October 2025

The Land Bank is proud to partner with the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, local officials and community partners to build 16 new affordable homes in Youngstown through a grant from the Ohio Department of Development’s Welcome Home Ohio program. Read more for the full list of new homes throughout the city, expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The Land Bank has also secured Welcome Home Ohio funding for residential renovations, with the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. completing the rehab work. Two of the six homes have been sold, one is under contract, another recently listed and the remaining two are under renovation. Follow us on Facebook for the latest listings and before-and-afters, such as this one (below) on Shirley Road (sale pending). Check out how far its come since this WKBN interview in April.

The Land Bank has completed 50 demolitions across Mahoning County this year, including targeted areas in Struthers, Youngstown and Campbell. These cleared sites create opportunities for green space, new housing, commercial development and more. Stay tuned for a full demolition report later this year.

The Land Bank recently demolished an abandoned auto parts store at 1034 Wick Avenue through Ohio’s Brownfield Remediation Program. Now the site provides extra space for the tenants of the YWCA's newly renovated multiplex next door. It also accommodates additional parking and solar panels. Read more in the interview with Leah Merritt, CEO of YWCA Mahoning Valley, to learn how the Wick Avenue project is making a difference.

Leah Merritt, CEO of YWCA Mahoning Valley, and Maciek Adamczak, owner

of Municipal Action Corporation, highlight the landscaping of the restored space.

Land Bank Partners with Mill Creek Metroparks

Gary Davenport of the Mahoning County Land Bank and Rachel Sobnosky of Mill Creek MetroParks have teamed up to add more native plant plugs into the park, promoting biodiversity and creating resilient spaces. Click below to learn more.

Congrats to Community Partner, Flying High, Inc.

Conversation with Non-Profit Leadership Mentor

In her latest column, Land Bank Executive Director Debora Flora shares some insights from her recent discussion with Youngstown State University's Laura Dewberry, whose leadership in mentorship and philanthropy has guided the Mahoning Valley’s emerging community service leaders for more than a decade. Through her work, she guides students toward community-minded, mission-driven careers. Read more in Deb's latest Business Journal column.