UPCOMING EVENTS
Mansfield Civic Society
Meeting | Friday, March 20 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Topic: Building Community. Bring ideas we can imprle
The 101 Tea Company, 101 North Main Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44902
Book Club | TBD April date and location
The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs (ISBN 978-0-679-74195-4)
We will begin by discussing the introduction and Part I.
If you would like to be emailed ASAP about it, send an email to mfdcivicsociety@gmail.com.
OTHER ORGANIZATION EVENTS
Here are some other events you may be interested joining.
Mansfield City Parks
Cleaning up the disc golf course (TENTATIVE, will be posted by parks on Facebook and shared in groups)
Sunday, March 29 | 11:30 AM | Middle Park
Parking at Mansfield Senior High
Mansfield Rising Thrive in Ward 5 Clean Ups
Saturdays from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
West 5th Street / March 21
Barker Street / April 18
Grace Street / May 16
Bowman Street / June 13
Orange Street / July 11
Vine Street / August 15
Central Park / September 12
Springmill Street / October 10
Outdoor Club
Learn more here.
Destination Mansfield
They are updating their website and including more community events in the near future. Watch out for their website.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
If you are interested in shaping the group and becoming a leader, please fill out this application.
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LAST MEETING OVERVIEW
Friday, February 20, 2026 | First Meeting
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent Mansfield Civic Society meeting Pump & Grind for generously hosting us. We had 24 total people join us. It was an energizing and hopeful conversation focused on practical steps we can take to strengthen our neighborhoods and our city.
Many people discussed after the meeting that they were surprised so many people cared to show up. There are a lot of people who care in Mansfield. It is my experience that many people care, they just d not know what to do.
Throughout the discussion, many of the ideas shared reflected principles from the Strong Towns movement, which emphasizes small, incremental improvements, local investment, and community-led solutions that build long-term strength.
Here is a summary of ideas shared in person and via notecards.
Neighborhood Clean Ups
We talked about organizing both small and large clean-up efforts, including how to handle bulky items like couches. One idea was to advocate for a sponsored large-item trash removal event once or twice a year, similar to programs offered in Ashland. These kinds of practical improvements align with the Strong Towns approach of making small, visible changes that build pride and momentum.
Community Building
We explored ways to create stronger neighborhood connections through block parties, community gardens, intramural-style gatherings, youth and senior programming, and forums where residents have a place at the table to shape local projects. We also discussed partnering with other groups, such as outdoor clubs, and organizing group walks and bike rides. Strong communities are built from relationships first, and this conversation made clear that connection is foundational.
Being Present and Visible
Members expressed interest in having a presence at local fairs and events to connect with residents and share our mission. Showing up consistently in everyday spaces is one way to build trust and civic culture.
Educational and Informational Resources
Ideas included starting a book club and serving as a centralized hub for local information. This could include promoting resources like Destination Mansfield, sharing city contacts for issues such as trash, litter, and road safety, and compiling a directory of civic groups and community events. Making information accessible empowers residents to take action.
Zoning, Codes, and Infrastructure
We had a meaningful discussion about affordable housing, home zoning, walkability, bike infrastructure, snow removal, code enforcement, public transportation, and city trash services. These topics align directly with Strong Towns' ideas for building financially resilient, people-centered places rather than overextending city resources.
Safety
Members raised concerns about crime, dangerous roads, and the potential to strengthen or expand neighborhood watch efforts. Safe streets and safe neighborhoods are essential to strong local economies and vibrant public life.
City Capacity and Public Space Investment
We discussed whether increasing city staff could help address ongoing concerns related to enforcement and maintenance. There was also a thoughtful conversation about investing in existing parks versus creating new projects. For example, improvements such as basketball courts at Prospect Park were mentioned as opportunities to strengthen what we already have before expanding further. This reflects the Strong Towns principle of maintaining and maximizing current assets.
Supporting Local Businesses
We considered highlighting one local business each month to encourage community investment and awareness. Local businesses are key to economic resilience and neighborhood vitality.
Homelessness
Members discussed practical ways to support neighbors experiencing homelessness, including encouraging increased food donations and coordinated local efforts.
fter compiling these ideas, we created a Facebook poll to determine which topic our group should focus on next. The most popular option is community building, which feels fitting. Strong towns begin with strong neighborhoods, and strong neighborhoods begin with people who know and support one another.
We look forward to diving deeper into community building at our next meeting and identifying small, doable steps we can take right away.
Thank you for being part of this growing effort to make Mansfield stronger from the ground up.
Best,
Kelsey Cunning
Mansfield Civic Society
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”… the amount of car traffic on the street dictated how friendly neighbors were with each other, how “at home” people felt in their neighborhood, and how familiar they were with their surroundings.” Did you know that street traffic can change how people view their neighborhoods? Read more here.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
A Time for a Change Diaper Bank
Time for a Change Diaper Bank began with a shared dream. Jewell and Lara realized they had both quietly carried the same vision for years: to support mothers and families experiencing diaper need. They were shocked to learn that WIC and SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase diapers or wipes. Once they finally said the dream out loud, they decided to make it a reality.
What started as a conversation quickly became a family effort. Matt, Lara’s husband, jumped in to help as soon as he heard the plan, and Ben, Jewell’s husband, offered steady advice and support along the way. Together, they launched the diaper bank right here in Mansfield because this is home, and they saw firsthand the need in a low-income community where charities like theirs are essential.
Their mission is to bridge a critical gap for families who are struggling financially and help them get back on their feet. The organization has grown year after year, distributing 70,000 diapers in 2025 alone. Yet the need continues to rise. Limited volunteers and funding make it difficult to keep pace with demand.
Support from the Richland County Foundation has been instrumental in their growth, but they are actively seeking more volunteers, in-kind donations, and financial contributions. They are currently seeking:
- Volunteers to pick up diapers from donors
- Help sort diaper donations by size for storage
- Assistance in breaking down large packages into smaller bundles for distribution
- Individuals or groups willing to host a diaper shower
- Community members willing to speak at local organizations to help solicit donations
They also shared that there is a significant unmet need locally for period products and incontinence supplies, which they are not currently able to provide at scale. Expanding to meet those needs is part of their long-term vision.
Looking ahead, they hope to continue growing their impact and, over the next five years, to see more local businesses start, grow, and thrive as the entire community becomes stronger. Lara commented that the one thing she would want the community to know was to, “keep caring for each other. Support causes that are important to you.”
Time for a Change Diaper Bank is a reminder that when neighbors see a need and step up together, real change can happen.
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CITY COUNCIL
February Legislation
The Mansfield City Council met on February 3, 2026. Council passed six pieces of legislation and one first reading:
Bill 26-022 – Passed: Honored Assistant Chief Rob Garn on his retirement from the Mansfield Fire Department.
Bill 26-023 – Passed: Approved appointments to the Mansfield Public Arts Commission for terms beginning August 1, 2026.
Bill 26-024 – Passed: Authorized payment of $14,321.21 to Bricker Graydon LLP through a Then and Now Certificate and declared an emergency.
Bill 26-025 – Passed: Authorized the city to sell unneeded and obsolete personal property through online auction using GovDeals, Inc., and declared an emergency.
Bill 26-026 – First Reading: Authorized the Safety Service Director to contract with Atlantic Emergency Solutions to purchase one Pierce Impel pumper fire truck for the Mansfield Fire Department.
Bill 26-027 – Passed: Declared the city’s intent to appropriate easement interests in certain real property for public streetscape improvements under Ohio Revised Code 719.04.
Bill 26-028 – Passed: Appointed Councilwoman Cheryl Meier to the Richland County Regional Planning Commission MPO Committee and declared an emergency.
The Mansfield City Council met on February 17, 2026. Council passed four pieces of legislation:
Bill 26-026 – Passed: Authorized the Safety Service Director to contract with Atlantic Emergency Solutions to purchase one Pierce Impel Pumper Fire Truck for the Mansfield Fire Department.
Bill 26-029 – Passed: Vacated a portion of Stocking Alley between Charles Street and Louis Street, retaining utility rights and easements, and declared an emergency.
Bill 26-030 – Passed: Authorized the Public Works Director to advertise for bids and enter contracts for needed water repair parts, and declared an emergency.
Bill 26-031 – Passed: Authorized the Public Works Director to advertise for bids and enter into contracts for the State Route 13 Resurfacing Project.
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Upcoming Meetings
All meetings are public and are located at the Mansfield City Building, 30 N. Diamond St, Mansfield, OH 44902. Park in the lower lot off of Adams St. and 3rd St. You will enter through the 1st floor Police entrance door.
Meetings begin at 7 PM.
Tuesday, March 3
Tuesday, March 17
Tuesday, April 7
Tuesday, April 21
City Council | Pending and Passed Legislation | 2026 Schedule | Meeting Minutes | Watch Meetings
Are you nervous going alone? Create a post in our Facebook group and see if someone can attend with you.
Who represents you?
1st Ward | Mike Miranda
2nd Ward | Cheryl Meier
3rd Ward | Crystal Davis-Weese
4th Ward | Antoinette Daley
5th Ward | Aurelio Diaz
6th Ward | Deborah Mount
Upcoming Election
Election Day:Tuesday, May 5
Deadline to Register to Vote: April 6
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LEADERSHIP
Council Member Aurelio Diaz, Fifth Ward
Council Member Aurelio Diaz describes his role on the Mansfield City Council as strengthening the community through legislative action, budget oversight, policy development, administrative oversight, and committee participation. He chairs the Streets Committee and works closely with city leadership to understand the process for improving roads, sidewalks, parks, and other infrastructure. He sees his responsibility as both advocating for what constituents want and clearly communicating how projects move from proposal to completion.
Diaz says what he loves most about Mansfield is that it is truly “a community of communities.” In his view, the majority of residents want to collaborate and continue the city’s positive transformation. One thing he wishes every resident understood better is the distinction between city government, county government, and the school board. Knowing which level of government handles which responsibilities helps residents direct concerns appropriately and participate more effectively.
Some residents have expressed concern that the city invests in new projects rather than maintaining what already exists. Diaz supports prioritizing maintenance. Although much of the current revitalization is happening in his ward, he believes that focusing on existing structures and infrastructure is essential for long-term stability. At the same time, he notes that economic growth has recently become a major focus because it was not emphasized in prior years. As growth continues, he believes Mansfield must retain its history while thoughtfully dovetailing it with present-day development.
Over the next year, Diaz plans to focus on decreasing youth violence, reducing homelessness by identifying housing and building new supports, strengthening affordable housing options across income levels, supporting small organizations that provide enrichment programs for youth and seniors, and increasing participation in neighborhood watch groups. He believes that creating a safer city and investing in schools are foundational steps if Mansfield hopes to attract new businesses and jobs.
Housing affordability and quality remain frequent topics in his conversations with residents. He shares those concerns with organizations such as the Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority and the Richland County Land Bank. He also collaborates with community partners, including the NAACP and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, to support neighborhood well-being and community stability.
Although gun violence has decreased, Diaz still considers it a significant public safety concern. He supports collaboration between residents and first responders and encourages participation in neighborhood watch groups and public meetings. He measures the effectiveness of city services largely through ongoing conversations with constituents. His methods of communication include phone calls, texts, emails, social media, and face-to-face meetings. He believes transparency requires not only residents reaching out to officials but officials proactively sharing updates with the public.
By the end of his term in 2029, Diaz defines success as a city with less crime, housing needs no longer at epidemic levels, accessible parks for residents of all abilities, and increased attendance at city council meetings, even when there are no controversial issues on the agenda. Looking ahead five years, he envisions decreased violence, reduced homelessness, housing options for all income brackets, thriving parks, and a community-led recycling program. He encourages residents to build relationships with their city council representative, township trustee, mayor, and first responders. He recommends reviewing Mansfield Rising's work to understand the city’s broader direction better.
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Building community isn’t something you can reduce to a checklist or that can be crafted into a boilerplate policy document. It happens when people share a vision, contribute their time, and care for a place together. Read more from Strong Towns here about building community.
RESOURCES
Podcast
Strong Towns: A Shared Identity Makes Cities Strong. Here’s How to Find Yours. In this episode host Chuck Marohn talks with Ryan Short, founder of Civic Brand, about how identifying and embracing a community’s shared identity can guide better decisions, strengthen civic pride, and help places thrive. They explore how a clear sense of identity helps cities and towns align goals, build stronger public support for local initiatives, and create more resilient, connected communities
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Reading
The Great Good Place by Ray Oldenburg argues that healthy communities depend on welcoming “third places” outside of home and work where people can gather, build relationships, and strengthen civic life. He explains how informal public spaces like cafés, barber shops, and pubs foster connection, belonging, and democracy, and warns of the social costs when these spaces disappear.
(ISBN13: 978-1614720973)
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An enduring image for me of the night was another older couple walking up the street carrying a pair of lawn chairs between them. The common refrain, when everyone was heading home, was, “Let’s do this again—and soon!” That was music to my ears and all the encouragement I need to plan for a Fall-themed block party. Do not let perfect get in the way of good when planning an event with your neighbors. Read more here.
POLL
| Would people be interested in donating money or drinks and snacks for one of the Thrive in Ward 5 clean up sponsors? |
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CONTACT
Any questions, comments, or concerns? Accuracy, equal, and fair representation are important to us.
Email: mfdcivicsociety@gmail.com
Text: 614-468-3032
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