one fundamental challenge: attracting and retaining the workforce needed to fill both existing and future positions. Erie County’s median household income of $68,431 places it near the middle of Ohio counties, but housing affordability is a pressure point that could constrain growth. “Housing is obviously a problem, and affordability of housing is one of the things that everyone around Ohio is looking at right now,” says Patrick Shenigo, Erie County Commissioner. “And we’re hoping our state legislators come up with some solutions that are going to be helpful to the citizens of Erie County also.” While state-level solutions develop, local institutions address workforce preparedness. EHOVE Career Center provides training in manufacturing, healthcare, and other technical fields that align with the county’s employment needs. This connection between education and industry helps ensure that young people can find careers locally rather than leaving the region after completing their training. Building on this foundation, the Greater Sandusky Partnership recently launched the WorkAdvance program in collaboration with Reach Success, awarding certificates to ten Sandusky High School students who completed training focused on manufacturing sector career pathways. Programs like these address the practical skills gap while exposing students to opportunities they might not otherwise consider. “We want to continue to get sites with appropriate infrastructure to market because this is a great place and we do see a demand for investment,” Wobser explains. “But we must make sure the land that we 85 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 ERIE COUNTY, OH
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