While the city's population may be declining, a turn-around is in evidence in the employment picture and in economic development. In May of 1998, the labor force in Stark County increased to 194,000, according to the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services. The trend has been away from large manufacturing to micro businesses, entrepreneurship and a shift to non-manufacturing oriented businesses. The entire city is designated as an Enterprise Zone, and tax incentives are provided to attract industries that diversify the economy and create long-term jobs.
Regional cooperation is a critically important new trend in the region.
The downtown has seen a turnaround in the 90's with the development of Cornerstone Square, a nine block redevelopment that includes the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services, Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority, and one parking deck at the present, with plans for a second deck, additional office buildings and a Regional Transit Authority Transfer Facility. Market Avenue from 6th Street North to 2nd Street South, will begin a remodeling project in the Fall of 1998.