3 Historic Urbana Landmarks Being Transformed for Senior Apartments

The Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP) has announced that years of determined work by a public-private partnership is paying off for the city of Urbana.

Work got underway September 17, days after $13 million in financing was released, to transform three historic buildings into 51 affordable apartments for senior citizens. The buildings include the Douglas Hotel – an 1870 landmark vacant since 2004 in the center of downtown Urbana – and the former Urbana North and South Elementary Schools, which were replaced in 2018 by a new elementary/middle school.

Ohio Receives $5 Million Grant to Boost Defense Manufacturing

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the U.S. Department of Defense has approved a $5 million grant to improve defense manufacturing processes in the state and train workers for next-generation jobs.

The grant follows an announcement in August designating Ohio as a Defense Manufacturing Community. It is a program designed to support long-term community investments that strengthen national security innovation and expand the capabilities of defense manufacturing.

Port Authority Initiates Emergency Loan Fund

(Wilmington, Ohio) The Clinton County Port Authority has launched an Emergency Loan Fund (ELF), to provide short- to mid-term loans to local businesses impacted by the pandemic. “Locally, our small businesses have worked diligently to react to the new business climate,” said Dan Evers, Clinton County Port Authority Executive Director. “This opportunity is designed to target small businesses in need of immediate funds to sustain and/or fund costs associated with re-opening or remaining open.”

Key Takeaways from the 2020 Anchor District Forum

This month, Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) virtually attended the ninth annual Anchor District Forum to connect with peer organizations across the country about community and economic development best practices. While this year’s Forum looked different than last year’s event, which was hosted by UCI in Uptown, it still provided valuable insights into how similar organizations are moving forward and adjusting their work due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Ohio Air Quality Development Authority Working to Support Ohio Businesses

The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) serves as a reliable community partner for local businesses, including those hit hard by the economic hardships brought on by COVID-19, by providing financial assistance for air quality projects. Recently, OAQDA updated its programs to allow for more accessibility, transparency and accountability.