Youngstown Approves Funds for Microenterprise Assistance – Business Journal Daily

Youngstown Urban Development Initiatives Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Cornerstone Collective: Fostering Economic Growth and Reducing Inequality (SDG 1, SDG 8, SDG 10)

The City of Youngstown has allocated $220,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to the Cornerstone Collective, an initiative managed by the Intentional Development Group. This program is designed to advance several Sustainable Development Goals by targeting microenterprise development for low- to moderate-income residents.

• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The initiative will promote sustainable economic growth by establishing a business accelerator program, providing business coaching, and offering direct investment opportunities to stimulate local entrepreneurship.
• SDG 1 (No Poverty): By enabling residents to transform skills into viable businesses, the program provides a direct pathway to economic self-sufficiency and poverty reduction.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The program specifically targets low- to moderate-income individuals, aiming to bridge economic disparities and foster inclusive growth within the community.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The development of local microenterprises, including a community shared kitchen, strengthens the local economic fabric and enhances community resilience.

Neighborhood Revitalization: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Communities (SDG 11, SDG 3, SDG 15)

In a significant commitment to urban renewal, the Board of Control has approved contracts with the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. (YNDC) totaling nearly $840,000. These projects directly support the creation of safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environments as outlined in SDG 11.

1. Enhancing Safe and Affordable Housing:
   • $361,179 for the construction of three new houses on vacant lots.
   • $175,000 for exterior and roof repairs on 15 owner-occupied homes.
   • $63,737 for the rehabilitation of a vacant property.
   • $200,000 for essential repairs on 42 owner-occupied properties to address critical deficiencies that jeopardize safety and sustainability.
2. Improving Health and Well-being (SDG 3): By addressing critical housing deficiencies, these repairs ensure safer and healthier living conditions for residents, contributing directly to their well-being.
3. Promoting Urban Greening and Community Safety (SDG 11, SDG 15): A $40,000 allocation will fund comprehensive blight removal and greening efforts, including:
   • Cleaning at least 150 vacant properties in eligible census tracts.
   • Eliminating at least 500 cubic feet of blight from neighborhood corridors.
   • Planting at least 100 shade trees, contributing to urban biodiversity and climate resilience (SDG 15).
   • Installing at least 25 bright LED security lights to improve neighborhood safety and inclusivity.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

   The article discusses initiatives in Youngstown, Ohio, that connect to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on economic empowerment for low-income residents and improving urban living conditions. The primary SDGs addressed are:

   • SDG 1: No Poverty: The initiatives directly target “low- to moderate-income city residents” by providing economic opportunities through microenterprise development and by making essential home repairs, which helps preserve assets and prevent housing instability for vulnerable populations.
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The “Cornerstone Collective” initiative is centered on fostering economic growth by supporting microenterprises and small businesses. It aims to create productive activities and entrepreneurship through services like a business accelerator, coaching, and direct investment.
   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: By specifically focusing on providing business development assistance and housing support to “low- to moderate-income city residents,” the program aims to reduce economic disparities and promote the economic inclusion of disadvantaged groups within the city.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: A significant portion of the funding is allocated to urban renewal projects. These include constructing new houses, rehabilitating vacant properties, repairing existing homes, cleaning vacant lots, removing blight, planting trees, and installing security lights, all of which contribute to making the city safer, more resilient, and sustainable.

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

   Based on the activities described, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • Target 8.3 (under SDG 8): “Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises…” The article’s description of the Cornerstone Collective, which provides a “business accelerator program, business coaching, direct investment into small businesses,” and helps people “turn something they enjoy doing and turn it into a real business,” directly aligns with this target.
   • Target 11.1 (under SDG 11): “By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.” The funding allocated for “roof and other exterior repairs for 15 owner-occupied properties,” construction of “three new houses,” rehabilitation of “a vacant property,” and “essential repairs to 42 eligible owner-occupied properties” all contribute directly to improving housing adequacy and safety.
   • Target 11.7 (under SDG 11): “By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces…” While not creating public parks, the initiative’s goals to “clean at least 150 vacant properties,” “eliminate at least 500 cubic feet of blight,” “plant at least 100 2-inch caliper shade trees,” and “install at least 25 bright LED security lights” work towards creating a safer, greener, and more pleasant urban environment for residents.

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 provides several specific, quantifiable indicators that can be used to measure the progress and success of the initiatives:

   • Indicators for Target 8.3: While the article doesn’t state a target number of businesses to be created, the existence of a “business accelerator program” and “direct investment into small businesses” implies that the number of businesses supported, the amount of capital invested, and the number of jobs created would be key performance indicators.
   • Indicators for Target 11.1: The article provides very specific numerical indicators for housing improvements:
     • Number of properties receiving roof/exterior repairs: 15
     • Number of new houses constructed: 3
     • Number of vacant properties rehabilitated: 1
     • Number of properties receiving essential repairs: 42
   • Indicators for Target 11.7: The article lists clear, measurable outcomes for neighborhood improvement:
     • Number of vacant properties to be cleaned: at least 150
     • Volume of blight to be eliminated: at least 500 cubic feet
     • Number of shade trees to be planted: at least 100
     • Number of LED security lights to be installed: at least 25
     • Number of low/moderate-income residents served by these improvements: at least 28,645

SDGs, Targets and Indicators Summary

Source: businessjournaldaily.com