At Tuesday night's community planning and economic development meeting in Youngstown, officials discussed putting some action behind the city's economic development plan.

"I'm glad to see our economic development department is looking at that strategic plan that had already been done and looking to put those action steps into action now. So I think the outlook for the city looks very positive. You have a department that's willing to work and doing the work right now," Youngstown First Ward Councilman Julius Oliver said.

The goal, among other things, is to revive night life, and update their mass communications systems to keep everyone in the know. Communication is the part of the plan Oliver says is vital.

"One of the biggest things we find is people want more communication so communication on what's going on in our bars and restaurants, our retail spaces, communication on what's going on at the Amphitheater, the Covelli Center, different festivals that are happening, just downtown events period to bring people downtown more and more," Oliver said.

Another big part of the discussion was a way to draw businesses into the city but it's a path that's seen some road blocks. Oliver said quote, "In the past there hasn't been a willingness to change the way we do things."

"If you were to ask a lot of different people trying to do business in the city, you'll hear them say it's hard to do business in the city," Oliver said. "Things don't move too fast and then you find out it's just a matter of miscommunication, somebody didn't talk to somebody, somebody didn't get something done and then those opportunities end up leaving," he said.

He asked CPED Director DeMaine Kitchen if he had a plan to simplify this process and make it easier for businesses to have a place in the city. Kitchen said it's not so much streamlining as it is communicating.

"I think as long as we're communicating we're saying that the doors of Youngstown are open for you to come in and do business and trying to streamline that process and make it easier for people to do business in the city of Youngstown, I think we'll be able to eventually hit the ball out of the park," Oliver added.

21 News asked about plans for the 20 Federal street building, Oliver said he believes the building has much potential and there are many things he'd like to see in happening in there but said ultimately it will come down to the city's new administration. A city spokesperson said Mayor Derrick McDowell has been thinking on it.