizens are critical, interconnected and interdependent pillars on which the foundation of the community rests. Each pillar is responsible for supporting and strengthening the other two in word and deed. Each component welcomes feedback and suggestions from the others.

l Strong partnerships: Strong partnerships are developed with all levels of government and non-profits that can add value to the community. Politics and political affiliations are set aside to leverage grants and funding opportunities for the common good.

l Civility reigns: Mutual respect for all ideas from all parties is the norm and standard operating procedure. Many communities have adopted excellent “Rules of Civility” models.

l Articulated vision and clear community goals: Community members collaboratively shape and embrace the Community Vision and Goals. The long-term community strategy has real citizen input and buy-in. The Vision and Goals belong to the community, not any one person nor organization.

l Focus on basic services: Strong towns provide reliable, well-managed municipal services and utilities at reasonable cost. Quality municipal services retain businesses and homeowners who have options to relocate.

l Safety and sense of belonging: People want to live in a community where they physically feel safe, and their property is safe.

l Recognition of assets and value: Strong towns inventory and value their assets. Newton Falls is what many are seeking today, the opportunity to live, work and play in a small town. Small towns in America are incredibly special places. Newton Falls is a friendly, walkable community especially blessed with assets many larger towns covet: excellent value for those purchasing homes, great parks and greenspace, historical business district, homes and structures including the covered bridge, easy access to fish, kayak and canoe in two branches of the Mahoning River, two scenic waterfalls, and available sites to expand the residential, commercial and industrial taxbase. Newton Falls also has excellent Ohio Turnpike and Interstate proximity.

l Civic pride and community events: Strong towns display civic pride and celebrate community events and celebrations. Newton Falls consistently utilizes the power of volunteerism to mobilize as challenges arise.

l Good government: Good governance is critical to thriving communities. Good government provides inclusive, collaborative and transparent leadership. Newton Falls voters recently elected a new mayor and simultaneously, the majority of village council seats will be filled with new members. Mayor Dave Hanson and new council members can reset the civic agenda and establish a path forward.

Now is the critical juncture for citizens, businesses and government of Newton Falls to embrace the proven tools and collectively reverse the village’s downward trajectory. To squander such an opportunity would be short-sighted, counterproductive and deny future generations the chance to live, work or own a business in the thriving community Newton Falls has the potential to be.

Judith Ann Zimomra, J.D., M.P.A., is a faculty member of the Ohio State University, John Glenn College of Public Policy where she teaches graduate and undergraduate Public Administration courses. She is a native of Newton Falls where her family has lived continuously for more than a century.