COLUMBUS, Ohio -- These are trying times for America, the state and the city of Columbus. Jobs lost. Services cut.
What does the future hold?
Click here to read Coleman's entire address.
That question brought about 1,000 people out Thursday night to hear Mayor Michael Coleman's State of the City address.
ADDRESS HIGHLIGHTS
- 3,000 Downtown jobs
- New low-income housing to help the homeless
- Federal stimulus dollars' use
NBC 4's Ana Jackson GOT ANSWERS on how Coleman will use those federal stimulus dollars and raise money on his own.
There was a standing ovation for 27 Columbus police recruits who had their jobs reinstated.
City officials reinstated 27 police recruits Wednesday. The recruits were laid off as the result of ongoing budget cuts.
The reinstatement was the first sign of federal stimulus money at work in Columbus.
"I'm fighting for every dollar from the White House, from the Statehouse and from congress," Coleman said.
Coleman put $1.25 million towards the recruits.
Another $6 million will go toward summer jobs for youth and job training for the unemployed.
Coleman couldn't say when or if the city will receive more money but added stimulus monies are not a long-term solution.
"To solve that problem, we must execute a three-part plan that focuses on jobs, reform and revenue," Coleman said.
Columbus Commons, which will be built on the City Center site, will be a mix of residential, retail, office space and a park and will cost $165 million.
Efforts to trim the current budget reflected reform.
And the economic advisory committee continued to work on ways to raise revenue.
Coleman highlighted the fact income taxes haven't been raised in 30 years.
"If you don't want to pay more, be prepared for the services and programs to be cut or ceased," Coleman said.
The attending audience seemed pleased with the mayor's remarks.
"I was concerned and felt down when I came here about the situation, but he gave us a lot of hope," Joe Spinelli, owner of Spinelli's Deli, said.
"He gave me the hope that the rec centers will be reopened," Pastor Richard Morris said.
Others had some unanswered concerns:
"Helping youth to be educated and have jobs -- that's very important. There are those who have been poor for a while, and I don't want them to be left out or missed," Columbus residents Michelle Cobbs-Martin said.
Coleman said the economic advisory committee should be unveiling its money raising ideas in the next few weeks.
Public meetings will be held to get citizen feedback.
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