蜜柚视频

More than 300 people invested in the continued growth and success of Appalachian Ohio attended the 13th annual State of the Region Conference on May 13 at 蜜柚视频.

As part of the , the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service brought  together public officials, economic development experts, business and organizational leaders, and others to discuss various issues related to economic growth in the Appalachian Ohio region.

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鈥淭he State of the Region was a powerful reminder of the innovation and collaboration shaping the future of Appalachian Ohio,鈥� said John Carey, director of the Governor鈥檚 Office of Appalachia. 鈥淎s our region develops, we continue to leverage unique opportunities and create meaningful change, all driven by strong partnerships and leaders who are committed to seeing their communities succeed.鈥�

The theme for this year鈥檚 event was 鈥淏uilding Thriving Communities鈥� and featured four panels on Housing, Tourism, Child Care, and Development.

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All of these efforts can be tied together by one foundational component: affordable housing. As different panelists pointed out, it鈥檚 essential for the tourism industry because workers need a place to live that is close to hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The level of childcare is dependent on the local schools and the property taxes generated, and new residents fuel economic development.

It's important to note that housing options aren鈥檛 required to be new dwellings, but ones that are improved.

鈥淲e try to take a 鈥榝ix it first鈥� approach, we have thousands of people living in what I would consider low-quality housing,鈥� said Ian Beniston, executive director of the . 鈥淚f we don't fix those houses, ultimately, a lot of folks will have to vacate them.鈥�