The city of Youngstown has gone through a series of trials and tribulations over the course of mayor Tito Brown's two terms in office. 

This includes a series of high profile violent crimes, labor tensions in the fire department, shortages of ambulance services and a struggle for downtown businesses.

This struggle began with Covid and continued through construction all even before the explosion of the Realty building last May. 

“COVID-19, the Chase explosion, Akil Drake, the relocation of the International Tower residents, construction delays, our downtown Youngstown is now open,” said Brown.

Community leaders gathered at Stambaugh Auditorium to listen to Brown reflect on the past year, and hear his vision for the future. 

As he looks ahead to his run for a third term, Brown says he's optimistic about the progress that's been made and what the future holds. 

During Brown’s State of the City speech, focused on three main topics: housing, crime and plans for the Chill Can land recently bought by the city.

Looking to new development, Brown pointed out the potential for the site of what was supposed to be the Chill Can plant on Youngstown’s east side.

The city made the winning bid of $1,379,580 for the land and three buildings during the Sheriff's auction last month. Brown said the next step is getting the title for three buildings and land.

“We need to assess the property. I have no idea what it looks like inside, but I want to make sure when we start on this project. The number one priority is that it will benefit the citizens of Youngstown, Ohio,” said Brown.

While there are no definite plans on what it will bring to downtown, Brown plans to meet with business owners to see how they can use the site for economic growth.

With growth comes other needs, which is why Brown also wants more housing options.

Brown visited other communities during his time as mayor to see how they are creating more housing. Brown is focusing on creating a bigger variety of housing that would encompass seniors and youth.

He also is working on taking down older buildings in the city, with the hopes for future development in Youngstown neighborhoods.

“I want it to look just like not just Youngstown. I want it to look like our great community, Mahoning Valley. So that’s why we continue to work together and remove these dilapidated properties,” said Brown.

Dorian Smith, senior vice president of business development at 717 Credit Union, announced it’s administering about $13 million of the city’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to improve housing in the city.

For example, some ARP funds are going towards fixing roofs.

Brown also discussed police recruiting efforts, and the status of crime in Youngstown.

“It’s evidence, because we are at a 40% reduction in homicides in the city of Youngstown, and I think it’s because the great men and women are leading from the front,” said Brown.

Brown feels this decrease in homicides is also partly due to police recruitment and technology. Some of the technology pointed out by Brown is the flock cameras and drone units.