The City Club of Cleveland Podcast

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.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI in healthcare, is experiencing a rise in new technologies and applications. Generative AI, more specifically, is a form of artificial intelligence that's trained to find patterns in data and then generate new content. AI can enhance patient care, optimize clinical workflows, and drive innovation-while maintaining transparency and ethical integrity. But no matter how innovative and revolutionary the application, the future of AI in healthcare - and its successful adoption - is driven by patient trust.rnrnNow, leadership from MetroHealth, the Cleveland Clinic, AI Center of Excellence, WellLink, and Ohio Health Literacy Partners are coming together on the City Club stage to discuss real-world applications, challenges, and strategies for fostering trust in AI-driven healthcare transformation.

Last summer, our city played host to DC Studios' filming of the upcoming film "Superman". Early trailer footage gives Cleveland much love, putting many of our city's landmarks front and center. It was a sort of homecoming for Superman, who was created by two Glenville High School students in 1933, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Adding to the anticipation, the Siegel and Shuster Society, an all-volunteer nonprofit, announced they will construct a Superman statue in downtown Cleveland.rnrnBefore the July 11th theatrical release of "Superman," we will be joined by Bill Garvey from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and Valentino Zullo with the Siegel and Shuster Society. Ideastream's Mike McIntyre will lead a conversation on what it takes to bring Hollywood to The CLE and how we can all honor the creators of The Man of Steel.

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded in 1878 on a commitment to set the legal and ethical foundation for the American nation. Today, it exists as a membership organization and stands committed to its mission of defending liberty and pursuing justice. In August 2024, William "Bill" Bay became president of the ABA for the 2024-2025 term after more than 20 years in various leadership roles. His leadership thus far has been widely applauded due to his firm stance in support of the rule of law and defense of judicial independence.rnrnIn a June 1, 2025, President's Letter in the ABA Journal, Bill Bay did not mince his words: "Attacks on the rule of law, judges, lawyers, and the profession. The apparent disregard of due process. And now attacks on the ABA. All of this from our own government. The frequency and intensity show no sign of lessening." How are American lawyers standing up for the foundational principles that have served our country for 250 years?

Ohio's regional public universities - including Cleveland State, and the Universities of Akron and Toledo - collectively serve more students than any single university in the state, including the state's flagship. Yet they're often overlooked in both local and national big-picture conversations about higher education, even though most Americans who do go to college attend an institution within 50 miles of their home.rnrnThese colleges are being forced to reinvent themselves--dealing with local workforce demands, adapting to shifting student needs, and, sometimes, fighting for survival. It all comes amid enrollment drops, changing demographics, and pressure at both the state/federal levels. So, what is working? What's not? And what would it mean for Ohio's communities if these universities close their doors?

The former Director of Ohio's Department of Health, Amy Acton, M.D., MPH was the first Democratic candidate to announce a campaign for Ohio Governor. Dr. Acton was nominated Director of Ohio's Department of Health by Governor Mike DeWine in February 2019. She quickly became a household name, joining Governor DeWine during his daily afternoon press conferences in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.rnrnDr. Acton began her career as the Director of Project L.O.V.E, managing public-private partnerships between Columbus area hospitals and key community stakeholders. Amy then joined the faculty at Ohio State University, and eventually joined the Columbus Foundation, where she worked to improve the community's health and well-being, particularly in the area of women's health and youth homelessness.rnrnDr. Acton received her medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine and completed her internship and residency training in pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, and at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus. Dr. Acton lives in Bexley, Ohio with her husband Eric, and together they have six kids.

Dave Yost was re-elected as Ohio's 51st Attorney General on November 8, 2022. A member of the Republican Party, Yost began his public-service career as Delaware County auditor, later winning election as that county's prosecutor. From 2011 through 2018, he served as Ohio's auditor of state. In January 2019, Yost began his first term as attorney general, and joined the City Club shortly after to discuss his goals and priorities.rnrnDuring his tenure as Ohio's Attorney General, Yost's leadership has been characterized by a commitment to defending Constitutional rights and innocent life; protecting individual liberties and Ohio families; creating a stable environment for economic growth; and fighting federal overreach--including COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates.rnrnYost earned his bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and law degree from Capital University. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Franklin County; they have three grown children and five grandchildren.

In February 2025, Ken Martin, was elected chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). A longtime party leader and organizer, he brings more than 20 years of experience working on behalf of progressive candidates and causes. Martin has a career focused on unifying the Democratic Party and evolving its national infrastructure to meet the demands of the current political moment, a moment characterized by a rightward shift that ushered Donald Trump back to the White House.rnrnIn his first few months as DNC Chair, Martin launched his "Organizing Everywhere" tour, spreading the message that Democrats must organize everywhere, compete everywhere, and build locally.rnrnThis is seen as a strategic response to polling, coverage, and punditry suggesting deep challenges for the Democratic party.rnrnA Midwesterner and Minnesotan, Martin sets himself apart from the "inside the beltway" DC elite, and brings a state-based perspective to national leadership.

The 1990s were a heady time. The Cold War had ended, and America's version of liberal capitalism seemed triumphant. And yet, amid the peace and prosperity, anxieties about the project of self-government could be glimpsed beneath the surface. So argued Michael Sandel, in his influential and widely debated book Democracy's Discontent, published in 1996. Now, a quarter century later, Sandel updates his classic work for an age when democracy's discontent has hardened into a country divided against itself.rnrnIn Democracy's Discontent: A New Edition for Our Perilous Times, Sandel extends his account of America's civic struggles from the 1990s to the present. The book is an essential--and ultimately hopeful--reading for all those who wonder if our democratic experiment will survive in the twenty-first century.rnrnMichael Sandel teaches political philosophy at Harvard University, where his legendary course "Justice: Ethical Reasoning in Polarized Times," fills Harvard's largest auditorium. Sandel is also the author of The Tyranny of Merit: Can We Find the Common Good?, which seeks a way beyond the polarized politics of our time. His other previous books include Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? and What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets.

In 2021, Cuyahoga County sent four times more children to adult court - referred to as a "bindover" - than the next highest county, Hamilton, which includes Cincinnati. Racial disparities exist at every stage of our criminal legal system. Yet, as of September 2024, Black youth comprised 72% of Ohio's youth prison population.rnrnMembers of the Youth Justice Collaborative believe it is time for our public leaders, courts, and communities to prioritize effective interventions, rather than rely on "tough-on-crime" approaches that criminalize adolescence. Through the Collaborative, they have supported transformative grassroots efforts that placed community-led programs within the facilities of the Juvenile Detention Center. What lessons can the Collaborative share that will optimize impactful change?

Over the past two decades, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) has been steadily replacing and rebuilding virtually its entire stock of low income and affordable housing across Greater Cleveland. As CMHA's CEO since 2012, Jeffery Patterson has led an ongoing process of neighbor and resident engagement, ensuring that every resident has a voice in the future of the community and the facilities that are being built.rnrnBy special request of the donors who created our annual Leadership for the Greater Good Forum, Jeffery Patterson will be joined by City Club CEO Dan Moulthrop for a collegial conversation about leadership and the importance of prioritizing community voice. Moulthrop has led the City Club since 2013, and his tenure has been recognized not only for the successful move to Playhouse Square but perhaps, more importantly, by the increasing relevance and accessibility of City Club forums.

Mehdi Hasan isn't one to avoid arguments. He relishes them as the lifeblood of democracy and the only surefire way to establish the truth. His unapologetic approach to journalism has made Hasan a highly sought after expert for his sharp, unfiltered perspectives on politics, media accountability, democratic norms, and more.rnrnAs an award-winning British-American journalist, broadcaster, and author, Hasan left mainstream media and now serves as the founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of the new media company Zeteo--which comes from the ancient Greek word for 'seeking out' and 'striving.' Zeteo aims to seek answers to the questions that really matter, while always striving for the truth. Hasan is also the best-selling author of Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking. Hasan previously worked as an anchor at MSNBC and columnist for The Intercept, and was included in the annual global list of 'The 500 Most Influential Muslims' in the world ('The Muslim 500').

As the lasting impact of colonialism and slavery is felt throughout Native American tribes and Black communities today, museums across the nation are grappling with issues of patrimony and provenance regarding art, artifacts, relics, and remains. These items were often taken without consent, long before ethical protocols for procurement were established.rnrnNow, museums are working to find solutions in collaboration with community and comply with federal laws, such as the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Enacted in the 1990s, the Biden Administration recently issued updated policies that ultimately led to some museums covering up or removing some displays until the appropriate determinations could be made. This act reignited a conversation on museums' role in reconciliation, addressing historical injustices, and cross-cultural understanding.rnrnThe City Club is once again proud to partner with The Cleveland Orchestra as part of the third annual Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Opera and Humanities Festival. Join us as we hear from museum leadership from Washington, D.C., New York City, and here in Ohio on how American cultural institutions are charting a new path forward on reconciliation and repatriation.

Originally expanded in 2014 under the Kasich administration, Ohio is one of 41 states, including the District of Columbia, that has implemented Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. However, the addition of trigger language into the current state budget bill would allow Ohio to disenroll from Medicaid expansion if federal assistance for the program drops below 90%. The trigger language comes as congressional Republicans in D.C. consider cutting the federal match for Medicaid expansion.rnrnFor Ohio, it's a move that could strip healthcare access from over 770,000 Ohioans; including about 362,000 in rural Ohio counties.rnrnAdvocates in health equity, maternal and infant vitality, mental health, and more have sounded the alarm on what it means to return to an era before Medicaid expansion. A rollback would also disproportionately impact rural communities and their hospitals, adding to already staggering health disparities.rnrnFeaturing:rnDomonic HopsonrnPresident and CEO, Neighborhood Family PracticernrnBeejadi Mukunda, MDrnVP & Market Chief Medical Officer, Ohio, CareSourcernrnAmy Rohling McGeernPresident, Health Policy Institute of OhiornrnModeratorrnEmily CampbellrnPresident & CEO, The Center for Community Solutions

Sarah Lewis's book The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America examines America from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of Jim Crow when the country's conception of race, and whiteness, was transforming. A finalist for the 2025 Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, Lewis uncovers a pivotal era when Americans came to ignore the truth about the false foundations of the nation's racial regime. Thanks to Professor Lewis's historical detective work, what we see and what's left unseen shapes everything we believe about ourselves and other people - and how we can start changing the narrative about who counts and who belongs in America.rnrnSarah Lewis is an award-winning art historian, founder of Vision & Justice, and the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Humanities and Associate Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University. She is also the author of the bestseller The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Mastery, as well as the forthcoming book Vision & Justice.

Wilbur Ross has earned a reputation as one of the nation's hard-nosed negotiators and "King of Bankruptcy" over his 55-year career on Wall Street. This reputation, in part, landed him among Bloomberg's 50 most influential people in global finance, and a role as Secretary of Commerce during Trump's first administration.rnrnAfter coming to Washington, Ross faced tough challenges, yet survived in his post for all four years. During his tenure, Ross was involved in negotiating and implementing tariffs on China and elsewhere. Undoubtedly, there are few others with deep insight into the mind of President Trump, and the President's motives on tariffs, taxes, and deregulation policies.rnrnIn his latest book, Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life, Ross explains how he got to the top and stayed there. The book serves as a candid reflection of a life lived at the pinnacle of Wall Street, New York, and Palm Beach society, and the Trump administration.

Tired of swiping left? You're not alone. Today's society is arguably facing a digital dating overload. In addition, more adults than ever have reported feelings of loneliness and isolation from friends, family, and community. Social structures have changed, and with them, the way we approach and participate in love, joy, and connection.rnrnHeidi Friedman knows what it's like to soldier through years of dating and finding true connection in today's times. Her first book, Love Lessons explores what true love really looks like through her personal journey of 104 dates over 10 years. It's a witty and insightful guide for anyone looking for love, reevaluating a current relationship, or starting over on the quest for the right one. With humor and authenticity, Love Lessons reflects Heidi's research, survival of many awkward dates, and finally meeting her true partner--through a mutual friend, Ann Zoller!rnrnHeidi is also a partner at Thompson Hine where she has been practicing environmental law and providing ESG counsel to clients nationally for over 30 years. Heidi has also written regularly for Bloomberg, Law 360, and other publications related to her professional life and experience as a female lawyerrnrnJoin us at the City Club as Heidi Friedman sits down with Ann Zoller to talk about her new book Love Lessons, and what we all can learn about love, joy, and connection today.

On March 20th, President Trump issued an executive order effectively abolishing the Department of Education. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have already filed a lawsuit to block the dismantling, alleging the executive branch has exceeded its constitutional authority and violated law. As the nation watches the flurry of executive orders and legal action unfold on public education, what does this mean for the nation's K-12 and higher education students?rnrnDerek Black is a Professor of Law at the University of South Carolina School of Law, the Ernest F. Hollings Chair in Constitutional Law, and directs the Constitutional Law Center. He is one of the nation's foremost experts in education law and policy. He offers expert witness testimony in school funding, voucher, and federal policy litigation and his research is routinely cited in the federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.rnrnHe is also the author of a leading education law casebook, Education Law: Equality, Fairness, and Reform, and other books aimed at wider audiences. His 2020 book Schoolhouse Burning: Public Education and the Assault on American Democracy describes a full-scale assault on public education that threatens not just public education but American democracy itself. His forthcoming book, Dangerous Learning: The South's Long War on Black Literacy outlines the enduring legacy of the nineteenth-century struggle for Black literacy in the American South.

As Russia's war with Ukraine entered a fourth year on February 24, 2025, several things happened. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House to be told by President Trump that he "did not have the cards;" the US began to pull back aid for Ukrainian forces; and shortly after that Ukraine secured the support of European Union allies and launched a drone attack directly on Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin put his own conditions on any potential ceasefire deal.rnrnIn the pages of The Atlantic, Johns Hopkins professor Eliot Cohen weighed in, arguing that Russia is actually losing the war. "Ukraine has plenty of cards," Cohen wrote, "even if Trump and Vance can't see them."rnrnHowever and whenever it ends, the resolution of this conflict could have a tectonic impact on geopolitics and power dynamics in Europe and throughout the world. Ambassador Paula Dobriansky joins Professor Cohen in a conversation about the prospects for an enduring peace and the greater impact of the conflict on the region and the global order.

In a July 2024 CNBC report, Ohio ranked 7th in business opportunities but received an "F" grade when it comes to workforce. Employers are looking for workers to advance their businesses and constantly talk about the need for workforce development. Meanwhile, there are thousands of justice-impacted individuals who would welcome the opportunity to work in these jobs. Connecting these two groups would help create a massive increase in the workforce pool and lift the entire economy.rnrnResearch suggests that Ohio's expansive collateral sanctions limit access to more than one in four jobs statewide, costing individuals an estimated $3.4 billion in foregone wages and artificially constraining access to talent for businesses.rnrnHow can public policy play a role in helping bridge the gap between these two groups, reduce employment barriers, and assist in providing more individuals with second chances in employment...and in life?rnrnIn partnership with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM), join the City Club as we present the 2025 Charles R. See Forum on Reentry. We will welcome a panel of experts who can share their perspectives on what community leaders can do to answer this question, and what we as a community can do to help.

Join us for Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb's 4th Annual State of the City, marking the final address of the Mayor's first term. This year's event will feature Mayor Bibb in a live conversation with WKYC's Russ Mitchell, discussing the initiatives driving Cleveland's growth and transformation.rnrnCleveland's historic Public Auditorium - now home to the Cleveland Charge - will serve as the backdrop for this celebration of the city's progress and a look at the year ahead.

State Senator Jerry Cirino has emerged as one of the most powerful members of the Ohio legislature. The finance committee chair and Kirtland area Republican is serving his second term. Senator Cirino also serves as vice chair of Higher Education committee. Indeed, higher ed is perhaps where the Senator is most well known. His proposal to reform higher education has reemerged as Senate Bill 1, a wide-ranging initiative to roll back campus diversity efforts and place some limits on the classroom discussion of so-called "controversial topics."rnrnAs chair of the Finance Committee, Sen. Cirino is responsible for leading the drafting the senate's version of the state's capital and operating budgets, as well as any other additional expenditures. Cirino also serves on the Energy, Housing, and Rules Committees. He represents Lake County and communities in the east and southeast sides of Cuyahoga County.

This student-led forum, the last in the 2024-2025 school year, offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about social media and political content.rnrnSocial media has accelerated to become the most preferred news source for teenagers and young adults. Across the board, research concludes that platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube drive youth consumption, often on the most contentious political issues. The resulting content has inspired many sides of debate, including proponents and opponents of moderation, free speech, and fact-checking.rnrnThis student-led forum offers a rare opportunity to understand how new generations receive their news content. How does, and should, Gen Z critically analyze their political news feed? Is fact-checking a moderate approach to tackle misinformation or does it stifle free expression? Compared to legacy media outlets, in what ways are modern news and content sources better equipped to address the youth?

In February, Congressman Ro Khanna penned a New York Times op-ed noting that to persuade Americans that transformative government is capable of improving their lives, we must reverse what many have experienced as decades of stagnation and decline. "With the establishment of both parties defeated, we are, as you may have heard, at a fork in the road." Khanna wrote, "Either the country will continue to succumb to a burn-it-all-down political nihilism and disillusionment, or Democrats can use this moment of crisis to reframe the terms of the debate."rnrnBut what are the terms of that debate? And what are the initiatives and solutions that will heal our divides during uncertain times?rnrnRo Khanna is a United States Congressman from California's 17th District in the heart of Silicon Valley. He has a vision to transform America into a modern manufacturing and technology superpower, and he partners it with a commitment to passing Medicare for All, a $17-dollar minimum wage, and free public college and vocational school. Congressman Khanna is Deputy Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and served as co-chair of Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign.

Cleveland and Cuyahoga County have struggled for decades with myriad challenges that have impeded economic empowerment and growth. Although Cleveland's leading business, philanthropic, governmental, and civic leaders and organizations have each invested mightily in various initiatives to address these challenges, improved quality of life outcomes have not been realized for too many local citizens. The Urban Agenda is an unprecedented collective of many leading organizations committing to work together to define, enhance and track economic opportunities, with a keen focus on poverty reduction, increasing average household incomes, and closing wealth gaps.

Ten years ago, leaders at the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC) began to recognize the emergence of a new mainstream economy-powered by U.S. Latino consumers, entrepreneurs, and workers-which was making an outsized contribution to the nation's economic growth. Yet, this positive growth they were seeing in the data was not reflected in a larger, inaccurate narrative about Latino contributions. Instead, the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes often manifested into harmful laws and policies, negatively impacting Latino businesses and communities. Together with the Latino Data Collaborative Think Tank, LDC began to ask, "What if American Latinos were all recognized as valued, patriotic Americans in all facets of American life?"rnrnAna Valdez is the President and CEO of The Latino Donor Collaborative. She is an American marketing, media, research, and political expert and thought leader with 30 years of experience in business, media, and the corporate world. Valdez recognizes the urgency of producing reputable data and statistics that showcase the invaluable contributions of American Latinos to the U.S. economy, business, entertainment, development, and the overall U.S. GDP. In 2023, LDC's outreach has touched over 250,000 C-level executives and sparked discussions with more than 2 million individuals.rnrnIn a moment when fearful rhetoric and a barrage of deficit narratives attempt to drive the conversation on Latino excellence, join the City Club as Ana Valdez outlines what we can learn from the data and research, and how we can accurately reflect the identity of Latinos in America and their contributions to the nation that benefit all of us.

There are few others with as much experience covering the Supreme Court, Department of Justice, and Homeland Security than Pete Williams. He served as an NBC News Correspondent in Washington, DC for 29 years, and last year was named the inaugural Journalist in Residence at John Carroll University. The late Tim Russert, longtime host of NBC's Meet the Press and namesake of John Carroll University's Russert Department of Communication, inspired Williams to engage with John Carroll.rnrnBefore joining NBC News, Williams was an aide in the US Senate and House of Representatives. In 1986 he joined the staff of then-Congressman Dick Cheney as press secretary and legislative assistant. In 1989, when Cheney became Secretary of Defense, Williams was confirmed by the Senate as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.

Sally Ride became a household name after she became the first American woman to blast off into space. But as Sally journeyed among the stars, she kept a nearly three-decade relationship with author and tennis player Tam O'Shaughnessy a secret.rnrnOn Saturday, April 5th, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) will screen SALLY, a chronicle of Sally Ride's challenges as a pioneering woman in STEM, and the sacrifices made during her years together with her life partner. For the first time, SALLY tells the whole story of this complicated and iconic astronaut. From National Geographic Documentary Films, SALLY is directed by Emmy(R) Award-winning filmmaker Cristina Costantini.rnrnYet, this film also comes at a fragile time in America's political climate, where once again the LGBTQ+ community is caught in the crosshairs. Add to this, an anti-DEI movement that many believe will threaten to set back decades of progress for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Are we destined to confront the same challenges as Sally did in the 1980s?

This upcoming year will undoubtedly bring substantial change to Cleveland's political landscape. A population decline in Cleveland spurred a redraw of ward maps, which were approved by Cleveland City Council in February, but not without controversy. Now there's a new 15-ward playing field, and two open seats following the announcement from long-time Council members Jenny Spencer and Kerry McCormack that they will not run for reelection. New candidates are already jumping into the race.rnrnMeanwhile, in the Mayor's office, the Bibb administration is working to ensure a second term come this November's election. What opportunities and challenges can Clevelanders expect from the City's new political landscape? Join us at the Happy Dog in Gordon Square for a reporter's roundtable, providing insight and analysis on Cleveland's new political ground.

Imagine a Northeast Ohio where all people have quality jobs and careers with thriving employers. This is the vision of Greater Cleveland Works, the workforce development board of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Workforce development boards are a crucial part of the workforce system-liaisons between federal and local governments that distribute public dollars to support job seekers and employers.rnrnYet, their work is opaque and misunderstood at best. They are more than job matchmakers-they are engines of opportunity and innovation, ensuring businesses have the skilled workers they need and communities have pathways to prosperity.rnrnWith new leadership, a new nonprofit structure, a new strategy, and a new brand, Greater Cleveland Works is reinventing its role - and wants you to better understand its work and the possibilities for collaboration.rnrnJoin Greater Cleveland Works CEO Michelle Rose as we dive into the critical role of this organization, the potential impact of federal funding instability, and why now-more than ever-we must advocate for the resources that build careers, strengthen industries, and future-proof our economy.

For over a century, the Cleveland Foundation and Kresge Foundation have worked to improve the lives of residents and champion equity in Cleveland, Detroit and beyond. Building on their legacies, both organizations are innovating for the future and reshaping the field of place-based philanthropy. The Cleveland Foundation has embarked on a new chapter with its historic move to MidTown/Hough and is focused on growing our region, investing in vibrant neighborhoods and connecting people to prosperity. The Kresge Foundation has expanded its long-standing efforts to increase opportunity across American cities, with a deep focus on its hometown of Detroit.rnrnThis is a bold new era as legacy institutions like the Cleveland and Kresge foundations are thinking about the next 100 years of place-based philanthropy - including how they leverage their purpose and power to advance critical work that will lead to transformational change and more equitable communities.rnrnCleveland Foundation President and CEO Lillian Kuri and Kresge Foundation President and CEO Rip Rapson will be joined by moderator Mark Joseph, PhD, the Leona Bevis/Marguerite Haynam Professor in Community Development at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University.rnrnRapson will also discuss his recently published book "Drawn to Challenge: Stories of Leadership in the Public Interest (with doodles)." These stories show his unique approach to tackling the challenges of cities and the society at large.

As the national business and economic landscape rapidly shifts, Citizens CEO Bruce Van Saun will spend March crisscrossing the country to meet with dozens of public and private sector leaders to guide and listen. Many Americans are on edge, or may not be well-prepared for change. How can Cleveland businesses and communities lead with confidence amidst uncertainty, and emerge stronger and more resilient?rnrnNew data and findings from local business owners and Citizens' operations right here in Cleveland have shed light on the state of business in the region. This includes workforce development challenges and opportunities, prospects for near-term growth, and embracing technological transformation - from A.I. to cloud computing. Now, it's time to unpack what it means to invest in the future, and Cleveland's business economy.rnrnBruce Van Saun joined Citizens in October 2013 after serving as Group Finance Director at the Royal Bank of Scotland and as an executive director on the RBS Board from 2009 to 2013. Join us at the City Club as Bruce discusses the vital role of the American banking system in driving economic growth; and shares insights on how Cleveland businesses and communities can thrive in tumultuous times.

Perhaps no widespread social initiative has been targeted by the presidential administration and others in political power as aggressively as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. Among the Executive Orders signed by President Trump on day 1 was an order "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing." Another that day took aim at so-called "gender ideology." Here in Ohio, an aligned effort has taken shape with Senate Bill 1, which among many changes to higher ed, would eliminate DEI programs at colleges and universities.rnrnThe Executive Orders immediately reverberated across the country. In higher education, healthcare, the non-profit sector, and private enterprise, firms and institutions tried to assess the potential impact on their work, their stakeholders, and their future. Some engaged in what's come to be known as "pre-emptive compliance." Some have maintained a "wait and see" posture, understanding that even Executive Orders may not be durable and may face court battles, which they, in fact, do. And others, such as Costco and the Cleveland Cavaliers publicly redoubled their commitment to DEI and creating environments in which everyone feels a sense of belonging.rnrnAfter decades of progress in addressing systemic and structural racism, to many, this moment represents a step backwards. Join us to hear from local leaders who have long supported the community in creating more welcoming spaces and institutions. We'll assess the state of DEI, the meaning of this moment, and the prospects for the future.

For more than two decades, The City Club of Cleveland has hosted the annual High School Debate Championship.rnrnEvery year, the top two area high school debaters square off in a classic "Lincoln-Douglas" style debate at a Friday forum. This allows the debaters to compete-not only for the judges and audience in the room-but also for our radio and television audiences.rnrnThe finalists will debate the topic Resolved: The development of Artificial General Intelligence is immoral.rnrnOn behalf of BakerHostetler, we are honored to support this annual tradition in memory of Patrick Jordan--a lawyer, fierce protector of democracy and free speech, and a championship debater himself. You can learn more about the life and legacy of Pat Jordan at the 2022 High School Debate Championship here, or read the transcript here.

The early days of the second Trump administration brought a dizzying number of policy and practice changes to the federal government. Through executive orders, directives, proclamations by social media, emails to federal employees, and statements to the press, President Trump, his administration, and his formal and informal advisers are bringing change to government and U.S. geopolitical standing with a velocity unmatched in U.S. history.rnrnThere's debate, however, about whether all this change is actually making America great (again) or is a destabilization of already beleaguered government institutions and frayed relationships with allies. On Fox News, Hugh Hewitt described the president's first week as "the governing equivalent of batting 1.000 or hitting 10 for 10 from behind the arc in the NBA." Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal editorial board took aim at the following week's tariff announcements with the headline "The Dumbest Trade War in History."

Marvel's 2018 film Black Panther not only broke box office records, it also changed perceptions of Black superheroes and African culture. As the first film to feature a Black superhero, the film's director and writers wasted zero time taking up space in an industry that traditionally lacks BIPOC representation. Joining the team was Ruth E. Carter, whose skill in blending African-American history and contemporary culture through fashion, combined with her determination to showcase Black excellence, won an Academy Award in 2019.rnrnrnNow through April 6th, Clevelanders will have the opportunity to be up close to the outfits created by Carter, in conjunction with the Cleveland Orchestra's performance of Ludwig G?ransson's Oscar-winning score from Black Panther on March 28-29. It is a rare opportunity to see what it looks like when communities can tell their own stories through their creativity, and shift narratives for lasting change.

As the nation continues to grapple with rising homelessness and rising housing costs, the need to create and preserve more affordable homes has never been more acute. Yet, innovations are happening at the local level to spur safer, stronger communities. What are the practical solutions for bringing down escalating housing costs? And how can a national movement leverage proven solutions to ending homelessness and our housing crisis?rnrnJoin us at the City Club for a wide-ranging discussion with Enterprise Community Partners President and CEO Shaun Donovan and Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) on the housing challenges facing Cleveland, the State of Ohio, and the nation.

What does accountability in healthcare, workplaces, and educational systems look like for Black Women? This is the question that Enlightened Solutions, a nonprofit social enterprise and social advocacy think tank asked in their 2024 follow-up report to Project Noir. The original report, released in 2021, was the first survey of its kind to understand better why Cleveland was ranked last as a livable city for Black Women.rnrnNow, with an enhanced survey methodology and questions, the 2024 report provides another glimpse into the lived experiences of Black Women in our communities. Has anything changed since 2020?rnrnKayla S. Griffin Green, Esq., MPA, Ohio State Director, All Voting is Local; Chinenye Nkemere, Co-Founder and Director of Strategy, Enlightened Solutions; Bethany Studenic, LSW, Esq., Co-Founder and Managing Director, Enlightened SolutionsrnrnModerator: Indigo Bishop, Program Officer, Saint Luke's Foundation