On February 3rd, 2023, a toxic train derailment forever changed the Village of East Palestine. The Village is determined to move forward and make a full economic recovery, creating a better future for the families who call this community home.  

“We will not be defined by this single event, rather our response to it and our perseverance. Our goal is to be collaborative and proactive, collectively taking control of what we can shape for a stronger future. We will not stop working, though we will continuously strive to improve, not relying on just external aid, but on each other and our own efforts to elevate the village. We are committed to seizing every opportunity for growth, enhancing our community’s strength and resilience through initiative and perseverance. Here in East Palestine, we are rooted in pride, tradition, and unwavering in our drive for progress and to determine the outcome of any obstacle.”  – Mayor Trent Conaway, February 16, 2024 

Economic Development Initiatives

In September of 2023, the Village began an economic development planning process with the help of several regional economic development partners and Bricker Graydon, an Ohio law firm with several specializations, including economic development.

The East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation

The Village of East Palestine is taking big steps towards fostering economic development and revitalization with the establishment of the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). Authorized under the Ohio Revised Code, the CIC is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit corporation which will serve as the driving force behind these crucial efforts. Its mission is to work for the Village to quickly negotiate deals and sign contracts to accomplish development goals and to spearhead transformative initiatives. By law, the CIC must have members of the Village government on its board – including members of Village Council. CIC board meetings are fully open to the public to attend.