Strengthening and Enhancing Communities, Neighborhoods, and Families
The Challenge: Communities, neighborhoods, and the individuals and families who live there face many challenges brought on by a changing world. These changes include rapid growth and development due to suburban sprawl and urban flight, the increasing importance of regionalism, economic decline impacted by industrial decline and global competition, and fiscal constraints caused by changing tax bases and citizen expectations. All of these factors impact quality of life indicators for communities and neighborhoods and pose important challenges for their residents and local decision-makers.
OSU Extension's Response
OSU Extension partners with community leaders, the business community, elected and appointed officials, and non-government organizations to identify educational program opportunities that target the many issues faced by communities and neighborhoods and their residents. These program opportunities include local government and community decision-making processes, regional collaboration models, options for economic diversity and vitality, sustainable natural resource use, leadership development and civic engagement, the provision of community services, financial security and stability for individuals and families, community resource development, and volunteer community service options for all ages.
Benefits/Outcomes for Ohioans
Leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents will gain insights and perspectives into the many issues facing communities and neighborhoods. With increased understanding and knowledge of the challenges and options for addressing local issues and opportunities, citizens will participate in effective and productive community decision-making processes that result in improvements to their community quality of life. Communities and neighborhoods will utilize strategic-planning practices, adopt appropriate land use-plans, participate in regional development partnerships, and support sustainable business enterprises, all of which will enhance community quality of life. Families will be financially strong, have opportunities for employment and income, and benefit from enhanced community quality of life.
Signature Programs and Targeted Audiences
- First Impressions and Community Awareness for communities and neighborhoods--Myra Moss.
- Master Gardener for communities and neighborhoods--County Master Gardener coordinator.
- Urban Programs for communities and neighborhoods--Joe Konen and Karen Williams.
- Public Issue Education for communities--Joe Konen.
- Business Retention and Expansion and economic impact analyses for communities, businesses, and business leaders--Greg Davis.
- Family financial management for families--Sharon Seiling, Caezilia Loibl, Nancy Hudson.
- Parenting--Cynthia Torppa, Kirk Bloir.
- Local Government Leadership Academy for community leaders--Don Lacy.
- Leadership Development, Board Development, and Volunteer Development for non-profit organizations, communities, and neighborhoods--Garee Earnest.
- Couple and Marital Relations--Ted Futris.
- Aging and Later Life--Christine Price.
- Child Care--Kathy Reschke.
