County and city officials highlight housing incentives, wellness outreach and summer youth jobs

Visitors at the April 16 Mahoning County commissioners meeting described a set of community programs the board and public should know about.

Erica Avery, housing coordinator for the city of Youngstown, outlined three incentive programs: a residential façade match program for owner‑occupants, a landlord incentive program and an "At Home" program that has offered $10,000 toward down payment/closing costs and energy‑efficiency repairs. Avery said the city has sold more than 230 homes through the program since July 2024 and that the available ARP funding is approximately $5 million (she said about $250,000 has been spent to date). Avery said the mayor’s administration increased some program amounts and that new buyers may be eligible for up to $25,000 under more recent terms; she emphasized income guidelines are not required but that recipients must occupy the property and keep property taxes current or on a payment plan.

John Michael Oliver, executive director of the African‑American Male Wellness Agency, briefed the board on a national screening campaign running in 23 cities and requested county support for local programming. Oliver said, in broad figures, the national campaign had screened 10,000 people with 85% showing high blood pressure and noted local activity: "right here in Mahoning Valley...we had almost 3,000 in attendance; we screened almost 200 men," and he urged county financial support for continued outreach and free screenings.

Commissioner Morales and staff announced a county summer youth employment program running May 1–Sept. (ages 14–18, $13/hour) funded by state dollars; applications open May 1 and placements will be coordinated across county agencies and participating townships.

Why it matters Housing incentives and ARP funds affect neighborhood stabilization and homeownership. Local wellness and screening campaigns identify health risks in underserved populations, and the summer youth program creates near‑term employment and workforce experience for teenagers.

Next steps Erica Avery said program details are available through the city’s community development division and encouraged eligible residents to apply; John Michael Oliver asked the county to consider financial support and partners for the August event. The county will notate these requests for follow‑up.