The Pillars - Goals & Strategies

Defiance is a community where everyone has connections to and is utilizing safe and easy access to reliable networks.

• 100% that want access have access to fast, affordable/free internet services.
• Workforce rates have increased making the Defiance community exceed the national average.
• Transportation systems and resources are in place and accessible.
• 100% of community has access to safe pedestrian connections.

Strategies

• Create a comprehensive transportation system for Defiance County.
• Provide access to affordable high-speed broadband internet service county-wide.
• Develop a build-up academy.

Outcomes & Discussions

See Minutes on these topics

• Defiance County Transportation Network
• Mobility Manager Position
• Connectivity and Wi-Fi with 5G networks and neighborhood HUB

Key Contributors to this Pillar

• Brad Booth, ED Henry County Transportation Network
• Kathy Shaw, Triangular Processing
• The new Mobility Manager
• Guiseppe Blanchard, The Dream Center
• Angie Franklin, Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission (NOCAC)
• Katye Katterheinrich, Ravens Care
• Ryan Mack, County Commissioner
• Niki Warncke, City Planner

The Defiance community provides residents with a variety of experiences and opportunities for awareness and growth in education, arts and culture.

• The community offers diverse education and experiential opportunities Pre-K through 12 (public) and college (private) in and beyond the schools, public and private.
• Residents have a variety of opportunities and experiences to be exposed to, participate in, and learn about the visual and performing arts.
• Children and adult learners have an abundance of educational opportunities that contribute to a culture that embraces change, diversity and civil discourse.
• Families have access to a variety of programs for their growth and development.
• The perception of area schools is improved and our schools attract high quality teachers.

Strategies

• Provide the resources children and adult learners need to build a vision for their futures through a collaboration with churches, non-profits, the city, the county, businesses, museums, higher education institutions, public and private schools, and other agencies.
• Renovate or build an attractive, spacious facility to support family and community programming in collaboration with the City of Defiance, the Defiance City Schools, and Defiance College.

Outcomes & Discussions

See minutes on the topics.

Culture

• 1918 Building

Education

• Small Business Development Committee - Entrepreneurship Incubator Space
• Dream Center Initiatives
• GAP Year Program at Defiance College
• Jacket Journey at Defiance College

Defiance is a renaissance community recognized as a national leader in attracting and retaining quality jobs and supporting innovative business opportunities.

• We bring educators and business leaders together to develop a relevant and world-class workforce.
• We have the systems businesses need - abundant water, a state of the art wastewater treatment facility, competitive electric and natural gas rates, safe/easy access to major highways, and high-speed broadband access.
• We offer competitive incentives and appealing land opportunities.

Strategies

• Research market sectors for whom we offer strategic advantages and direct educational efforts to support.
• Evaluate real estate and land availability for development and re-development.
• Compete for awards and recognition that we can use to promote Defiance and market our brand.

Outcomes & Discussions

See minutes on topics.

Economic Development

• Harmon Business Park
• Industrial Buildings
• New CRA Number 5 being developed by MVPO
• Future Spec Buildings

Workforce Development

• A Wage and Compensation Survey
• "The Seven Mindsets"

We optimize the physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being for all Defiance community residents.

• All community organizations and agencies utilize a Health in All Policy
• There is an environment where the healthy choice is the easy choice.
• Community members have access to physical, mental, spiritual, and social resources.
• Deliberate efforts are made to communicate that "health" is comprehensive in scope encompassing physical mental, spiritual, and social well-being.

Strategies

• Develop and share best practices of Health in All Policy with local organizations.
• Develop a consistent message that the Defiance community is committed to supporting health and wellness.

Outcomes & Discussions

See minutes on the topics.

The Wellness Focus is on 4 Key Areas

1. The Farmers Market
2. Walking Program/Trails
3. Research
4. The Health in all Policy

Rental Standards, Affordability, Availability, Blight

Goal

The Defiance community has a variety of housing options to meet the needs and interests of all current and future residents.

• Building codes and enforcement procedures are reviewed on a scheduled basis.
• There are incentive programs in place for new development.
• Volunteer community groups partner to address housing and social needs.
• There are realistic evaluations of housing needs and conditions.
• There is a data collection process that assists with anticipation of the unique housing needs of a multi-generational community.
• Those experiencing barriers to accessing and maintaining stable housing are educated.
• There is noticeable improvement in the visual appeal of neighborhoods.

Strategies

• Conduct a comprehensive housing feasibility study. (Neighborhoods, populations, needs, inventory, opportunities, threats and rehab status)
• Review and strengthen comprehensive code enforcement to comply or assess penalties
• Create a cross-functional task force to review and create incentives for housing development on all levels
• Create a Defiance Certified Landlord Program

The world knows that Defiance, Ohio is a great place to live.

• There is an ongoing campaign to highlight the Defiance community's positive aspects. We communicate and widely disseminate complex community information in easy to understand formats.
• Community leaders create collaborative partnerships to increase positive awareness of Defiance and to move Defiance's perception from industry dependent to an innovation leader.
• The public understands and supports Defiance led initiatives that will ultimately benefit the community.

Strategies

• Create a strategic marketing plan to promote the Defiance community. Conduct a SWOT analysis for the Defiance community and utilize the results in the marketing plan.
• Develop a network of promoters.
• Optimize riverfront development. (Brought forward by the Pivotal Partners)

Outcomes & Discussions

See minutes on topics:

• Issue Media Group (IMG) - a digital marketing firm to promote Defiance
• Parks and Recreation Facebook Page development
• Riverfront Development Interest
• Social Media positive messages
• Speakers in the Downtown to air music
• Murals on downtown buildings