Business View Civil & Municipal - May 2023

25 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5 Much of this community development has been focused on revitalizing the downtown, completing significant renovations to many of the 102 first- floor commercial units in the heart of Salem. Seven years ago, Salem had 30 units vacant, and today six vacant units are available. Seventeen new businesses have opened downtown in the last 18 months. This has involved a strategic approach, with a focus on supporting long-standing downtown businesses, while also creating the vibrancy that will entice a younger demographic to the area. “As the mayor alluded, we have our branding campaign as “Little Big City”. We are looking at amenities we need to have in the downtown to attract and retain individuals. We’re working with several investors on second and third-floor living units, so we have more of that city feel to attract a younger population,” says Needs. Attracting other housing investments is also on the agenda, with senior housing options at the top of the list. A lot of our residents are living in big historic family homes. “We are looking for opportunities to expand that senior housing. We have some, but we would like to have more. Those bigger homes are perfect for new families joining our community.” A Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax credit is part of the plan to encourage new housing and renovations within the city, providing a 15-year tax credit, which Dickey asserts is “a big incentive to fix up homes or build new.” Manufacturing makes up 39% of Salem’s overall industry. Eight expansions are currently underway, Needs acknowledges, “We look at ways to attract new businesses to the community that are compatible with existing businesses. We do a good job in small manufacturing, that’s our niche market. So that is who we look to attract from an industrial perspective.” Key manufacturers and partners in the city include Fresh Mark, Ventra , Hickey Manufacturing, MAC Trailer, American Standard, Barclay SALEM, OHIO