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.
Forgivable Loans Available
The East Palestine Emergency Support Program was created by the Ohio Department of Development to provide loans to assist with ongoing expenses and recovery efforts for businesses impacted by the February 2023 train derailment. For-profit and non-profit businesses located within a two-mile radius of East Palestine that were operational on or prior to Dec. 1, 2022, are eligible to apply. The loans are 0% interest and range from $10,000 to $1 million. The loans are forgivable if utilized for payroll, employee benefits, rent or mortgage payments, utility expenses, worker protection, or inventory replacement expenses related to the train derailment. Please be aware applicants will need to document financial impacts from the derailment. Apply at development.ohio.gov/EastPalestine.
Available Properties Listing
Entrepreneurs, consider starting and/or growing your business with us here in the Village of East Palestine. With the help of the Columbiana County Port Authority and ZoomProspector, we have been able to build a page that lists available East Palestine sites and buildings for sale or lease. If you are a property owner who would like to list your property or buildings for sale or lease, please fill out the forms on the page. This is a free service that can be used whether or not the property is listed with a broker. Check back often for new listings and investment opportunities.
Property Tax Exemptions
The Village of East Palestine has a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) that can provide temporary property tax exemptions on the value of new buildings, significant building improvements, and site improvements. Businesses must make an application for the tax exemption prior to starting construction. The tax exemption on improvements can last up to 15 years depending upon project details. Learn more by contacting the Village at (330) 426-4367.
Supporting Local Businesses
To boost our economy and help support local businesses, we will be introducing the EP VIP Shopper Club offering deals, discounts and special offers on products and services. This is free for members to join AND free for businesses to become a Participating Vendor. It’s a WIN-WIN to bring customers back to the Village of East Palestine and for savvy VIP shoppers to get deals on the local goods and services they need. To learn more, visit epohio.org/rewards/.
Available Incentives for Job-Creating Capital Projects
Here in the Village of East Palestine, we are committed to assisting our business community as well as our residents in any way we can. Check out these available small business resources.