Restoring Prosperity to Ohio
September 22, 2008, compiled by Allison Harris, 2007-2008 Fellow
Ohio is a state where state policy favors growth of new places over old. We are a state that is “addicted to building roads.” And we are the state that was first to offer large scale funding for brownfields and conservation through the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund.
1. What do you think of the concept of “core communities”? What do you think the move towards regional collaboration will mean for our cities? (Core communities are defined by the Brookings Institution as a city that had more than 15,000 residents in 1950 and had 20% of the county’s population in 1950.)Gwen Forté: I like the concept. I think a move towards regional collaboration is absolutely essential for Ohio and the nation’s success in a fast changing global economy. The economies of scale and potential capitalization of resources that can be achieved through regionalism is exciting and encouraging. I believe the current state of affairs (with numerous small towns, cities, villages, and governments) is what it is mostly because of history and the result of our nation’s slow sprawl across our country over the last 200+ years. This form of organization is no longer relevant, but history is not easily erased in our country, nor is change easily made.
Evelyn Burnett: The concept of “core communities” is a reality that more people need to come to grips within our region. It is a fact, that without Cleveland there are no near or far suburbs. It is up to the individual where they want to live, but it is important for citizens to start realizing the importance of the core or anchor cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, and Youngstown. Regional collaboration is a must for Ohio. It is time for folks, especially politicians and other local, state, business, nonprofit, and educational leaders to embrace collaboration. It is not only about money and sharing resources; it’s about doing what’s best for the people. It is educating people on the lack of dollars in my communities and the strength in collaboration, coalition building and numbers. People need to become educated on policy and issues that affect their daily lives. Collaboration strengthens cities, townships, municipalities, regions and the state. Dollars can be distributed more effectively, services can be rendered more efficiently and effectively, regions can advocate for additional dollars, and together regions can raise more visibility for issues that matter.
Allison Harris: I like the concept of core communities, because it encourages us to be rooted in places that hold historical significance. I like living in a city with an amazing history: we had the first African American mayor of a major American city, the river fire that helped birth the environmental movement, and we’re the home to several major industrial innovations. Also I think identifying an area as a core community gives us a framework to talk about the things that impact not just big cities but also county seats and centrally located towns.
2. How did the summit change your opinion of cities in Ohio?E.B.: Spending my entire life in Northeast Ohio, it is fair to say that I had somewhat of a bias and was more interested in the growth and development of the Northeast Ohio region. From the summit, I am beginning to realize that although we are in a battle as a region, we are also facing a statewide fight for assistance, dollars, programming, and services. As a state we will see change happen for our citizens. It is great to hear that Columbus is doing so well and it is time to start sharing best practices from cities like Columbus to strengthen other cities and regions around the state.
3. Based on your experience at the summit, what one thing would you like to see happen in Northeast Ohio?
Anon.: People want to see business growth and job creation, but do not know how to translate this theory into practice. A component to job creation that wasn’t mentioned is business creation. Over the last few years, business birth rates have decreased and this is a concerning concept. Entrepreneurship is the backbone of this country; small businesses become large business and contribute to the overall economy. I think Ohio should study entrepreneurship not only in theory but in practice. We should seek to answer the questions: How do we tap into the entrepreneurial spirit of Ohioans and those who want to locate in Ohio? How do we encourage entrepreneurship?
A.H.: The one thing I would like to see in Northeast Ohio is a slowdown or even cessation of urban sprawl. The ramifications would be huge. Stopping sprawl would mean protection of more of Ohio’s endangered forests, prairies, and watersheds, a restored vibrancy within core communities, and a better quality of life for both urban and rural residents.
G.F.: Consolidation of school districts.
E.B.: I would like to see suburban areas gain a greater respect and appreciation for core cities. Since many suburbs are doing well, they seem to think that they can do it on their own. They seem to believe that they can come into the city (maybe) for a game and a steak dinner, but that’s all that they need to contribute to core cities. They seem unwilling to share dollars, resources or services with core cities, which is adding to the decline of core cities, which we can no longer afford.
4. What topics were missing from the summit?
E.B.: Topics like racial and economic inclusion, environmental reform and historic revitalization are topics that need to start to move to the front of everyone’s agendas.
5. Which breakout session did you attend? Was it worthwhile? What did you take away from that breakout session?
Anon.: I attended the breakout session on “Boosting Business Growth and Job Creation” and I thought it was worthwhile in changing my perspective on the economy in Ohio. There was an interesting conversation on the changing global economy with respect to manufacturing. There have been many discussions amongst academics and economists with regards to the shift in the US economy from a manufacturing economy to one based in the service sector. Many feel that this is not feasible in the Ohio economy, but two of the panelists, Dr. Ned Hill (Cleveland Sate University) and Donald Plusquellic (Mayor of Akron) offered, what I considered an interesting alternative to switching to a service economy all together: changing the Ohio economy from one of heavy manufacturing to that of manufacturing that fits the current environment of health care, technology, and other emerging sectors of the 21st century global economy. I’m sure many have considered this before, but I really began to understand that manufacturing is a core component to the Ohio economy and that it can continue to be so, but in a different manner. There have been significant productivity gains in manufacturing and by combining the change in manufacturing and these gains, we can see a new dynamic in the Ohio economy.
A.H.: I attended the session “Infrastructure: Investing to Promote Economic Development,” which was very worthwhile. The importance of public transportation was a huge focus of the conversation including the idea that the link between transit and land use needs to be strengthened at a regional and state level. It is my hope that all the talk of high-speed rail, new public transportation systems in core communities that lack them, and a transition from highway building to community building becomes a reality.
6. Did the summit make you feel hopeful, cynical, inspired… What was your general response?
G.F.: It was inspiring to see so many people who were passionate about change that I feel is so essential.
E.B.: The summit made me feel hopeful because at least important conversations are beginning to happen. I hope that these conversations are followed by initiatives and action. The summit was a great place for collaboration and coalition building to begin. It was a great place to network and brainstorm on how to make change. It was the delivery of some very harsh but pragmatic realities that hopefully will be taken to heart and acted upon.
7. Anything you want to add? Anything people in other states should know?E.B.: Ohio is in a comeback and is ready to rejoin the union in a big way. Get ready to start visiting Ohio again. Sorry, New York, California and Florida.