In this segment of the Youngstown Forward Podcast, I go over some of the issues of Youngstown's dwindling population and the effect that it can have on the economic capabilities, regarding Federal and State funding that goes to Metropolitan Statistical Areas and high-population urban centers. As well, I expose and talk about a not-so-smart plan that some key decision makers in Youngstown are proposing to "solve" this problem, which is to import refugees to the city AND to develop them economically (I.e. -- provide them with housing and finances, as well as other resources such as help with education tasks to "get them going".) This is a real slight to the population that is native to the Youngstown area which is already struggling under a statistic of 34% poverty (likely higher), median household and per capita incomes that are more than half-less of the statewide averages. So rather than take steps to develop and help the population that is already there ascend economically, the leadership (surprisingly along the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce) aligns with outside national organizations to use Youngstown as a place to put refugees. It's important to note that it isn't "immigrants" who want to come over to the U.S. and bring with them a skill-set and a vision, a desire to positively impact and contribute to the community, but refugees who more often than not bring with them a set of issues that have to be dealt with prior to even being able to meaningfully produce value in the community in which they come to. Can Youngstown afford this? Is this something that Youngstown's tax-payers should have as an expenditure for which their money taken from them goes to? While this stance is likely and surely one that will cause knee-jerk and reactionary feedback from social justice-minded folks, it really needs to be thought about with real critical and realistic thinking. Who's actually benefiting from such a policy? What strain and effect will it have on a community that is already over-stressed economically and socially with crime and poverty? What incentives are there for the leaders and officials in the city of Youngstown and surrounding Mahoning Valley for this to even be considered? What effect will this have on employment and housing for citizens within the city by adding an influx of people who will need jobs and housing, but who will not have immediately-legal ways to obtain them? Also in this segment, I discuss some ways to PROPERLY bring increases to population -- ways that will attract and add people who are NOT coming with burdens nor issues that have to be carried by the tax-payers of Youngstown. People who can actually contribute and add value -- economically and socially -- to the greater Youngstown area. Thanks for watching and if you would be so kind -- share the video to whomever and wherever there are people who have a concern or an interest for the economic and social resurgence of Youngstown, Ohio and the Mahoning Valley area. It would help if you would subscribe to this channel, turn the notifications on, and leave any comment expressing your thoughts, feelings, and or concerns about this topic discussed. You can also sign up for the Email newsletter on our website and can be assured that you will never miss any content update or news release, video or otherwise from Youngstown Forward. Once again, thanks for watching and or listening.