By Lorain Daily Staff | April 9, 2025
At Elyria’s April 7th City Council meeting, Lorain County Commissioner David J. Moore delivered a powerful update on county-wide projects—many of which could create real economic opportunities for Lorain residents.
From job growth to infrastructure upgrades, the ripple effects of these initiatives are poised to reach far beyond Elyria’s borders.
Midway Mall Set for Major Revitalization
Once a declining retail center, the Midway Mall redevelopment is officially moving forward. According to Commissioner Moore, the Lorain County Port Authority is under contract and conducting due diligence on the site.
“That’s bringing about 500 to 600 jobs to Elyria,” Moore said.
While the mall is located in Elyria, many of those jobs are expected to be filled by residents across Lorain County, including those in Lorain who have long commuted to other cities for work.
2,000 Jobs Coming to Support Ford EV Expansion
Perhaps more significant for Lorain’s workforce is the planned creation of 2,000 new jobs to support Ford’s electric vehicle operations in the region. Details are still developing, but Moore confirmed the positions are tied to vendors and support businesses that will grow alongside Ford’s expanded footprint.
“We just found this out today,” he noted, highlighting how fast the region’s job market is evolving.
Mega Site Development Could Mean 5,000 Jobs
South of Elyria in New Russia Township, a proposed mega site may bring up to 5,000 jobs. While the deal isn’t finalized, Lorain County was nearly selected by Micron, a major chip manufacturer, to compete with Intel. Though the bid ultimately went elsewhere, Moore said the interest confirmed the region’s strengths: workforce readiness, available housing, and access to higher education.
“We were this close,” Moore said, holding up his fingers to illustrate.
With plans still moving forward, Lorain residents could benefit from nearby high-wage jobs without relocating.
Sewer System Funding in the Works
Lorain is also part of the proposed 6119 regional sewer district project, which could receive as much as $175 million in funding. Commissioner Moore said they’ll know more in the next 60 days, depending on decisions made in Columbus.
The improvements would not only modernize outdated infrastructure, but also open the door for new housing and business development in underutilized areas—potentially easing some of the housing pressure Lorain has felt in recent years.
Port Authority Proves Key to County’s Future
Moore credited much of this momentum to the Lorain County Port Authority, which he helped establish over two decades ago. The Port has played a major role in financing regional projects, including a $171 million bond with Ford, and is now helping drive growth at the Midway Mall, mega site, and regional utility projects.
“We’ve formed real partnerships—with Elyria, with Lorain—and we’re here to help if you need us,” he said.
Why Lorain Should Care
While none of these updates were delivered at Lorain City Council, they speak directly to the city’s future.
Job opportunities are on the rise within commuting distance. Infrastructure improvements like the 6119 district could benefit Lorain directly. Affordable housing remains a concern—but with regional growth, new construction could relieve pressure. County leadership is actively inviting Lorain to the table for support, resources, and collaboration.
As Commissioner Moore emphasized, the time for cities like Lorain to leverage county partnerships is now.
“Housing, jobs, infrastructure—we’re making progress. Let’s keep working together.”
Sad that the county and township will continue to move forward with such a project in New Russia, even though the residents have voted AGAINST it. It’s hard enough to get the county to maintain the airport land and surrounding areas now, let alone new construction. So we all worry and wonder, what is about to happen in our backyards? Yet no answers from the township and the county. Sure we support new jobs and income, but to what expense? Flooding, heavy traffic, property values decreased. It’s simply wild how many areas in the county are already abandoned and zoned appropriately for a “mega site.” But money in politics will always win. Sad.