The City Club of Cleveland Podcast

Baldwin Wallace University has a new President, and Lee Fisher is ushering in a new era as the University's 10th President. Tapping into his deep and diverse career spanning the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors, President Fisher hopes to redefine what's possible and lead the charge toward a bold, sustainable future in higher education. President Fisher took the helm in late 2025, the same year the University celebrated its 180th birthday. With his first 100 days behind him, what are the challenges, opportunities, and strategies ahead for the mission and vision of BW?rnrnBefore being named President of BW, Fisher served as the Dean and Joseph C. Hostetler-BakerHostetler Chair in Law at Cleveland State University College of Law. Fisher served 18 years in state-elected public office, including as Ohio Attorney General and Lt. Governor.

The Department of Homeland Security has escalated immigration enforcement in recent months, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducting raids in Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, and most recently Minneapolis, where ICE agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens, Ren?e Good and Alex Pretti, detained countless citizens and legal immigrants, including multiple children.rnrnThose incidents have sparked widespread protests, bipartisan criticism in Congress, where Democrats have moved to block funding for the agency, and multiple lawsuits, including from the states of Minnesota and Illinois. A federal judge in Minnesota said that ICE had violated nearly 100 court orders.rnrnIn Ohio, Haitian immigrants in Springfield are bracing for ICE activity as their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is set to expire on February 3rd; and immigrant communities across the state are facing increased anxiety over ICE enforcement in the Buckeye State.

In 2009, 246 people were victims of gun violence in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2022, that number was 121, reflective of a steady decline over more than a decade. That reduction in gun violence was the result of the work of Omaha 360, a persistent and consistent effort by organizations and leaders across the city who come together every week to share data, coordinate strategies, and respond to community needs. This work is paired with youth engagement, reentry services, and engagement with law enforcement agencies-supporting violence prevention from every angle.rnrnWillie Barney founded Omaha 360 through his work with the Empowerment Network, a community building initiative that has grown from an idea into a broad community-wide collaborative supporting efforts in education, workforce development, and housing. Douglas County, Nebraska's Sheriff's office was a key partner to the effort. Wayne Hudson--now Chief of Police in Shaker--helped to lead and support the work.rnrnMeanwhile, municipalities across Cuyahoga County have long sought to reduce gun violence. Recent years have seen emergency departments consistently reporting more than 300 gunshot wounds each year. And in 2025, County Executive Chris Ronayne appointed Myesha Watkins administrator of the county's Office of Violence Prevention, and the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas has recently created a new Violence Intervention Program.

In Washington State, 42% of Black households have zero net worth. It's a statistic echoed in Black communities across the nation--including here in Cleveland. The legacy of historical policies like segregation and redlining has impacted both homeownership and opportunities to build generational wealth today. Now, skyrocketing rents and a shrinking housing supply have put homeownership out of reach for many. But what if it doesn't have to be this way?rnrnEmerging in 2021, the Black Home Initiative is a new regional effort based in the Seattle-Tacoma region that seeks to target the racial inequities at the core of the housing ecosystem. The initiative is powered by the Civic Commons through a large network of 122 public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit institutional partners. Together, they focus on growing the pool of homes for purchase; supporting Black households who want to buy a home and obtain a mortgage; and improving collaboration to create a more efficient and effective ecosystem for Black homeownership.rnrnHow can we work together to grow wealth and build vibrant communities through homeownership? Join us at the City Club as Alesha Washington from The Seattle Foundation leads a conversation with Michael Brown from the Civic Commons on what we can learn from the Black Home Initiative.

Two years after Hamas invaded Israel, a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States brought the conflict one step closer to resolution. That October 10th agreement created to conditions for the return of remaining Israeli hostages and the bodies of deceased captives in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. It also opened up channels for the delivery of humanitarian aid at levels that had not been seen since the October 7, 2023, invasion.rnrnThe 20-point peace plan is complex and fragile. Hostilities continue to break out episodically, and though aid has scaled up, many Gazans continue to face chronic food insecurity. Hamas has not disarmed, and Israel continues to remain in a wartime posture. Despite uncertainty, progress toward a lasting peace remains the stated goal of the warring parties.rnrnBoth Michael Koplow and Ahmed Alkhatib know this conflict intimately.rnrnBorn in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents, Ahmed Alkhatib is a writer and the head of Realign for Palestine. a project of the Atlantic Council, Realign advocates for Palestinian statehood and self-determination.rnrnMichael Koplow is Chief Policy Officer at the Israel Policy Forum. His writing frequently appears in the Atlantic, Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Policy, among many other publications.rnModerated by Cleveland Council on World Affairs' CEO Marti Flacks.

Throughout 2026, and in partnership with the America 250-Ohio Commission, the City Club will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring all the ways that Ohio has contributed to U.S. history for 250+ years. In January, our state will recognize the unique contributions of Ohio's firsts and originals.rnrnSince day one, and throughout the entirety of our country's formation, Native Americans served as defining threads - and participants - in U.S. politics. Article 1, Section 8 (also known as the "Indian Commerce Clause") in the U.S. Constitution establishes a unique federal-tribal relationship, acknowledging tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Today, it serves as the backbone for federal Indian law, which spans hundreds of years, impacting both tribal and non-tribal communities. What are the landmark moments in history that influenced the trajectory of our nation, particularly in the Great Lakes region? And how are modern Native Nations influencing the growth of the United States today?rnrnMatthew L.M. Fletcher is a leading tribal law expert, and is the Harry Burns Hutchins Collegiate Professor of Law and Professor of American Culture at the University of Michigan. He teaches and writes in the areas of federal Indian law, American Indian tribal law, Anishinaabe legal and political philosophy, constitutional law, federal courts, and legal ethics. He sits as the chief justice of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians; as well as an appellate judge for many other tribal nations. Fletcher also co-authored the sixth, seventh, and eighth editions of Cases and Materials on Federal Indian Law and three editions of American Indian Tribal Law, the only casebook for law students on tribal law.

Over the past decade, the Center for Christian Virtue has emerged as one of the most influential nonprofit advocacy organizations in the state of Ohio, notching legislative victories on school choice and building coalitions with state government leaders. Much of this has happened under the leadership of Aaron Baer.rnrnBaer joined CCV as President in November 2016 after a number of years in policy and advocacy in Arizona. Known at the time as Citizens for Community Values, the organization traces its roots to religiously driven anti-obscenity organizing in Cincinnati in the early 1980s. In 1990, CCV famously opposed and filed criminal charges against the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati over the museum's exhibition of photos by Robert Mapplethorpe.rnrnUnder Baer's leadership, the organization moved to a statehouse adjacent location in Columbus, changed its name, exponentially grew the budget and headcount, and now hosts a well-attended annual summit focused on Christian faith and policy, which features many elected leaders. The organization is not without controversy, however. In 2015 and again in 2023, the Southern Poverty Law Center designated CCV as a hate group because of its stance and rhetoric toward members of the LGBT community. Meanwhile, CCV has been praised for its efforts by the Heritage Foundation, whose president recently noted, "So much of our nation's societal decay stems from our education system, and institutions like CCV are spearheading the effort to save our children and restore morality and sanity in our schools."

Rock Entertainment Group (REG) is not just Cavs basketball, winning streaks, and league standings. It's a company that also aims to give back, serve as a community asset, and demonstrate true leadership in shaping Cleveland's rise. In the lineup is a much-anticipated riverfront project, which includes both the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center and Cosm's immersive entertainment venue in 2027; and a WNBA franchise returning to Cleveland in 2028.rnrnAt the helm is Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group-which manages the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, the AHL Cleveland Monsters, the NBA G League Cleveland Charge, the Cavs Legion in the NBA 2K League, and the newly formed Rock Entertainment Sports Network. REG also manages operations of key venues such as the Cleveland Clinic Courts and Rocket Arena. "A strong urban core is the strongest form of the heartbeat of a region," Barlage said in an interview with Crain's Cleveland Business. "If the heart is strong, the body will be stronger."

Artificial Intelligence is now widely embedded in industry from workforce recruitment and healthcare to business operations and design, transforming how people work and solve problems. In education, the conversation often centers on AI as a subject to be taught, a skill to be practiced, or a risk to be managed. Concerns around cheating and plagiarism have dominated early classroom discourse. What is emerging now, however, is a more productive shift: the opportunity to reframe AI not as the goal itself, but as an enabler that unlocks new possibilities for teaching, learning, creativity, and school design.rnrnLeading organizations in this sector are moving beyond AI literacy alone and toward AI fluency - the confidence and ability to build solutions, workflows, and learning experiences with AI that expand what educators and students can achieve. From rapid ideation to personalized learning pathways, AI is proving most powerful when it strengthens human capacity rather than replacing it.rnrnPanelists in this forum see AI as an enabler that expands what schools and educators can achieve, not the subject itself. ISTE and ASCD, guided by Chief Innovation Officer Joseph South, focus on AI-enabled learning environments that amplify teaching and accelerate responsible innovation. The Reinvention Lab, where senior designer Mike Yates leads future-of-learning prototyping, helps students and educators invent educational solutions faster. Vero Learning, led by Chrissybil Boulin, is the first decision intelligence platform that measures how people think, adapt and decide under pressure. At TIES, Jeremy Shorr works with organizations, schools, and policy makers to scale innovation and deepen student learning by using AI to expand educator capacity, transform systems, and change outcomes.

In a world driven by fast-fashion, mass production, and shifts in retail shopping habits, the fashion industry has faced its fair share of challenges lately-particularly for entrepreneurs and small businesses.rnrnYet, Valerie May?n has remained committed to sustainability and the art of hand-crafted garments that fit everybody and every body. Valerie is the Latinx female powerhouse behind Yellowcake Shop Fashion, where her unapologetic approach to representation and empowerment through fashion has earned her multiple accolades, including Crain's Cleveland Woman of Note, Notable Latino Leaders, and the Cleveland Arts Prize, among others.rnrnValerie grew from humble beginnings as a student at the Cleveland Institute of Arts and an Etsy shop owner before gaining international recognition through Project Runway (Season 8 and All-Stars Season 5). She ultimately scaled Yellowcake from zero to six figures, without external support. Her entrepreneurial journey is filled with real-world lessons on creativity, integrity, and a lived experience on how Northeast Ohio can better support entrepreneurs.

Congressman Greg Landsman represents the 1st District of Ohio, which includes the city of Cincinnati, Warren County, and borders the state of Kentucky. He is widely known for his work in child and family advocacy, and bipartisan legislative efforts that support veterans, housing affordability, and public safety.rnrnBefore joining the U.S. House of Representatives in 2023, Greg served on the Cincinnati City Council for five years where he led investments in public safety and core services. He also served as the Director of Faith-based and Community Initiatives under former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. He currently serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, including the Subcommittee on Health, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Environment.

Union organizing in Cleveland has been gaining ground, and it's not just taking on large corporations. Driven by workers seeking fair wages, safer working conditions, and a voice at the table, local unionization has repeatedly made headlines here in Cleveland. One thing is clear: This isn't your grandparents' labor movement. Multiple sectors, including small businesses and nonprofits, are joining a growing effort to unionize as they face a rising cost of living, inflation, and a challenging political climate. What new strategies are needed to support workers, build solidarity, and create a more equitable workplace?rnrnPanelists: Tim Francisco, Director, The Center for Working Class Studies; Professor of English, Youngstown State University; Grace Heffernan, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Worker Center; and Brian Pearson, Executive Secretary, North Shore AFL-CIO. Moderated by City Club Director of Programming Cynthia Connolly.

Celebrate the National Day of Giving with purpose and perspective.rnrnEvery day, Americans contribute more than $1 billion to charitable causes - a powerful reflection of generosity in action. Here in Northeast Ohio, local households give nearly $5 billion annually, fueling the missions that strengthen our communities.rnrnYet, the philanthropic landscape is constantly shifting - shaped by tax reform, community needs, political climate, and evolving donor expectations. On Giving Tuesday, join us for a free, energizing workshop exploring how intentional strategy and authentic connection can enhance donor satisfaction and amplify nonprofit impact.rnrnLed by Megan Bush Granson, founder & CEO of Inbloom Consulting, and Dan Mansoor, founder & President of GoodWorks Group, and this engaging session will offer fresh insights, actionable ideas, and renewed energy for the work you do every day.rnrnBeyond ideas and inspiration, this is a chance to connect with peers, recharge your perspective, and rediscover the joy of fundraising.

Quantum computing may sound like something out of a sci-fi TV show. But the future is here, and it's right in our own backyard. In 2023, Cleveland Clinic and IBM deployed the first quantum computer dedicated to healthcare research. It was part of a 10-year partnership to accelerate research in healthcare and life sciences. Unlike supercomputers, quantum computing uses "qubits" that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics, making it possible to explore certain complex problems and calculations - calculations impractical or impossible for supercomputers. For context, in what would take a supercomputer years to execute, a quantum computer can complete in hours, if not minutes.rnrnThis is a complete game-changer when it comes to research bottlenecks, identifying new scientific discoveries. And it's not just Cleveland Clinic tapping into this innovative technology. Have we entered a new race to the top in tech? And what does it mean to have one of the first quantum computers powering advanced biomedical research right here in Northeast Ohio?

From underground clubs to sold out arenas, every musician and band who "made it big" started small. The success story of one of Akron's most successful bands, The Black Keys, is no different. Together with bandmate Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney began recording in basements and touring in a 1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager. Ultimately, the band chose a similar minivan for the cover of their double-platinum album, El Camino, which rose to No. 2 on the Billboard album chart in 2011. It was a humorous nod to their humble beginnings and "band van" days.rnrnWhile the hustle and grind can seem like a rite of passage for rock bands, it doesn't necessarily need to be that way. John Panza at the Panza Foundation believes that even small amounts of assistance can have a profound effect on the artistic output and morale of independent artists. Established in 2014, the Panza Foundation aims to support local, independent musicians and bands--allowing those artists the freedom to pursue their craft with the best tools and opportunities possible.

What's the case for college these days? For much of the last fifty years, research very clearly suggested that college was the key to unlock the American Dream. A college degree not only ensured a route to a stable career but was also strongly correlated with future financial well-being. Events of recent years, along with the affordability challenges, seem to have stood that conventional wisdom on its head.rnrnAnd yet, more than 15 million students are enrolled in undergraduate programs at close to 4,000 institutions. And despite the headlines about name-brand private colleges and universities, it's important to remember that more than 70% of those students are at public institutions--community colleges and state schools that prioritize affordability alongside educational quality.rnrnTo make the case for college in these turbulent times, we'll hear from the President of one of the more affordable higher education institutions in Northeast Ohio, the chief executive of the regional organization that supports more than 42,000 individuals every year, and the best-selling author of The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation about Education, Parenting, and Race.

This is a youth-led forum, powered by student voices.rnrnFrom center stage to the sports arena, athletes and public figures have long used their platforms to do more than entertain. They have used their voices to lead, challenge, and inspire change. This youth-led forum explores how some of Cleveland's most recognizable names have influenced the city's culture, conversations, and commitment to justice.rnrnFrom the legacy of Congressman Louis Stokes' fight for fair representation and voting rights to the 1967 Cleveland Summit, when prominent Black athletes took a public stand for their beliefs, Cleveland has a deep history of leadership that connects sports, civic engagement, and advocacy. Today, new generations of athletes, artists, and influencers continue that tradition, using their visibility to push for equity, uplift communities, and redefine what civic leadership looks like.rnrnPanelists and students will discuss how influence can create real impact, what responsibility comes with a public platform, and how young people can learn from these examples to shape the next chapter of Cleveland's story.

Becoming a successful entrepreneur and maintaining success in a startup business has its own unique set of systemic and structural challenges. Many of those challenges start well before the hunt for investors and developers begins. Often, the toughest barriers can be found in simply trying to meet basic needs for themselves, or their families. Access to food, wraparound services, and community health can make a significant difference at the start of any entrepreneurial endeavor. Add to this, access to education, key resources, technology, and quality mentorship can truly make the difference between an idea launched, or shelved. What can we learn about the work being done here in Northeast Ohio that is truly breaking barriers, and building futures in entrepreneurship?rnrnTiffany Cashon is a Senior Director at Case Western Reserve University's think[box] is a seven story makerspace and entrepreneurship ecosystem that is free and open to the public. Opened in 2015, its goal is to bring together resources for venture creation and entrepreneurship under one roof.rnrnKate Fox Nagel is Chief Executive Officer of MetroHealth Community Health Centers. Launched in 2018, the centers support inclusive and equitable community wellbeing in collaboration with other critical community organizations.rnrnTiffany Scruggs is the VP of Community Access and Executive Director of Community Resource Center at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Opened in 2022, the Community Resource Center serves as a one-stop shop for a healthy choice food pantry and to connect with over a dozen social service partners all under one roof.rnrnModerated by Renee RichardrnPresident and CEO of Corporate College, Cuyahoga Community College

As the nation readies itself for what could turn into the longest federal government shutdown in history, 42 million people - or about 1 in 8 - are bracing for a pause in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Here in Cuyahoga County, 190,000 residents receive SNAP benefits. Funding for the program will run out starting on November 1st. Regardless of whether the government reopens or Congress passes a SNAP funding bill, changes to SNAP eligibility and work requirements will take effect beginning November 1-impacting immigrants, families with teenage children, and others.rnrnrnFood Banks across the nation are readying to meet increased demand. Yet, SNAP provides about nine times the amount of food aid compared to food banks. Add to this, 1.4 million federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay, stressing household budgets and driving up food insecurity. How are area organizations managing the increased demand? And how can we support the region's wrap-around services to become more resilient in the face of external pressures? rnSpeakers: Annette IwamotornDirector, Cuyahoga Human Services Chamber, Center for Community SolutionsrnPatrick KearnsrnExecutive Director, Re:Source ClevelandrnDavid MerrimanrnDirector, Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human ServicesrnModeratorrnGabriel KramerrnReporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media

In the 1960s, John Lewis led the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee, committed to the belief, as the New York Times put it, "that allowing himself to be beaten nearly to death in public would hasten the collapse of Southern apartheid." Which is more or less what happened, most notably at Bloody Sunday.rnrnJohn Lewis would go on to lose leadership of SNCC and decades later win election to Congress, representing Georgia from 1987 until his death in 2020.rnrnIn a moment in which our nation seems defined by both national politics and the activism those politics provoke, Congressman Lewis' life offers a model of resistance, optimism, and leadership, one that ultimately changed our nation for the better.rnrnAs part of the City Club's 2025 Annual Meeting, join us as Thompson Hine's Robyn Minter Smyers leads a conversation with biographer David Greenberg on John Lewis's remarkable life and the lessons it holds for all of us.

Known for his no-BS approach, irreverent sense of humor, and love of unicorns, Vu Le is the writer of the popular blog NonprofitAF.com. He is known for his satirical approach to calling out and unpacking challenges in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Through humor, he says the quiet part out loud, underscoring many of the silent frustrations of nonprofit professionals.rnrnIn his latest book, Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector, Vu Le goes where many dare not. It is a guide for nonprofit leaders, professionals, and donors seeking to completely reimagine the way nonprofits think, operate, and make an impact. Each chapter delves into a specific area of work - including fundraising, boards, and hiring - analyzes the challenges, and provides concrete solutions for change.rnrnVu Le is also the former executive director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by supporting leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration among diverse communities.

This is the inaugural forum in The Kathryn J. Lincoln Series, a new annual series being presented in partnership with Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.rnrnFor the last several years, LAND studio, in collaboration with the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation (NCWDC), has attempted to pin down an elusive solution that connects the city to its lakefront. Announced in 2023, the North Coast master plan was developed after numerous workshops, public forums, and community input. This summer, the project secured $960,000 from the Department of Transportation's BUILD program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.rnrnNow, the project has wrapped the planning phase and is firmly entering the next era-it's time to do the work. Looking at peer cities that are further along in their own waterfront projects, what best practices can we learn, how were they successful, and how can we all prepare to get the job done?

Can Artificial Intelligence, or AI, make us all better off? Currently, experts anticipate shifts across various industries and occupations. They believe it is time to prepare workers, institutions, and ecosystems for the impact of AI on jobs.rnrnTiffany Hsieh is director of innovation programs in the Incubation practice at JFFLabs. She is responsible for strategy and operations for the launch of the Center for Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Work-which convenes stakeholders across sectors to shape the national dialogue on AI and the future of work and learning. Leading with discovery, design, and action, the Center ensures AI accelerates access to quality jobs by shaping policy, practice, and investment in innovative solutions.rnrnJoin us at the City Club as we gather for the fifth annual Deborah Vesy Systems Change Champion Award forum, in partnership with the Deaconess Foundation, to discuss the evolution of AI, the promise of its use in workforce development, and its implications for the future of work.

Dr. Warren G. Morgan will deliver his annual State of the Schools address at a pivotal time for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The district is looking to improve on strong academic gains from last year, while also addressing the enrollment declines of recent decades and expanding opportunities for better student experiences across all schools.

For many Americans, Public Media is the home of NPR, PBS, and is synonymous with the likes of Mr. Rogers, Elmo, and Ken Burns documentaries. It is also a crucial resource for local journalism, discourse, and even emergency alerts. In July 2025, the Rescissions Act of 2025 was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump, cutting all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting-which will close its doors in January 2026. The hardest hit are smaller market, rural, and tribal stations, some of which are seeing the loss of public safety grants intended to support disaster-prone regions of the nation. What are the impacts of these cuts? And what efforts are underway to support the most at-risk public media organizations?

Join Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne for the 2025 State of the County address at the Atrium Ballroom at the Huntington Convention Center in downtown Cleveland. The Executive will share key accomplishments, reflect on the progress made together, and outline his vision and priorities for the upcoming year.

Throughout history, young people have driven America's major social and political movements, and today is no different. From campus protests to debates over political expression, student activism remains a loud voice. Yet, efforts to silence these voices are also mounting.rnrnThat's why it has never been more critical to protect and foster youth leadership. A 2022 CIRCLE survey by Tufts University's Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement found that while 62% of young Americans say their political views are an important part of their identity, only 33% of those aged 18-21 feel well-qualified to participate in politics.rnrnAt the City Club's Youth Forum Council inaugural forum of the 2025-2026 school year, Youth Activism: How Students Can Create Change, we aim to equip students with knowledge and tools to take action on issues that matter to them. We will explore the significance of youth activism, share resources to amplify student voices, and discuss how educators and parents can support this work.

Celebrating 50 years in 2025, the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland has remained the leading nonprofit that empowers Northeast Ohio's LGBTQ community through advocacy, education, collaboration, and celebration. In fact, it is one of the first established LGBTQ centers in the nation.rnrnLeading the way is Phyllis Seven Harris, who has played a strong role as an advocate in Cleveland's LGBTQ+ community and has nearly two decades of leadership experience in Northeast Ohio. Her steady, strategic leadership comes at an unprecedented time when legislative policies and cultural shifts have impacted critical issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.

There is a tension in our region between those who view our future as constrained by resource scarcity and those who see ours as a region of plenty. Last year, Baiju Shah, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, pointed this out in an essay for Crain's, "For too long," he wrote, "our region has approached major opportunities in an 'either-or' framing, with concern and caution. Focus on the lakefront or the riverfront? Develop new housing downtown, in neighborhoods, or suburbs? Grow research or businesses?"rnrnPerhaps the time has come for an abundance mindset. Some national thinkers would certainly agree.rnrnBaiju Shah, chief executive of the region's chamber of commerce, speaks about his vision for how a mindset change might make possible the future many in Greater Cleveland hope for. He'll discuss the region's growth and how business and civic leaders can work together to unlock the region's full potential.

The national debate over the state of free speech continues to intensify. With the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah and the subsequent suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel over remarks regarding Kirk's death, recent events have reinforced a deep divide among Americans.rnrnAccording to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, there has been a continued decline in support for free speech, particularly among all students, and students of every political persuasion show a deep unwillingness to encounter controversial ideas. Meanwhile, Kimmel's suspension has drawn attention to the government's growing pressure on the media and private companies, and raises questions about what constitutes direct interference with First Amendment rights.rnrnIs free speech under attack? Or is the public's definition shifting? And what can we take stock of from current events, as well as long-term trends in this nation and our ability to exercise our First Amendment rights?

These days, becoming an entrepreneur seems riskier than ever. The market is fast-paced and increasingly advanced technology has changed the game. Today's entrepreneurial market is certainly not the same as those of past generations. What can we learn from those who know what it takes to build success, scale up, and improve our communities?rnrnKumar Arora is an entrepreneur, investor, and consultant behind many startups and brands you probably heard of: ILTHY(R), FutureLAND, Cleveland Cavaliers, and numerous Fortune 500 companies. His parent company Arora Ventures provides resources, investment, and consulting services to assist early-stage to mid-sized businesses. Consistently pushing the envelope on design and innovation, much of his work centers on the idea of creating novel products, teams, and scaling brands. His concentration lies in a variety of industries including consumer brands, entertainment, packaged goods, product development, marketing, & design.

In her recent book, P.O.E.T. (Power Over Emotional Trauma), Honey Bell-Bey asks, "What do you do with what did not kill you?" Trauma happens, she notes, but healing happens also.rnrnWidely known as the dynamic National Award-winning Poet Laureate (Academy of American Poets), Honey Bell-Bey isn't just a poet. She is also an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist, and for decades, has used her talent in poetry as a vehicle for healing intergenerational trauma and other issues related to public health. Together with Dr. Scott Frank, an award-winning family medical doctor, Associate Professor Emeritus at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), and poet himself, they worked to underscore the importance of poetry as a public health need.

In 1855, an American named John Swanson Jacobs walked into the offices of the Empire newspaper in Sydney, Australia. The conversation that ensued between the editors and Jacobs, a fugitive slave, opened a path for both Jacobs and the Empire, a path for the newspaper to publish his story. Two weeks later, Jacobs brought them a manuscript titled The United States Governed by 600,000 Despots. This was not a typical slave narrative, and they published it.rnrnIn 2016, in the midst of other research, historian Jonathan D.S. Schroeder came across Jacobs' autobiography, which had been all but lost to time. An extraordinary work, more sociopolitical critique than life story, Despots offers a first hand account of how the enslaved truly viewed the institution of slavery, unmediated by white editors and writers as so many other slave narratives of the time were.rnrnIn celebration of the 90th Anisfield Wolf Book Awards and Cleveland Book Fest, Schroeder will discuss Jacobs' narrative and Schroeder's own scholarship with author, historian, and 2021 Anisfield Wolf Book Award winner Vincent Brown.

What if the conventional narrative of the 1960s civil rights era, by its very nature, limits the success, legal achievements, and persistence of Black Americans for generations? In Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights, author Dylan C. Penningroth maintains that the fight for civil rights didn't begin with famous marches and courtroom cases of the 1960s. Instead, his research stretches from the last decades of slavery to the 1970s, and challenges nearly every aspect of our traditional understanding of civil rights history as we know it.rnrnDrawing on long-forgotten sources found in the basements of county courthouses across the nation, Penningroth centers the everyday lives of Black Americans and sheds light on their centuries-long tradition of legal knowledge to assert their rights, protect their families, and shape their communities.rnrnDylan C. Penningroth is a professor of law and Morrison Professor of history at the University of California, Berkeley. He specializes in African American history and legal history and is a MacArthur Fellow. Before the Movement won eleven book prizes and was shortlisted for four more. He is also the author of the award-winning book, The Claims of Kinfolk: African American Property and Community in the Nineteenth-Century South.

It is a rare opportunity to hear about a mission to space firsthand from any NASA astronaut, and Euclid, Ohio, native Sunita "Suni" Williams certainly has an extraordinary experience to share. On June 5, 2024, she was launched on the new Boeing Starliner spacecraft for what was intended to be an eight-day mission on the International Space Station (ISS). It ended up being a nine-month stay after technical issues forced the spacecraft to return to Earth uncrewed. While her timeline aboard the ISS faced uncertainty, Williams' work and commitment to science and innovation never wavered. Together with the crew, she completed more than 900 hours of research between more than 150 unique scientific experiments during her stay.rnrnThroughout her three-decade career, Williams has logged 608 days in space over her three flights. She has also completed 62 hours and 6 minutes of total spacewalk time. That's the most of any female astronaut, and fourth on NASA's all-time list.rnrnModerating the conversation is astronaut Douglas H. Wheelock. Like his colleague Sunita, he was also selected by NASA in 1998. On October 23, 2007, Wheelock launched on his first spaceflight aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. The retired Colonel has accumulated more than 178 days in space.rnrnTo mark Ohio Space Week, and in partnership with Great Lakes Science Center, join us for an inspiring conversation between two NASA astronauts - Sunita L. Williams and Doug H. Wheelock - on what it takes to live and work in zero gravity, and the importance of space exploration today.

Art is powerful. It can foster social cohesion and influence the mood of a moment. Murals aren't just decorative elements in a neighborhood; they are a tool for revitalization, connection, and storytelling that amplifies voices and strengthens both place and people.rnrnIn partnership with the Saint Luke's Foundation, Assembly for the Arts' Jeremy Johnson will be joined by Kevin "mr.soul" Harp, Stina Aleah, and Robin Robinson. Each of these talented artists have created stunning murals within the Saint Luke's footprint in the Buckeye-Shaker, Woodhill, and Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods.rnrnJoin us for a special FREE City Club Forum and Cookout in the Community as we hear from three inspiring muralists who have transformed their communities on Cleveland's East Side, and what more can be done to support art for the public good.

One of the underreported casualties of any war is culinary culture. It's not just family recipes that might get lost; when you recognize the importance of food to our essential humanity, you can quickly see how the loss of culinary traditions can lead to an erasure of cultural and identity. This is the terrain author and human rights investigator Michael Shaikh explores in his new book The Last Sweet Bite: Stories and Recipes of Culinary Heritage Lost and Found.rnrnRaised in Cleveland and Karachi, Shaikh has worked for nearly two decades in the field of human rights, spending extensive time in conflict zones mostly in Asia and the Middle East. Shaikh's book explores the impact of conflict on the most essential of human traditions--what we cook and how we nourish ourselves and our souls. From a refugee camp in Bangladesh to the legacy of Nazism and Soviet rule on Eastern European traditions, Shaikh unpacks what might have been lost if not for the resilience of diasporic communities and the amazing activists, home cooks, and chefs who have kept traditions alive.rnrnJoin us for a conversation moderated by chef and Marine Corps veteran Ben Bebenroth of the nonprofit Spice Field Kitchen.

Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." And there are numerous notable figures in our country's fight toward this justice, and then there is Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II.rnrnFor decades, Rev. Barber has served as a powerful voice in movements that combined faith, morality, and activism. As the Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival, Rev. Barber has launched a new movement that aims to address the same issues that Martin Luther King Jr. spoke against in the original 1960s campaign.rnrnRev. Barber is also President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, and a Professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Public Policy and Founding Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. The author of five books, including We Are Called To Be A Movement, his most recent book White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy explores how we can join together to take on poverty and economic injustice.rnrnIn a moment when the strength of democracy is tested, and our country's bend toward justice is questioned, join us as we hear from Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II on how we can build social justice movements that uplift our deepest moral and constitutional values.

In November 2024, Bernie Moreno was elected as a U.S. Senator for Ohio. He is largely known for building one of the largest dealership groups in America, eventually employing over 1,000 Ohioans. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Moreno moved to the United States with his family at age five, becoming a U.S. citizen at 18. Following his business career, he turned his focus to public service.rnrnSenator Moreno has already sponsored signature legislation, including the USA CAR Act, which aims to give tax breaks for buying American-assembled vehicles, and the Transportation Freedom Act, aimed at boosting domestic auto manufacturing and easing certain emission rules.

In Cuyahoga County 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday; and victims of trafficking can be women or men, girls or boys. Right now, organizations in Northeast Ohio are doubling down to address sexual violence and human trafficking. What are the current advocacy efforts and challenges to access to care right here in Cleveland? And what tools are available to help protect our communities in a time when uncertainty on policy, progress, and funding only adds to these challenges?rnrnJoin us at the City Club as we hear from leadership from the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and Canopy Child Advocacy Center on the state of sexual violence and human trafficking in Cuyahoga County; and what each of us can do to ensure a safe and healing environment for all survivors.

The Great Lakes influence our surrounding regions' culture, economy, and environment. Yet, record-breaking temperatures and unprecedented weather events across these regions, and those who rely on the lakes for their way of life, are asking questions about what's to come.rnrnChris Winslow has the answers.rnrnChris is the Director of the Ohio Sea Grant's College Program, where he coordinates their research with Ohio State University's Stone Lab-Ohio Sea Grant's education and outreach facility on Lake Erie and part of The Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.rnrnFor more than 100 years, professional researchers from across the nation have worked at Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Labs to help solve the most pressing issues facing the Great Lakes, such as invasive species and toxic algal blooms. Researchers provide critical science that informs policy, guides environmental management, and shapes public understanding of Lake Erie and the broader Great Lakes region. From ecosystem health to economic impact, this research plays a key role in ensuring a more resilient future for the communities that depend on the lakes.

There is no simple solution or singular approach to gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. But Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division at the Gates Foundation knows that when women and girls can prioritize their own health and well-being, and be leaders in their societies, everyone benefits. In a piece for Harvard Public Health, Dr. Zaidi called for women's health to be a priority, "Systemic negligence-including the lack of effective treatments, poor care delivery, and the overall dearth of scientific research that centers women's health-has driven gender disparities in health outcomes."rnrnThrough her work at the Gender Equality Division, the Gates Foundation has invested in efforts that advance women's economic empowerment, improve and protect women's health and bodily autonomy, increase child survival and resilience, and more. Previously, Dr. Zaidi spent 30 years as a pediatrician and was Chair of Pediatrics and Child Health at the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan, where she worked to reduce child mortality through the prevention and treatment of newborn illnesses and vaccine-preventable diseases.

Since its 2014 founding, The Marshall Project has changed how the media covers criminal justice, shifting from traditional crimes and court coverage to covering the system itself, along with abuses and malfeasances inside the publicly funded structures. The Marshall Project garnered major recognition, including two Pulitzers and a Peabody, and in 2022, opened its first local newsroom here in Cleveland, Ohio.rnrnThe Marshall Project--Cleveland has been responsible for a number of notable successes, including drawing attention to a sitting judge who was improperly steering divorce cases to a friend and spotlighting deaths inside the Cuyahoga County jail. Now, The Marshall Project is using the Cleveland newsroom as a model for other communities, expanding its local coverage to Jackson, Mississippi, and St. Louis, Missouri.rnrnAs our community hosts the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists, we bring some of the journalists leading The Marshall Project nationally and locally to our stage to talk about their work, their impact, and their plans for the future.

The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center For Economic Development (NEOHCED) has led the way for Cleveland's Latino community, and includes multiple anchors that build success and equitable asset building: The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has, for close to 40 years, represented the Latino and non-Latino business community in Northeast Ohio; They are home to Northeast Ohio's only Latino Small Business Development Center; and have been committed to community development and equitable asset building in Cleveland's Latino, and other underserved communities.rnrnAs President & CEO, Jenice Contreras is a beacon of leadership and a champion for economic empowerment at NEOHCED. Most notable is the new CentroVilla25, Cleveland's Premier Latino Market & Food Hall, which celebrated its grand opening in June this year. CentroVilla25 is a groundbreaking $12 million adaptive reuse initiative that truly changed the game on what is possible in La Villa Hispana in Cleveland's Clark-Fulton neighborhood.

Cleveland is repositioning its future as a dual waterfront city. Take a deep dive (pun intended!) as we reflect on the past, present, and future visions to transform our downtown into "Coastland".rnrnFor over a year, the local chapters of the American Institute of Architects, American Planning Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Urban Land Institute (AIA, APA, ASLA and ULI) have collaborated on a topic of mutual interest and significance: our waterfronts and their connections to downtown. In summer 2025, multi-disciplinary professionals from these organizations hosted "From Cleveland to Coastland" featuring a 'design your own adventure' exploration of Cleveland's downtown, lakefront, and riverfront developments.rnrnPanelists from the Urban Land Institute, Greater Cleveland Partnership, and RDL Architects will discuss the results of the adventurers' collective experiences and expertise, offer insights on placemaking, architecture, and real estate development, and share impactful ways to transform connectivity between the shores and core.rnPanelists: Melanie Kortyka, Executive Director, Urban Land Institute Cleveland; Allison Lukacsy-Love, Managing Director, Major Projects, Greater Cleveland Partnership; Gregory Soltis, AICP, Senior Designer, RDL Architects; and moderated by Zaria Johnson, Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media

A Panel with Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Cleveland; Mayor Todd Gloria, San Diego; Mayor Donna Deegan, Jacksonville; and Mayor Quinton Lucas, Kansas CityrnrnMayors will tell you they don't have the luxury of inaction. Despite chaos in Washington, Mayors have remained focused on providing a path forward and continuing to deliver for their communities -- on serving their constituents, solving problems, and executing promised reforms and improvements.rnrnThis summer, Mayors from across the country will gather in Cleveland for the annual convening of the Democratic Mayors Association (DMA), where Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb currently serves as president.rnrnImmediately following the Mayors panel, there will be a session featuring former Senator Sherrod Brown, "Dignity of Work: Winning Working Class Voters," and attendees are welcome to stay for that as well.rnrnThe DMA is comprised of mayors of cities of 30,000 and more, creating a network of municipal executives connected to leaders from business and labor. The summit is organized around the theme "Community over Chaos: A Path Forward."

Most known for "Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere," or R.A.K.E. this summer Ricky Smith launched his latest feel-good venture: Something Good Social Kitchen--a casual walkup food stand in Playhouse Square Plaza, which includes collaborators like Chef Michael Symon and exclusively features Cleveland-based providers.rnrnR.A.K.E.'s mission is simple: to support the community in a positive way. They aim to enrich lives, encourage kindness, and promote the act of "paying it forward." And just like R.A.K.E., Ricky Smith is bringing the same altruistic vibe to Something Good Social Kitchen: For every meal sold, R.A.K.E. donates one meal to people in need.

Right now, we are at a critical moment in our nation's political climate, where distrust and misunderstanding have driven the narrative of the public sector's role in solutions to our communities' critical and complex challenges. This includes issues like housing, climate readiness, land use and water management, transportation, municipal finance, social equity, and more. Today's public service requires resilience, leveraging new talent, and building skills for true urban vitality.rnrnThe Vibrant Communities Fellows program at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is a foundational example of how to build vibrant, engaged communities marked by trust and agency for positive change. This collaborative program offers 24-weeks of expert coaching and peer networking to support public and private sector leaders in advancing sustainable community development.rnrnGeorge "Mac" McCarthy, President & CEO of the Lincoln Institute, leads the conversation with Gillian Prater-Lee, Program Assistant at LISC Cleveland, and Christine McIntosh, Planning Manager at the City of Euclid.

The 2025 Borderlight Festival returns to downtown Cleveland, July 16-19! This year, we are proud to share the stage with the artists behind Buckeyes; Buses and Baseball, and the Baseball Heritage Museum and dig into a history and epic achievement often overshadowed in Cleveland sports lore.rnrnInside the iconic League Park, the original home of Cleveland baseball on Lexington Avenue in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood, the Cleveland Buckeyes rose up to defeat the legendry Homestead Grays in the 1945 Negro National League World Series. This year is the 80th anniversary of that championship game.rnrnCreated in partnership with the Baseball Heritage Museum and the Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens, BUCKEYES: Buses & Baseball is a new theater experience that combines spoken word, music, movement, and drama, and three performers explore this remarkable team. Each performance is a celebration of baseball, theatre, history, and the human spirit.

This July, the National Urban League Conference heads to Cleveland! This year's conference promises to be the largest and most influential gathering in the nation focused on civil rights and urban advocacy. Each year, the event attracts leaders from business, government, and social advocacy, all committed to addressing critical issues and advancing initiatives that impact communities served by the Urban League's network of 92 affiliates across the country.rnrnAt the helm of the National Urban League as President & CEO is Marc H. Morial. He served as Mayor of New Orleans as well as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Marc previously was a Louisiana State Senator and was a lawyer in New Orleans.rnrnMorial will be joined by Marsha A. Mockabee, President & CEO of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, in a conversation led by Kevin Clayton, Executive Vice President, Chief Impact & Equity Officer at the Cleveland Cavaliers.rnrnTogether, they will have an in-depth discussion on efforts - both nationally and locally - that eliminate racial, economic, and societal barriers that prevent Black Americans and other communities of color from achieving their full potential.

As lead investigator into both January 6 and Charlottesville, Tim Heaphy discovered that American democracy was headed toward a reckoning. In his book Harbingers, which he completed before the November 2024 election, Tim concluded that apathy poses greater threats to the rule of law than would-be autocrats, and that widespread civic engagement would be essential to safeguarding our values and restoring faith in our institutions. He proposes a number of everyday measures that Americans can and must start taking right now in order to restore our faith and hope in the future.rnrnHeaphy served as Chief Investigative Counsel of the House of Representatives Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. He also oversaw the independent investigation into the August 12, 2017 riot in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is currently a partner at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP and previously served as the Obama-appointed US Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with his family.