MCEDC members met to hear the “State of the Cities” at the Medina County District Library. Members were able to hear from Economic Development Director of the City of Wadsworth, Tom Morris, Village of Seville Mayor, Carol Carter, Medina City Council President, John Coyne, and City Manager of Brunswick, Carl DeForest.The four speakers participated in a panel discussion facilitated by Executive Director Bethany Dentler.

Where does your municipality stand on medicinal and/or recreational marijuana?

Brunswick – The City of Brunswick has a 6 month moratorium on businesses selling marijuana. The moratorium will be revisited in May and is expected to be extended. 

Seville – The Village of Seville is going along with the State of Ohio rules and will be the first in Medina County to have marijuana. 

How does your municipality treat housing density and affordable housing? Where do you stand on the current zoning policies?

Medina – “There is no simple solution to affordable housing,” said Mr. Coyne. Medina City is actively working to find solutions to drive housing costs down for young people to be able to live in our community.

Wadsworth – The City of Wadsworth is in the process of refining their zoning policies in order to bring more affordable housing options to desirable areas. 

Considering the impact of inflation, how is your community doing financially? 

All four speakers agreed that cities are not immune to inflation, however each of the cities are still doing very well. Several cities reported an increase in income tax collection, and all of the cities will be able to maintain any services they currently offer, on top of expanding services in different areas.