Franciscan Square boosting Steubenville economy with new businesses, job creation – WTOV

Franciscan University’s Urban Development Initiative: A Report on Sustainable Economic and Community Growth

Introduction: Fostering Sustainable Development in Steubenville

Since its inception in 2015, the Franciscan Square project, developed by Franciscan University, has served as a strategic initiative aimed at revitalizing the urban landscape of Steubenville, Ohio. The development, which incorporates restaurants, hospitality services, and entertainment venues, is designed to be an economic catalyst for the city. This report analyzes the project’s impact through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on economic growth, community building, and strategic partnerships.

Economic Impact and Contribution to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The Franciscan Square initiative is a significant contributor to local economic vitality, directly aligning with the objectives of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The project promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by generating employment and stimulating financial activity.

• Overall Economic Footprint: Franciscan University’s total annual economic impact on the region is estimated at approximately $400 million.
• Job Creation: The university is responsible for the creation of around 800 jobs, a significant portion of which are located within Franciscan Square.
• Direct Financial Impact: While specific figures for the square are pending, its annual contribution to the local economy is estimated to be in the millions of dollars. Spending from university visitors alone accounts for nearly $20 million in economic impact.

Community Development and Alignment with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The project’s vision extends beyond economic metrics to enhance the quality of life for residents, reflecting the principles of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By creating a central, accessible public space, the university is working to make the city more inclusive and resilient.

• Community Hub: The primary goal is to establish the square as a central gathering place for community members, fostering social cohesion and providing a venue for business and leisure.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: The provision of new restaurants, a hotel, and an ice rink improves local amenities and contributes to a more vibrant community environment.

Future Developments and Sustained Growth

Ongoing expansion demonstrates a long-term commitment to the project’s sustainable development objectives. New construction, initiated in July, will further bolster the local economy and job market.

1. Expansion Phase: Current construction at the eastern end of the square is set to introduce five new businesses to the area, including an Auntie Anne’s and a Jamba Juice.
2. Projected Job Growth: This new phase of development is expected to create approximately 60 new jobs, further contributing to the targets of SDG 8.
3. Continued Investment: The expansion signals the university’s intent to continue developing the square as a premier destination for both residents and visitors.

Conclusion: A Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17)

The Franciscan Square project exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The university has explicitly stated its role as an integrated partner with the city of Steubenville, emphasizing that its mission is intrinsically linked to the well-being and development of the community. This collaborative approach between an academic institution and a municipality serves as a model for achieving sustainable development through shared value and strategic investment.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Franciscan Square’s development in Steubenville touches upon several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary goals identified are:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The core theme of the article is the role of Franciscan Square as an “economic catalyst” for Steubenville. It explicitly discusses job creation and the generation of economic activity, which are central to SDG 8.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The project aims to improve the quality of life and create a community hub. The article mentions developing the square as “a place for the community to gather” and a place for people to “enjoy quality of life,” which aligns with the goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article highlights the collaborative effort between Franciscan University and the city of Steubenville. The university’s stated mission to “be a good partner” and “add value and continue to develop the community” exemplifies the spirit of partnership required to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. The entire Franciscan Square venture, from its inception to its ongoing expansion with new businesses like Auntie Anne’s and Jamba Juice, is a direct example of a development-oriented project that supports entrepreneurship and job creation.
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men. The article’s mention of the university’s total impact of “800 jobs” and the new development bringing “about 60 new jobs” directly relates to this target of creating employment opportunities.
2. Under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces. The university’s vision to “develop the square as a place for the community to gather” and “a place for just people to enjoy themselves” directly supports the creation of inclusive and accessible public spaces that enhance community well-being.
   • Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning. The project serves as an “economic catalyst for the city of Steubenville,” strengthening the local economy and creating positive social links by providing a central gathering place.
3. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. The initiative is a clear partnership between a private university and the local community. The statement, “We are a Franciscan University in Steubenville, and the two things are linked and can never be separated… everything that we do here is about, ‘How can we add value and continue to develop the community and be a good partner?'” perfectly encapsulates the essence of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Economic Impact (Indicator for SDG 8): The article provides specific financial figures that serve as direct indicators of economic growth. These include:
  • The university’s total economic impact of “around $400 million.”
  • The estimated “millions of dollars of impact annually” from Franciscan Square.
  • The “almost $20 million of impact through the visitors that come to the university.”
• Job Creation (Indicator for SDG 8): The number of jobs created is a key indicator for decent work. The article states:
  • A total of “800 jobs” are associated with the university’s impact.
  • The new construction is “bringing about 60 new jobs.”
• Development of Public Spaces (Indicator for SDG 11): While not a numerical metric, the physical development and expansion of the square itself is an indicator. The article mentions the ongoing construction to bring “five new businesses to the area,” which measures the growth of this community space. The description of it as a place with “restaurants, entertainment, and hospitality” serves as a qualitative indicator of its function as a community hub.
• Strength of Partnership (Indicator for SDG 17): The primary indicator is the existence and continuation of the development project itself, driven by the university’s explicit commitment to “be a good partner” to the city. The ongoing investment and expansion plans are tangible evidence of this successful partnership.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wtov9.com