Both Wheeling and Ohio County have the same problem: a declining and aging population. The 41,000 people here today (Ohio County at its peak nearly a century ago had 72,077 residents) are being forced to shoulder more of the burden when it comes to public utilities, taxes and more. This is an issue every resident and public official should have at the top of their priority list.

Quality of life here, as we all know, is excellent. We have the amenities of a medium-sized city (a symphony orchestra, professional hockey, a casino and more) without much of the crime and traffic. Homes, when compared to other markets, are affordable. The public and private schools are excellent, as well. So why isn’t that message getting out to a wider audience?

That’s a question a group gathered by Ohio County Commissioner Zach Abraham is hoping to answer. This group has been meeting for the past several months, and on Thursday discussed its initial findings.

While homes here are affordable, we don’t necessarily have the types of homes young families are seeking. There also is a need to better market what Wheeling and Ohio County have to offer to a wider audience. And the county’s infrastructure — water, sewer and broadband — need addressed as well — particularly if new housing developments in rural areas are part of the solution.

It’s good to see the conversation starting. Much needs done just to stabilize the current population, let alone see it grow. But this is a first step.