May 14, 2025
Lorain, Ohio’s vision for urban farming is bold, inclusive, and just getting started—with national support and local voices leading the way.
Lorain's Bold Vision for Urban Farming
Lorain, Ohio, a city known for its deep industrial roots and proud working-class identity, is sowing the seeds of a new future—this time, with food, equity, and innovation at the core. Thanks to winning a competitive USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) grant, the city is launching a comprehensive initiative to turn underutilized spaces into thriving centers of food production, education, and opportunity.
The grant is part of a $14.2 million national USDA investment in forward-looking food systems, and Lorain’s proposal stood out for its combination of zoning reform, grassroots engagement, and strategic reuse of land and buildings.
Economic Growth Through Urban Agriculture
Urban farming in Lorain is set to be a significant economic driver. By transforming vacant lots and underutilized buildings into productive agricultural sites, the city is creating new business opportunities and building a robust local food economy. This initiative not only supports local entrepreneurs but also ensures that fresh, locally-grown produce is available to the community.
Lorain City Mayor Jack Bradley highlights the economic potential of this movement, stating, "By investing in urban agriculture, we will create new business opportunities, build a local food economy, and provide students and entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed in the marketplace. Lorain's urban farming movement is more than a community effort—it will be an economic driver."
Cultivating the Next Generation of Urban Agriculture
With funding secured, Lorain is now partnering with Agritecture, a global consulting firm focused on urban and climate-smart agriculture, and TSW, a nationally respected planning and design firm, to reshape how policy and food intersect in the city.
Agritecture and TSW are leading a citywide zoning and land-use assessment, identifying barriers and opportunities to embed agriculture into Lorain’s neighborhoods, schools, parks, rooftops, and even former big-box stores.
“Lorain has all the ingredients to become a Midwestern model for regenerative, resilient food systems that serve both people and planet,”
- Henry Gordon-Smith, CEO of Agritecture
“This isn’t just about planning—it’s about policy becoming a catalyst for justice, health, and economic self-determination,”
- Christopher Myers of TSW
Community at the Center: The Food Forward Lorain Approach
At the heart of the work is Food Forward Lorain, a community-powered initiative ensuring resident voices shape every milestone. Through listening sessions, multilingual outreach, and the Urban Agriculture Report Card, it’s clear that Lorain residents want more than gardens—they want transformation.
Key takeaways from resident feedback include:
- Strong support for fresh, affordable, locally grown food.
- Enthusiasm for job training and youth programs tied to agriculture.
- Demand for repurposing abandoned properties for productive use.
- Calls for zoning that supports bee keeping, composting, and community markets.
“Our neighbors aren’t just participants—they’re partners in designing the future of food here,”
— Julie Chase-Morefield is the President and CEO of the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio
“Seeing the hope in residents is truly inspiring. This project is about empowering the community and making it clear that their voices matter. Through this initiative, we aim to create jobs and develop new strategies for economic growth within the City of Lorain.”
— Hannah Kiraly, City of Lorain
On the Ground in Lorain: Listening, Learning, and Building Together
Earlier this month, our team—alongside partners from the City of Lorain, FFL and TSW—spent two powerful days on the ground in Lorain, connecting directly with the people and places that are shaping the city’s food future. This site visit brought the initiative to life in a tangible way, grounding policy discussions in lived experience and deepening the shared vision for urban agriculture in Lorain.
The project team began with a guided community tour led by local leaders, where we visited key locations for potential agricultural activation. At Solidarity Farms, we met with Father Alex Barton, who shared the inspiring story of how his team is already using food as a tool for healing, community-building, and economic opportunity.
That same afternoon, more than 20 residents joined us at the Lorain Public Library for an open-door listening session—a space for real stories and bold ideas. Community members spoke about the need for fresh food options, youth jobs, and safe, productive use of vacant land. Their input will directly shape the city’s implementation roadmap. Since then, nearly 100 residents have filled in our community needs survey.
The following day included strategic meetings with Ben Fligner of Fligner’s Market, the Mayor and City administration, and the United Way of Greater Lorain County. Each conversation highlighted how urban agriculture can intersect with local economic development, education, and health equity.
We also toured key redevelopment sites—including the West Gate Plaza, the Big Lots building on Tower Blvd, and the Hills Building—discussing how each could support innovative food projects, from hydroponic farms to community marketplaces.
This visit reminded us that while policy and planning are essential, transformation happens at street level—with the people who live, work, and grow here. Lorain’s residents aren’t waiting to be included—they’re already leading. This initiative is about listening, aligning, and making sure the system supports them.
What Comes Next
The next phase includes piloting farm-to-market programs, adapting zoning to legalize diverse forms of urban agriculture, and activating vacant land for public use. Also in development is a customized “Know Before You Grow” guide for Lorain—making it easier than ever for residents to get growing.
But this movement can’t thrive without broad participation. Everyone in Lorain has a role to play in shaping a city where food is grown with purpose, by and for the people who live here.
Call to Action: Your Voice Matters
Take 2 minutes to shape Lorain’s urban agriculture future. Complete the community survey here
About the Partners
Agritecture is a global consulting firm that helps cities, developers, and entrepreneurs design resilient urban agriculture strategies. Their data-driven approach supports climate-smart agriculture and food system innovation across six continents. www.agritecture.com
TSW is a nationally recognized planning, architecture, and landscape architecture firm committed to designing inclusive, livable, and sustainable communities. Their work ranges from comprehensive zoning updates to urban redevelopment and public space activation. www.tsw-design.com
Food Forward Lorain is a grassroots initiative that amplifies community voices and leads local engagement for Lorain’s urban agriculture strategy. With a focus on food justice, equity, and self-determination, FFL works to build a food system that reflects the needs, dreams, and wisdom of Lorain’s diverse residents. www.secondharvestfoodbank.org/blog/food-forward-lorain
Contact Us to Learn more about this project and other urban agriculture policy work by Agritecture.