Youngstown has made great strides in many areas over the past decade. Crime is down. Thousands of vacant and abandoned structures have been demolished. Homes and vacant lots are being improved. Residents in neighborhood have become more engaged. Downtown continues to grow and population loss has begun to slow.
However, great challenges remain.The city remains exceptionally high in concentrated poverty. The public school system has improved but still remains incredibly challenged. Tough decisions loom as city government faces a potential $16 million deficit over the next several years. And community development organizations continue to fight for progress in midst of it all.
Join us at 5:30 p.m. for a free conversation with Allan Mallach, author of The Divided City: Poverty and Prosperity in Urban America, followed by a panel conversation with local and regional practitioners about the challenges and opportunities in revitalizing Youngstown moving forward.