January 2026

As we mark 15 years of impact across Mahoning County, we’re proud to share a refreshed look and a refined mission that reflects how our work has evolved. Explore our newly updated website to see how we’re unlocking opportunity, strengthening neighborhoods and proving our new motto:

"Every property has promise."

Seven new homes were built in just one year, marking what Land Bank Executive Director Debora Flora called a “rebirth” for Mineral Springs Avenue at a December ribbon cutting. After acquiring and demolishing long-vacant homes, the Land Bank assembled the lots and secured Welcome Home Ohio funding to support new construction alongside the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation and Joe Koch Construction.

Cathie Hicks (left) and Debora Flora recently welcomed new homeowners on Mineral Springs Avenue with Welcome Home baskets stocked with locally sourced goods.

The Land Bank joined local partners at a ribbon cutting in Struthers to celebrate the replacement of a long-abandoned house that had become a neighborhood eyesore. Working with Mayor Catherine Cercone Miller and community partners, the project transformed a blighted property through demolition and new construction supported by Welcome Home Ohio funding and coordinated by the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation.

“There aren’t many blank spaces left in Struthers, but now we have one fewer,” said Debora Flora in a recent WFMJ interview. “That kind of stability matters to neighborhoods.”

Through partnerships with YNDC and local municipalities, the Land Bank also helped bring new home construction to Sebring and Campbell. These projects highlight the Land Bank’s role in connecting state funding, local governments and development partners to turn opportunity into action.

Brownfield Beautified: Youngstown Flea Reno

Four thousand window panes now brighten the Youngstown Flea’s industrial warehouse following a major renovation made possible through Ohio Department of Development brownfield remediation funding. The Land Bank served as the catalyst for the project, working alongside Youngstown Flea founder Derrick McDowell to bring new life (and light) to the space.

The original windows included asbestos-contaminated caulking. Removal and replacement were critical steps to properly seal the building’s exterior to enable future interior improvements.

Valley Boasts Attractions Despite Perceptions

In her latest Business Journal column, Executive Director Debora Flora draws from conversations with tourism marketing leaders from Mahoning and Trumbull counties to learn how the Valley is drawing visitors and challenging outdated perceptions. Read some of the highlights she includes about the region’s overlooked assets and growing momentum.