-
Login
-
Digital Edition
-
Print Edition
- Most Commented
- Most Commented
- Most Emailed
- Most Emailed
- Popular
- Popular
« News Home
Population decline in Valley requires forthright appraisal
TweetThe loss of population in the Ma- honing Valley over the past decade is not a surprise, given that Ohio has experienced one of the lowest growth rates in the nation. But what is troubling is that the region’s largest community, the city of Youngstown, is on a downward spiral.
Youngstown has long been considered the heart of the Valley, with political, business and community leaders insisting that it must be strong in order for the region to flourish.
But, as the loss of 15,044 residents illustrates, the city’s decline may be difficult to stop.
Thus the question: What, if anything, can be done to prevent the city from becoming any smaller and to reverse the overall decrease in population in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties? Finding an answer will not be easy and will require a meeting of the minds of all stakeholders.
Indeed, one of the issues that would have to be addressed is whether the tri-county area can be economically and socially vibrant without a growing population. Urban planners talk about “right sizing,” but it’s the decision makers who must determine what size is right for this region.
The official population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau based on the 2010 count show Youngstown with 66,971 residents (in 2000, it had 82,015); Warren, the second largest community in the Valley, has 41,557 residents. Ten years ago, the Trumbull County city had a population of 56,832.
The initial reaction from the two mayors to the discouraging news could not have been more different. Youngstown’s Jay Williams expressed disbelief that his city experienced an 18.4 percent decline.
“I find it shocking,” Williams said. “That’s a big, big surprise. It’s so hard to accept. I’m trying to find a rational reason why there would be such a decline.”
By contrast, Warren’s chief executive, Michael O’Brien, said this is an opportunity to “reinvent ourselves.”
There are many reason why urban communities are losing population, foremost of which are the lack of good-paying jobs, the failure of the public school system and the deteriorating neighborhoods, which affect home values.
Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties saw population drops of 7.3, 6.6 and 3.8 percent, respectively. The tri-county area has 556,976 people today, compared with 594,746 in 2000. However, there are communities in each county that are growing, several significantly, and that’s good news. They can be used to market the region to businesses and individuals looking to move to a place that has all the amenities and advantages of major metropolitan centers, but is much cheaper in terms of upscale housing, shopping and entertainment.
Local governments, grass-roots organizations and businesses should study the census data carefully and then begin charting this region’s course.
Revenue loss
Of great concern to the Valley is the loss of federal and state money that is allocated on the basis of population. In addition, for cities like Youngstown and Warren, the number of low-and moderate-income residents directly impacts grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (the Community Development Block Grant Program is a prime example), and other agencies.
The census data can be challenged through the appeals process established by the U.S. Census Bureau. June 1 is the starting date for appeals.
Comments
The idea that the Census Bureau should be challenged on the data for the area comes in a close second to the response of Jay Williams who says he can't understand the loss. Challenge the numbers? What will that do?
The entire northeastern United States, with a few exceptions, has been losing population which is moving to the south and the west. Why would this area be any different? I would guess that climate has something to do with this migration, but the changes in the economy of the United States has also been a factor.
The loss of the steel industry in the late 1970's was the breaking point for this area. For whatever reason it was lost, it ended the opportunity for high paying jobs without the need for any specialized education or training. The prosperity that the steel industry brought actually was a cause of the decline of Youngstown, because the younger generations left the city to live in the new suburbs.
And the state of labor management relations and the power of unions cannot be ignored. The experience of GM at Lordstown in its early stages with labor unrest did not go unnoticed in the national business community and probably served to deny the same type of good jobs to others that those at GM enjoyed because companies did not want to come here. A business developer hired by the Port Authority to bring business here was run out of town when he was bold enough to tell the truth.
This area is working against a strong national trend. A realistic assessment of the area would be more helpful. For the City of Youngstown, fixing the problems with the schools, the level of crime and the cost of government would be much more productive than anything else in raising the possiblity of progress in economic development. While the downtown was rebuilt, the City has been slowly decaying. There is not enough government money now to change that situation.
Be realistic is not being negative. False optimism has raised false hopes.
Contrary to the proclamations of some local political leaders and the Chamber of Commerce, V&M Star Steel did not come here for any reason except there was money to be made from the new natural gas findings. The Marcellus and Utica Shale discovery give this area one more chance at economic growth. How the leaders of the area and labor handle this new chance will determine whether the trends continue to be negative, or whether there is some real hope for growth.
But challenge the Census Bureas or express dismay at the facts, not good answers.
I believe the mayor's comments were an eye opener. He is showing the people of the city his clue-less-ness and his ability to deny the truth, despite the truth coming from reliable sources that confirm the beliefs of many area residents. Area residents are atune to what is going on in our cities today. Apparently, the mayor is removed from that ability and, based upon his own scientific studies, enjoys telling everyone they are all wrong.
VINDYAK, you do realize that official estimates had the city's population at closer to 72k, right?
Job creation IS most important. (and, if our local leaders suddenly discover the ability to create them in large numbers, they should share their secret with the rest of the country) But, the city needs to do more than demolish houses, if they want to make more neighborhoods desirable to live in again. This is why I think hiring a city planner could be a good idea.
"A city Planner,, isn't that the job of city council and the mayor. Everybody wants to cut govt spending, so lets hire more people to do the job what we already have people to do."
No. It's like saying you don't need an architect because that's what the contractor is for.
If they can cut other things in the budget to make room for a city planner, I say that's money well spent; we would see more return on investment with a city planner.
Much of Youngstown is a drug-infested cesspool, and drugs drive much of the crime. I see signs of encroachment on the upper north side. I may not leave the valley, but I am seriously considering abandoning the city.
Sadly, there isn't enough will, money, law enforcement or jobs to stop it or offer an alternative.
As long as people keep leaving, the problems will only get worse.
"As long as people keep leaving, the problems will only get worse."
Most likely true. But they would no longer be my problem if I left ... and if others are leaving but I stay, it will continue to get worse around me.
The Marcellus and Utica Shale gives big oil and gas one more chance to drive the final nail in the valley by destroying the ground water that took Mother Nature millions of years to create.
It will be worth it though as long as it keeps oil and gas companies making record profits.
Jessiedavid.....Watch the videos and then tell me you trust what big oil and gas tells you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phCibw...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6MeWS...