discover struthers

Established in 1865, Ombuds had the honor of developing the City of Struther’s first-ever comprehensive plan!

check out the plan!

what we loved

Struthers is home to a tight-knit community and a dedicated mayor who were eager to be involved in the planning process. This made our approach to community engagement exciting. We were able to leverage community assets such as the Rotary Club and the public school system to engage older adults and youth, and seamlessly employ a community-driven data collection effort to assess parking capacity downtown and sidewalks city-wide. Not only did we show the community that they can have a say in the future of their city, but we also showed them how to collect data to validate perceived issues to ensure public dollars are spent strategically.

When we noticed certain populations weren’t at the table, we extended a personalized invite and brought the table to them.

Client:

KO Consulting, LLC

City of Struthers

discover struthers: struthers, ohio

Struthers is a small Rust Belt city with a strong sense of civic pride. It’s on the cusp of a revitalization that will honor its industrial heritage while embracing a future focused on economic growth, vibrant public spaces, and connected neighborhoods. The Discover Struthers Comprehensive Plan recognizes the need to adapt to the evolving needs of its aging population and create a city that is attractive to younger generations — all while maintaining its unique character.

Informed by an extensive community engagement process, the plan articulates a community-driven vision for a thriving Struthers that prioritizes walkability, accessibility, and connectivity. Residents expressed a strong desire for a vibrant downtown, expanded recreational opportunities, and safe, well-maintained neighborhoods. They envision a Struthers where daily needs can be met conveniently, where residents feel connected to one another and to nature, and where small local businesses can thrive in a supportive environment.

The plan outlines a multifaceted approach to achieve this vision, with recommendations that address a range of interconnected areas. Recommendations are supported by a detailed funding strategy that identifies potential funding sources, including local, state, and federal grants, as well as partnerships with local organizations. The plan acknowledges the need for constant adaptation as new funding opportunities arise and encourages a collaborative approach to implementation. By working together, the City of Struthers and its residents can realize the vision of a thriving, vibrant, and connected community for generations to come.

  • Inspired by the 15-minute city concept, the plan promotes the development of mixed-use neighborhood centers that allow residents to access daily necessities and amenities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This would reduce reliance on cars, encourage active transportation, and create more vibrant, self-sufficient neighborhoods.

  • The plan identifies seven Strategic Growth Areas (SGAs) across the city that possess the potential to become thriving neighborhood centers. These areas are strategically located to ensure equitable access for residents in all parts of the city. The plan outlines a framework for assessing and revitalizing these areas, emphasizing the importance of multimodal transportation, mixed-use development, and public space.

  • Recognizing the historic downtown as a vital asset, the plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for its revitalization. This includes transforming vacant lots into public spaces, implementing a shared parking strategy, creating a public food truck plaza, establishing Complete Streets, and strengthening the connection to Yellow Creek Park. These efforts aim to create a walkable, accessible, and lively downtown that attracts residents and visitors alike.

  • Acknowledging the community's strong desire for more public space and recreational opportunities, the plan recommends expanding the parks system to include currently unofficial parks and enhancing existing parks with improved amenities, programming, and connectivity. This includes creating a Struthers Greenway Trail that connects key destinations within the city and to neighboring communities.

  • The plan emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, equitable, and user-friendly transportation network that prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit. Recommendations include implementing Complete Streets policies, expanding the sidewalk network, creating a Bike Friendly Business program, and enhancing public transportation options.