YOUNGSTOWN - Youngstown City Council is preparing to vote Wednesday on a proposal tied to a long-term strategic plan that would allow the city to begin accepting proposals for a full marketing campaign.

The ordinance does not hire a marketing firm, but instead, it authorizes the Board of Control to accept proposals for a new strategy that would promote business growth and highlight the city’s assets.

Council members Mike Ray and Julius Oliver said the concept has been in discussion for some time and comes directly from the city’s strategic plan, which calls for a comprehensive marketing and branding effort.

"I'm hoping that we get a chance to, in essence, speak louder than the general story that's been told about us here in Youngstown, Ohio," Oliver said, "I hope that this person is able to come in and basically tell Youngstown stories to the entire nation, be able to put those feelers out in places like, New York, California, places where businesses are leaving, people are leaving, looking for a better place to do business."

Both said Youngstown is overdue for a cohesive citywide marketing approach, but not all council members support moving forward now.

"We’ve been working on this for well over a year as part of our broader strategic planning process," Ray said, "In the past, we’ve had more of a piecemeal approach, and it’s clear we need a comprehensive plan that’s properly funded, supported, and followed. I think everyone would agree the city is overdue for a cohesive strategy."

Councilman Pat Kelly said he will vote no, saying, “It’s not fair to even vote on that legislation. Let’s take a step back and let the new mayor figure out what he wants, not what they want on the way out.”

A city spokesperson responded with a written statement emphasizing that the ordinance is not binding.

“It simply puts the vehicle in place for a request for proposals to be issued if the incoming administration determines that is the approach they want to take,” the spokesperson said.

Mayor-elect Derrick McDowell said it is within the current administration’s authority to pursue the request for proposals, but said his focus right now is on selecting key department heads before taking office in January.

City Council will vote on the measure during its Wednesday meeting.