January - March 2021 _____________________________________________ Volume 58--- Issue 1
Sunshine Laws Training

In Ohio, state law requires state and local public officials (or their designees) to complete three hours of Sunshine Laws training for every term in office.

The legal duty to develop this training and present it to public officials statewide belongs to the Ohio Attorney General's Office (AGO). Additionally, state law authorizes the AGO to allow non-elected officials to take the training, and the office encourages any Ohioans interested in participating to do so. The training is free to all participants.
____________________________________________
Changes to Section 3 of The Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968


The goal of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (Section 3) is to establish stronger, more sustainable communities by ensuring that HUD-funded jobs, training, and contracts are provided to local low- and very low-income residents, particularly those that reside in public housing, and businesses that substantially employ them. It has been 25 years since Section 3 was last updated, and HUD believes it was not as effective as it could be, leading to a final rule change published in the Federal Register on September 29, 2020, and effective October 29, 2020.



Upcoming Events

January
_4 Subdivision Review __ --1:30 PM
_5 SCRPC __________-- --7:30 PM
25 SCATSS_____________---1:30 PM


February
_8 Subdivision Review __ --1:30 PM
_9 SCRPC__VV__ -----------7:30 PM
22 SCATS _VV_________.-1:30 PM


March
_8 Subdivision Review VV--1:30 PM
_9 SCRPC __________ ----7:30 PM
22 SCATS______________ 1:30 PM
_______________________________________________________________________
Land Bank Undertakes Additional Demolitions with Grant Funds


In September 2020, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) reached out to the Stark County Land Bank with the opportunity to receive additional Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP) funds to complete eight more residential demolitions. These funds became available from a reserve of non-allocated funding available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Land Bank was able to reserve funds to help complete these additional demolitions. The stipulation with these reserved funds required that demolitions be fully completed and reimbursement requested within a 90-day timeframe (by December 14, 2020).
_______________________________________________________________
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts on the Environment

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted every facet of our lives. We have changed how we interact with each other, shop, travel, go to school, work, and even eat. These behavioral changes not only altered the economic and social fabric of our communities, they have also altered the environment. Many cities have experienced improved air quality and cleaner water and beaches. Scientific research by Berman and Ebisu (2020) suggests the improvement in overall air quality in urban counties within the United States is likely due to reduced vehicular travel due to working from home and reduced domestic travel.
_______________________________________________________________________
How the SCRPC is adapting with COVID-19


Over nine months ago, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic. Amid COVID lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, the Coronavirus public health crisis (COVID-19) has created many challenges in the workplace and forced many to adapt to new ways of working. The Stark County Regional Planning Commission (SCRPC) is no different. During this uncertain time, the SCRPC has remained open for business and continues to serve the community while taking measures to keep staff and the public safe.
_______________________________________________________________________
Locally Selected Community Transportation Planning Studies
Coming Back Soon
After a short hiatus, the Stark County Regional Planning Commission (SCRPC) will once again be making funds available to complete locally selected Community Transportation Planning Studies.

The Stark County Area Transportation Study (SCATS) receives planning funds from the Federal Highway Administration to carry out their core planning responsibilities of developing and managing the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as well as the Long Range Transportation Plan. These funds can also be used to support additional transportation planning efforts on the local level.
Stark County Regional Planning Commission
201- 3rd St. NE, Suite 201
Canton, Ohio 44702
330-451-7389

President: Kris Vincent
Executive Director: Robert Nau