YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Millions of federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan are starting to funnel into the valley to help with the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Local leaders say the post-pandemic financial support for counties, cities and communities could have a lasting impact for generations to come-- if they develop a strategy.

The chamber is planning a regional summit on June 30 for government, business, organization leaders and philanthropic groups.

The mayors of Youngstown and Warren say they're planning a discussion ahead of the summit that will center around how to bring new jobs or help other companies and businesses grow by working side by side in how they spend their rescue dollars.

"Any opportunity that we can land or expand the business here, maybe there's and opportunity a business would say 'we need land' and Youngstown has the land, but maybe Warren has the company," Tito Brown said, mayor of Youngstown.

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin says companies look at regions not just one city or community, before deciding to move into an area.

Brown and Franklin believe that working together could help to strengthen the region.

"I think it's just the responsible thing to do to have a regional conversation regarding how we can leverage this once in a lifetime, transformational opportunity," Franklin said.

Franklin and Brown also suggest reserving a portion of funds as a match for competitive state and federal grants that have yet to be announced.

Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber President Guy Coviello says most economic development starts local.

"I think the first thing we want to do is help our local businesses stay here, help local businesses grow," he said. "That's where most of the local economic growth exists."

A combined $250 million will go out to communities across the Valley over the next two years.

Youngstown has received half of its $82 million. Warren is expecting to see a portion of the almost $29 million within the week.

Mayor Brown says Youngstown has received some initial guidance on how the money can be spent at the Mayors Alliance conference in Columbus last week. He says official details and guidelines are expected in July.

Revenue replacement is one of the areas where cities can use some of their funds to cover any pandemic losses.

"Revenue can be looked at, that was one of the real advocates of mayors across the nation, because we were losing revenue as well," Brown said.

The regional chamber is inviting Jobs Ohio to help determine how ARP money can be leveraged from the state and federal government.