Neighborhoods

Monday, March 2, 2026

Farmers National Bank awarded YNDC with a $8,000 grant to support YNDC’s housing programs. Thank you to Farmers National Bank for their ongoing support! 

Throughout 2025 and into this year, YNDC staff did door-to-door surveys of more than 2,430 households, particularly asking residents about Glenwood Avenue, released at the end of January.

To read the full article from Mahoning Matters, click here.

Tucked away in the Glenwood Corridor on Youngstown's South Side, Glenwood Grounds Cafe is serving up coffee and community at a discount.

"We're here to be a place of hope for the neighborhood, and to be able to help the neighborhood out. ... We are striving to keep the prices as low as we can," said Steve Sherhag, ministry assistant at Hope For Renewal.

The nonprofit Christian ministry opened the space on Glenwood Avenue in 2022. It's open every Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In 2024, the national average price for a latte was $5.46, according to a study by point-of-sale system Toast. At Glenwood Grounds, the same kind of drink is currently available for just $2.50. Drip coffee, cold brew, chai and matcha are all also listed at below-average prices.

The affordable menu is made possible by low overhead costs, according to Sherhag, who said the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation helped Hope For Renewal buy its building on Glenwood Avenue in 2022.

To read the full article from WFMJ, click here.

Gary Franklin is the Chief Financial Officer for the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. Under the supervision of the Executive Director, Gary is responsible for managing and completing organizational accounting and financial activity.

Contact Gary at gfranklin@yndc.org

Mahoning Valley leaders welcomed an announcement late Friday afternoon that Youngstown and Warren were awarded more than $3.3 million in state funds to support the development of workforce housing in the two cities.

Youngstown will receive $2.5 million and Warren will get $851,000 from the Residential Economic Development District program, Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced Friday. The state awarded more than $9 million in grants to support the creation of workforce housing in five communities.  

“As our economy grows and more opportunities are created across the state, investing in workforce housing ensures that the people powering Ohio’s success can live and thrive in the communities they serve,” DeWine said in a news release announcing the grants. “The investments Ohio is making through the REDD program will help more hard-working families put down roots and build brighter futures.”

The REDD program was introduced by state Sen. Michele Reynolds in the state’s biennial budget bill, House Bill 96. The bill was signed into law last year.  

“Ohio’s economic momentum is creating opportunities in communities all across our state. That growth brings the need for more housing to ensure people have a place to call home,” Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel said. “Programs like this help ensure our communities are prepared to meet the moment and create the housing needed to support this incredible growth.”

The REDD program provided up to $10 million in grants this fiscal year, followed by roughly $15 million in fiscal year 2027, to help communities expand housing opportunities close to major economic development projects. Both projects will support housing demand created by investments from Ultium Cells and other regional economic development projects, according to the state news release.

The grant to Youngstown will support the development of up to 220 workforce housing units through an infill housing initiative, collaboration between Youngstown, the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp., Mercy Health Youngstown and other community partners, according to the release. 

To read the full story from The Business Journal, click here. 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday that more than $9 million in grants would go toward the creation of workforce housing in five counties.

"It's really a big deal and you know, it just underscores the momentum that we're seeing in the mahoning valley," Nico Morgione, Director of Government Affairs with the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber, said. "We're continuing to see economic development wins with the likes of Ultium Cells, Kimberly Clark, a Vallourec expansion, the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense," he said.

Among those awarded, Youngstown received $2.5 million and Warren, $850,000.

Youngstown City Spokesman Andy Resnick said in a statement, "This is another example of community partners coming together to continue to grow our city. This specific grant leverages the investment being made in the development with funds that can be utilized for beautification efforts and infrastructure improvements that makes the project more affordable and attractive."

"Youngstown's going to be able to build about 220 homes with these funds with a whole slew of other things. Youngstown is looking more at the infill housing aspect of it and the city of Warren is really focused on their Peninsula Project," Morgione said.

A press release from Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development reads in part:

"The City of Youngstown (Mahoning County) will receive a $2.5 million grant to support the development of up to 220 workforce housing units through an infill housing initiative. Funding will be used to improve roads, sidewalks, lighting, and other public infrastructure, while also connecting new homes to existing water and sewer systems. Many of the homes will be built on vacant lots owned by the city and the Mahoning County Land Bank, helping transform underutilized properties into new residential opportunities. Homebuyers will receive a 100 percent, 15-year property tax abatement and be eligible for down-payment assistance through the city's At Home program. The project is a collaboration between Youngstown, the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, Mercy Health Youngstown, and other community partners. 

To read the full story from WFMJ, click here.

Youngstown is receiving a $2.5 million state grant to help support plans to develop up to 220 workforce housing units while Warren is getting $851,000 to support its Peninsula project to create 306 new housing units.

The $2.5 million for Youngstown will be used to improve roads, sidewalks, lighting and other public infrastructure as well as connect the new homes to existing water and sewer systems.

Many of the structures will be built on vacant lots owned by the city and the Mahoning County Land Bank.

The funding is part of the $5 million At Home in Youngstown program created in 2024 using American Rescue Plan dollars given to the city.

Permitted expenses under the program include a maximum of $10,000 for down payments and closing costs, and an additional $15,000 limit for energy-efficient upgrades to windows, furnaces and hot water tanks after a house is purchased.

Those who qualify for funding under the At Home program have to live in the house for at least five years or the funds will be returned. There is no limit on the total household income.

Also, those who purchase new homes in the city can receive a 100% property tax abatement for 15 years.

The program is a collaboration between the city, the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp., Mercy Health Youngstown and other community partners.

To read the full story from Tribune Chronicle, click here.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development today announced more than $9 million in grants to support the creation of workforce housing in five counties.  

The funding comes from the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) program, which provided up to $10 million in grants this fiscal year, followed by roughly $15 million in fiscal year 2027, to help communities expand housing opportunities close to major economic development projects.

“As our economy grows and more opportunities are created across the state, investing in workforce housing ensures that the people powering Ohio’s success can live and thrive in the communities they serve,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “The investments Ohio is making through the REDD program will help more hard-working families put down roots and build brighter futures.”

"Ohio's economic momentum is creating opportunities in communities all across our state. That growth brings the need for more housing to ensure people have a place to call home," said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. "Programs like this help ensure our communities are prepared to meet the moment and create the housing needed to support this incredible growth."

Image of Ohio with counties receiving awards highlighted

A total of $9,198,019 is being awarded to the following communities:

The City of Hamilton (Butler County) will receive a $2.5 million grant to support the development of 100 new workforce housing units through the city’s “Build Back the Block” initiative. Funding will be used to connect new homes on 100 infill lots to existing water and sanitary sewer infrastructure, helping bring long-vacant residential parcels back into productive use. The City of Hamilton currently owns more than 250 residential parcels ready for redevelopment, and this investment will allow construction to begin quickly, with the first 10 homes expected in 2026. Once completed, the homes will be sold below construction cost to low- to moderate-income families, helping strengthen existing neighborhoods while expanding homeownership opportunities. This project supports housing demand created by investments from the Amazon.com facility in Monroe and other regional economic development projects.

The City of Lancaster (Fairfield County) will receive a $1 million grant to support the development of 361 workforce housing units through key public infrastructure improvements. Funding will be used for sanitary and water main extensions, new public road construction, sidewalks, and related infrastructure needed to support a large mixed housing development that includes single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. The City of Lancaster has modernized its zoning code and reduced development fees to support housing growth, and the project builds on an estimated $70 million private development investment already underway. The improvements will help accelerate housing construction while supporting the city’s long-term growth goals. This project supports housing demand created by investments from Anduril and other regional economic development projects.

The City of Youngstown (Mahoning County) will receive a $2.5 million grant to support the development of up to 220 workforce housing units through an infill housing initiative. Funding will be used to improve roads, sidewalks, lighting, and other public infrastructure, while also connecting new homes to existing water and sewer systems. Many of the homes will be built on vacant lots owned by the city and the Mahoning County Land Bank, helping transform underutilized properties into new residential opportunities. Homebuyers will receive a 100 percent, 15-year property tax abatement and be eligible for down-payment assistance through the city’s At Home program. The project is a collaboration between Youngstown, the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, Mercy Health Youngstown, and other community partners. 

To read the full release from Governor of Ohio, click here.

The state has awarded funding to the cities of Youngstown and Warren to support new home building in the areas.

The grants were among those awarded in five Ohio counties, funded by the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) program. The program provided up to $10 million in grants this fiscal year and will provide roughly $15 million in fiscal year 2027.

The projects aim to meet the housing demands brought by recent business investments in the area.

The City of Youngstown is receiving a $2.5 million grant to support the development of 220 “workforce housing units.”

The properties will be constructed through an infill housing initiative, building on vacant lots owned by the city and Mahoning County Land Bank, according to a news release from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office.

As part of the project, funding will be used to connect the new homes to existing water and sewer systems.

Those who purchase the homes will receive a 100 percent, 15-year property tax abatement and be eligible for down-payment assistance through the city’s At Home program.

The project is a collaboration between the city, the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC), Mercy Health Youngstown and other community partners.

To read the full story from WKBN, click here.

Monday, March 9, 2026

The City of Youngstown will receive a $2.5 million grant to support the development of up to 220 workforce housing units through an infill housing initiative. Funding will improve roads, sidewalks, lighting, and other public infrastructure, while also connecting new homes to existing water and sewer systems. Many homes will be built on vacant lots owned by the city and the Mahoning County Land Bank, transforming underutilized properties into new residential opportunities. Homebuyers will receive a 100 percent, 15-year property tax abatement and be eligible for down-payment assistance through the city’s At Home program. The project is a collaboration between the City of Youngstown, Mahoning County Land Bank, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, and other community partners. This project supports housing demand created by investments from significant regional economic development projects. More information about the Residential Economic Development District program can be found here.