Few towns can match Strongsville’s diverse balance of modern amenities, abundant parks and recreational opportunities and a location that offers convenient access to anywhere. Strongsville’s most valuable asset is the people who live, work and operate businesses here. With the support of generous civic groups, faith-based organizations and others who volunteer their time for the betterment of their community, our residents and our business men and women are the fiber that binds our town together. Strongsville continues to exude a small, hometown charm even while rated as the fifth largest suburb in Cuyahoga County. The business climate in Strongsville remains robust, as evidenced by a solid 97% occupancy rate in our four business parks, where more than 160 manufacturing and technology firms empl0y nearly 9,000 people. The income tax revenues generated by those businesses has been instrumental in helping the city maintain its coveted Aaa rating from Moody’s Investors Service.

Lancaster is a thriving and historic community offering the best of small town quality of life and big city opportunities. Lancaster has more than thirty-five thousand residents. Many of these people have found employment in various glass production companies, including Anchor Hocking Glass Company, located in the community. At the heart of Lancaster is a thriving, revitalized downtown that is home to museums, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

This Rust Belt city is in the midst of a cultural and economic renaissance that combines rich historical tradition with the zeal of a new generation. The area is seeing a resurgence of business in its once-empty downtown area, including restaurants, bars, galleries and local shops, while organizations like the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation seek to shore up the urban neighborhoods and the marketing platform “The City of You” supports local culture, events, and programs.

The City of Warren is in an ideal location for businesses, with close proximity to large cities and major railroads and highways. New economic opportunities presented by local exploration of the Utica and Marcellus Shale formations are especially exciting for the city. Warren’s Downtown and Parks revitalization efforts continue to move forward and the City recently received its fifth Gold and first Platinum award from the Ohio Department of Public Health for outstanding achievement in maintaining a healthy environment.

The City of Toledo is making great advancements in the adoption of innovative technology that will connect Toledo and make the community more energy efficient. Toledo looks to build upon 2017 programs that connect neighborhoods with strategically placed bike sharing stations that will supplement existing transportation methods. Neighborhoods are being revitalized and the natural environment is responsibly being incorporated into the community for recreational and educational purposes.

The City of Springfield has made significant progress in securing sustainable financial growth in the last few years since losing over $21M in state funding since 2007. Springfield has remained dedicated in attracting new business opportunities and investing in the growth of its downtown. The City of Springfield is investing in infrastructure to repave roads and other infrastructure upgrades. Springfield will have a positive financial outlook in 2018 due to new development and additional revenue from the passage of an income tax levy in 2017.

The City of Parma is not immune to an aging infrastructure and is overcoming this dilemma by investing millions of dollars in the modernization of critical infrastructure such as roads, water lines, and sewer. Parma also touted a 6.6% increase in home values in 2017, which demonstrates a continued three-year trend of a rebounding housing market. The City of Parma was also ranked as one of the Top 50 safest cities in the nation. Parma’s dedication to economic development, infrastructure, and public safety will continue to support sustainable growth in 2018.

Settled by Daniel Doty in 1791, Middletown was incorporated in 1833 and has operated under a Home Rule city charter since 1913. The city is governed by a five-member City Council, a directly elected Mayor, and four members elected “at large.” The Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Council meetings begin at 5:30 pm in the Council Chambers of the City Building’s Lower Level.

The City of Lorain received national attention for its proposal to acquire Amazon HQ2. Although Lorain was not selected as a finalist for Amazon, the proposal has led to Lorain receiving stunning interest from companies across the country regarding the tax incentives it outlined for Amazon. What was an initial disappointment for Lorain could prove to be a huge success moving into 2018. The City of Lorain was faced with severe budget cuts and layoffs city-wide in 2016. With restructuring and increased self-sufficiency, Lorain has proved its resilience and will continue to grow into the 21st century.

Showing its resilient fortitude and strength in development and research, Lima has emerged as a leader in the Northwest Ohio region. Lima’s economy plays a key role in Ohio’s overall economic picture through agricultural, industrial, health care, educational, banking and commerce opportunities. By strategically investing in commercial and industrial projects and redevelopment, Lima has ensuring growth into the city’s future.

The City of Lakewood completed significant capital improvement projects in 2017 and is currently in the process of revitalizing its downtown with the largest new development since 1950. Lakewood is also investing in public-private relationships to help increase economic development that will allow Lakewood to remain competitive and increase quality of services. Lakewood’s vision for embracing new technology and energy reliability will allow for Lakewood to remain competitive and sustainably grow moving into 2018 and years beyond.

The City of Kettering continued its dedication to supporting a thriving business community in 2017. Kettering saw the expansion of its business parks and saw the addition of hundreds of jobs. The City of Kettering was ranked the fifth safest community in Ohio, which has led to a strong housing market, strong schools, and growth in population. The City of Kettering will continue to improve existing services and provide additional services moving into 2018.

In 2017, Grove City expanded and welcomed new business opportunities while preserving its “small town” character that has attracted many residents to call Grove City home. After a recent community survey, 94% of residents believe grow city is moving in a positive direction. Grove City benefited from an increase in income tax collections, which allowed for greater spending toward services and infrastructure. Grove City recently adopted the “GroveCity2050” Community Plan that outlines the communities plan for sustainable growth.

The City of Findlay made aggressive gains in economic development and investments in infrastructure in 2017. Findlay established and maintained private-public partnerships that invested millions into the local economy. Findlay was also ranked the top “micropolitan” community in the country for the fourth consecutive year. Findlay recorded record job growth in 2017 and looks to continue this trend moving into 2018.

The City of Fairfield strategically managed its finances in 2017 to invest in aging infrastructure while maintain a bond rating of Aa1. Fairfield is investing millions into public works projects that will increase economic development and sustainability. Fairfield has developed partnerships that will allow for future growth in 2018.

In 2017, The City of Euclid made significant advances in economic development with the addition of large corporations that will add thousands of jobs and will revitalize the industrial corridor of Euclid. Euclid remains committed to responsibly incorporating Lake Erie and its beaches into a habitat friendly and recreational shoreline. The City of Euclid will continue its fiscal responsibility and accountability for sustainable growth in 2018 while maintaining and expanding public services provided.

The City of Elyria completed significant capital improvement projects in 2017 and is currently in the process of revitalizing its downtown. Elyria is also investing in public-private relationships to help increase economic development. Elyria is laying the foundation for continued success and growth by funding these capital improvement projects that will continue to lay the foundation for sustainable growth and development moving into 2018.

In 2017, The City of Dublin continued its tradition of investing in economic development and infrastructure to create sustainable growth. Dublin created lasting partnerships that led to the retention and creation of hundreds of jobs in 2017. Dublin’s dedication to public safety allowed for Dublin to be ranked the safest city in Ohio and 4th best suburb in the country. The City of Dublin will continue to invest in sustainable growth and providing high quality services to its citizens in 2018.

The last few years Dayton has seen remarkable growth and development throughout the city and 2017 was no different. The City of Dayton has completed more than $250M in capital improvement projects in 2017, with numerous that are on-going. The Dayton regional economy is growing again; attracting numerous businesses that promise to add hundreds of jobs. The City of Dayton is undertaking progressive policies to reduce neighborhood blight, poverty and drug addiction. The City of Dayton will plan to continue their growth and development moving into 2018.

In 2017, The City of Columbus continued to make large investments in the sustainable growth of the city. The City of Columbus made significant investments in public safety, economic development, and public health. Columbus laid out ambitious and tangible goals that will take more than a year to accomplish. Progressive policies and a business-friendly environment have made Columbus one of the fastest growing and diverse cities in the country. Columbus will continue to grow and achieve the goals it set forth in 2018.