Say you want to finally build that set of shelves in your garage, or perhaps create a business plan for your greenhouse idea. Whatever the project, we all tend to go about things the same way – we first research what needs to be done and how to do it, and then we create a plan.

It might involve heading to Google, watching YouTube videos, going to the library to see if a book exists on the subject, and/or seeking out people that have valuable advice to share. Whatever the method used, the bottom line is that the best research provides the best chance of success.

Cities across Ohio and across the country that are serious about community and economic development go through this process — they take the time to learn what has led to success in places similar to them. The goal is not to blindly copy others’ efforts but instead to discover what shared elements attract investment, and then combine those elements with what makes a given location unique.

It is important here to pause and be clear. We support a vibrant and energetic downtown for Galion. Hopefully, you agree.

That kind of research would reveal that communities that are successfully revitalizing downtowns today tend to have two things – a coordinated effort that focuses on promotion, economic development, and appearance; and also local standards in place that provide property and business owners with the tools and financial assistance they need to succeed.

In other words, in Ohio cities like Galion, where the business district is primarily made up of 19th- and early 20th-century buildings, successful revitalization often relies on two key elements. One is the presence of a downtown revitalization organization, and the other is local legislation creating standards, usually in the form of a historic preservation ordinance, that capitalizes on character and unlocks financial incentives. 

In some communities, this kind of law may instead be called a design review or architectural review ordinance. For cities that do not have such legislation, there is almost always another tool in place that serves a similar purpose. If the legislation or recognition meets national and state criteria, they can make an extraordinary difference.

This week we will take a closer look at Galion’s experience and examine where things currently stand, and we how local lessons might be combined with best practices from other communities to suggest the best path forward.