Sharon Pennsylvania still figuring out how to stem its population loss

 

The city's population has declined nearly 50% since its 1950 peak of 26,454.

Source:  Wikipedia

Yahoo News (from Sharon Herald, 6/7/2024)

One of the most important conclusions coming out a Center for Rural Pennsylvania hearing in January at Thiel College, was that future economic development in Mercer County and other rural regions of the state hinges upon the ability to stem the loss of population. 

Last Saturday, June 1, the Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance opened its local support center, which offers a range of services and necessities, including hygiene and identity affirming items, in Sharon. 

At first glance, those two news items would seem to have little connection. But that first glance might be deceptive. 

If the objective is stopping Mercer County's population loss — which has declined 13.75% since its peak of 128,299 in 1980 — one path might be to keep young residents from putting their hometowns in their rear-view mirrors the moment they graduate from high school or college. 

One path toward that end is to create a more welcoming, affrirming atmosphere for traditionally marginalized young people.

Might be a tough ask in a county that went gaga for Trump.  

Source:  Wikipedia

3rd-party candidates received 21.1% of vote in 1992, 

12.2% of vote in 1996, 4.9% in 2016;

(Alabama segregationist George Wallace 

received 6.4% of the vote in 1968) 

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