partnerships with Monroe Local Schools as well as the Butler Tech Career Center.” We are fortunate to have both in our community.” A recent release from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce reported that the Monroe Local School District boasts a performance index score of 94.6 placing it in the top 25% of Ohio school districts. Butler Tech goes beyond secondary education, providing adult education and career resources that feed into Monroe’s broader workforce development strategy. This dual focus on youth and adult training ensures a steady pipeline of skilled individuals ready to contribute to the local economy. ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION Monroe’s leadership actively seeks to expand its economic base, moving beyond traditional sectors to embrace new industries. Central to Dayton and Cincinnati on I-75, the city is well positioned to support innovation with its proximity to the aerospace hub and leaders in technology, research and development, aviation, and robotics. The city’s venture into the cannabis industry illustrates its willingness to see opportunities where others see obstacles. Smith clarifies, “It’s not that we’re looking to do it. We already have.” Mayor Funk recalls the early days of dispensaries when Monroe’s city council displayed openness and flexibility.“The council was very open-minded,” he says.“We want to be business-friendly. We did embrace those, and now, with recreational store licenses being issued, we’re allowing that as well.” However, the city is careful to strike a balance, enacting restrictions to avoid oversaturation of cannabis-related businesses to maintain a diversified economic plan. A window to world-class engineering, based in Monroe. Deceuninck innovates the windows and doors that help make our world more energy efficient and beautiful. deceuninckna.com | 877.563.4251 139 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 MONROE, OH
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