Stow, Ohio, is part of the Akron metropolitan area. Residents can feel lost in its shadow, as we heard from participants at our community event. While Akron continues to add new jobs and invest in business projects, Stow is experiencing an increase in poverty. Low job prospects and economic blight are drawing less young people and families to the area. The town is also close to Kent State University, but residents don’t have the local business district Kent does. To help residents navigate these challenges and start identifying solutions, local journalists sat down face to face with community members.
On Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at the Stow Heritage Barn, residents met with members of the media to explore these four questions:
- What would Stow look like if it was thriving for everyone in the community?
- What’s one thing you would improve or change in Stow to make it more vibrant?
- What assets, resources, and strengths exist in Stow?
- What actions might we take to make Stow more vibrant?
To view all participant responses, ideas, and hopes for the future of Stow, download the event report.