County’s goal: extend prosperity

Franklin County commissioners’ work to attempt to break the stubborn grip of poverty won’t be done anytime soon, and that’s understandable.

More critical than finishing the task is committing to see it through to some demonstrable improvement, and that focus seems firmly in place — at least among commissioners’ immediate realm of influence.

How effectively they can energize corporate and other government leaders to the cause of improving pathways to prosperity remains to be seen, but the importance of this challenge cannot be overstated.

Indeed, factors typically cited as critical to the future growth and vitality of central Ohio — improved early childhood education, effective workforce development, more affordable housing, reduced crime and less drug abuse — can be positively impacted by helping those on the bottom rungs of the economic ladder climb up to more-sustainable futures.

Key leaders in the county’s effort updated the Dispatch editorial board this week, and we are heartened by their intent to make a difference even as we share their realization that the work is difficult and substantive change likely will take years to achieve.

Kevin Boyce, president of the county board, said all three commissioners, “know we can do better” and are dedicated to increasing economic mobility.

In fact, County Administrator Kenneth Wilson said much of a $1.7 billion budget plan for 2019 that he soon presents will address needs identified for moving more residents out of poverty and up the ladder of economic opportunity.

Also fully engaged is

Joy Bivens, director of the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services. Bivens and Boyce note the