Land Bank Director Discusses Mahoning Valley Land Revitalization Efforts During Virtual State Conference

Debora Flora, Mahoning County Land Bank executive director, recently discussed the Land Bank’s role in community and economic development in Mahoning County during a video interview that aired at the Ohio Land Bank Association’s virtual conference.

The 10th annual two-day conference was attended by individuals from 57 county land banks across Ohio. The Western Reserve Land Conservancy hosted the virtual conference in late September.

In a now-published session titled, “Mahoning Valley Success Stories,” Flora discusses the Land Bank’s demolition, greening and revitalization efforts over the years, citing examples of its work and the impact it has had on Youngstown and the surrounding communities.

Flora highlights ways in which the Land Bank collaborates with community partners and neighborhood groups to identify problem areas and the needs of the local residents, to be able to effectively repurpose vacant, blighted properties. As a result, communities have seen an increase in property values, a decrease in crime and an overall improvement of their once-forgotten neighborhoods.

“We ask ourselves the question, ‘how do we address neighborhood conditions, so that people feel safe and comfortable where they live and they want to engage with their neighbors?’” Flora says in the interview.

She also touches on the Land Bank’s commercial revitalization efforts and the role it has played with helping businesses expand and acquire once-vacant, tax-delinquent properties.

Additionally, the session includes an interview and tour with Ian Beniston, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation’s executive director, who works closely with the Land Bank. He showcases recent revitalization projects and discusses how YNDC’s partnership with the Land Bank is playing a key role in neighborhood stabilization.

Debora serves as a member on the Ohio State Land Bank Association board and represents medium-sized county land banks with populations of 150,000 to 300,000. The association is made up of representatives from 46 counties ranging in population from less than 150,000 to greater than 750,000.

Check out the full interview with host Jim Rokakis, vice president of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.