ABSTRACT
Youngstown, Ohio, is located in north-eastern Ohio on the Mahoning River Valley. In an effort to develop a working relationship between the community of Youngstown and law enforcement officials, a survey was distributed to police officers to measure police attitudes toward the community. Youngstown’s steel industry grew rapidly, and as more and more factory jobs became available, the population began to increase as well. Youngstown’s switch from iron to steel was lucrative for the city. Youngstown became known as the “steel valley.” The Youngstown 2010 plan was the start of a strategic initiative that attempted to create organizational change and stability. When cities face economic struggles along with high crime and unemployment rates, city planners must make difficult decisions in developing strategic plans to help revitalize the city and the community. Innovative leadership is required to create new ideas and sustainable long-term strategic plans. The city has created community gardens in order to utilize green space.
