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“Local news organizations want to help change the direction by holding conversations about solutions – to see where people agree and let citizens set the agenda for what is most useful to their lives,” said Doug Oplinger, a former managing editor at the Akron Beacon Journal who works with local news organizations for the project.
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The discussions held throughout Ohio this fall will focus on how to improve the economic possibilities for local communities like Springfield. Additional forums are scheduled in Dayton, Columbus and Lima this month. The organization hosted similar discussions about the state’s challenges battling the opioid epidemic last year.
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In Springfield, local economic development officials have been able to attract companies like Topre and Silfex that have pledged to create hundreds of jobs and invest millions in the region’s economy. Clark County’s unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in August and local officials said they have seen signs companies are starting to boost wages due to competition for skilled workers.
But local officials are also hoping the latest census figures showed signs that a long trend of population decline is finally showing signs of stabilization.
The city of Springfield actually added about 300 people between 2016 and 2017 a 0.5-percent increase, according to the latest census estimates. However, the city's population is still down more than 1,300 people compared to 2010.
A recent report from labor think tank Policy Matters Ohio also showed wages have been basically flat statewide despite an improving economy. When adjusted for inflation, the state’s 2017 median wage of $17.79 was up just four cents per hour compared to the previous year, according to Policy Matters Ohio’s annual State of Working Ohio report.
The Your Voice Ohio project was initially funded in 2016 by a $175,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, an organization that supports journalistic endeavors. Your Voice Ohio is a collaboration of more than 30 Ohio news organizations, including the Springfield News-Sun and Dayton Daily News.
How to go:
What: Your Voice Ohio forum
When: Monday, Sept. 24, 6 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Clark State Community College’s Leffel Lane Campus (LRC Room 207/209), 570 E. Leffel Lane, Springfield
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