Initiative to improve region seeks input of public through the Web

YOUNGSTOWN -- An initiative to improve Northeast Ohio is seeking input from the public through its Web site to determine the best options for resolving the six challenges facing the region.
Voices & amp; Choices, created by about 70 philanthropic organizations, is urging Northeast Ohio residents to visit www.voiceschoices.org -- and decide the best options.
The challenges and options were developed during dozens of "community conversations" earlier this year in 15 Northeast Ohio counties -- including Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana -- to discuss ways to improve the area. Almost 20,000 people participated in the conversations.
The challenges are:
Public school funding and accountability.
Creating a 21st century workforce.
Racial isolation and income inequality.
Uncompetitive business climate.
Government fragmentation.
Sprawl.
Through the summer, people can vote for the best options for each of the categories on the Web site.
For example, in the area of competitive business climate, the options include creating a fund to support entrepreneurs, offering regional tax subsidies for businesses that move to the region, creating labor-management councils to improve labor relations, and advocating for the state to develop a universal health care program to relieve businesses from the burden of rising health costs.
Results from the voting on the Web site will be used to produce the region's agenda and a final action plan at a fall meeting.