Our Approach

The YNDC utilizes an equity building from assets based approach guided by long term planning and informed decision making. Our approach focuses on addressing four components to achieve neighborhood health:

• image
• market
• physical conditions
• neighborhood engagement

Our interventions are focused to achieve tangible outcomes and leveraged through partnerships with organizations and investment of time, energy, and resources by neighborhood residents.

Healthy Neighborhoods Approach

Youngstown’s Transformation Initiative brings together a comprehensive array of investments intended to stimulate transformative change in asset-rich neighborhoods with high potential for market improvement.  The approach draws on lessons from similar “healthy neighborhoods” strategies being implemented in Baltimore, Cleveland, Richmond and other cities around the country. 

These strategies combine intensive resident engagement and planning with catalytic investments that enhance the overall appearance and quality of life.  Over time, they are designed to improve resident satisfaction with and confidence in their neighborhood, boost overall market health, and attract additional private/public capital investments in housing and businesses.  The approach is highly collaborative, aligning the efforts of nonprofits, governmental agencies and private investors, while ensuring that residents remain at the center of decision-making.