SitemapThe story of rebuilding and growth here in Youngstown, Ohio is a model for cities around the country to follow.
I grew up in towns like Youngstown, Ohio. Neighborhoods like this one, like Scranton, Pennsylvania, like Claymont, Delaware were thriving, safe neighborhoods. But as we’ve seen in major cities and small towns, over time—things can change.
A recession rips through like a tornado. Eight years ago it nearly brought the entire country down. The nice split-level brick home is boarded up and abandoned as folks can’t afford the mortgage. Copper pipes are stripped away, lawns are filled with weeds. Blight sets in. This neighborhood has been devastated over time by jobs shipped overseas and failure to invest in infrastructure, in education, in police.
But the American people haven't changed. We know what builds strong neighborhoods. And that's what we've done here in this neighborhood. We've been here working alongside the people in this town. Local philanthropy and business stepped up. We've invested here through the Recovery Act.
It takes time, but Youngstown is coming back. It's rippling neighborhood by neighborhood throughout the city. Some homes are razed for green spaces. Others are rehabbed. Folks with jobs making a decent wage are back being able to afford a decent home. The people of Youngstown are keeping the dream alive.
So I’m in here in Ohio today to hear from folks in the community about how they’re working to rebuild homes and businesses, and what we can keep doing to help
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