Ohio is both very large and very urban. Like other midwestern states, it has been undergoing a number of major changes simultaneously, including: (1) a white population decline and an increase in minorities; (2) severe economic disruption and increased unemployment due to the downturn in manufacturing; (3) a lack of "high end" service economy development; and (4) shifts in the traditional family structure caused by high divorce rates. While it appears that manufacturing is again becoming viable in Ohio, the state must do more to diversify its economy and to further reduce unemployment, particularly in the creation of new businesses, where progress has already been made. Black populations in Ohio have done well in terms of suburban residency and middle-class income levels. Since 1980, retention to high school graduation in the state has improved while college-going rates remained roughly the same. The next decade will witness a steady increase of minorities in Ohio schools. The state should work to improve the high school graduation rate of Blacks and Hispanics, the access for minorities to higher education, and the daycare and early childhood education programs for the women who will increasingly enter the work force. (17 references) (KM)