City Club Cleveland Forum | Neighborhood Plan for Cleveland
On Friday, January 7th, we attended the first City Club Cleveland Forum of 2022. The event was titled “Changing of the Guard: A Neighborhood Plan for the Next Era of Cleveland Leadership.”
As the program notes explained, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress recently developed a comprehensive platform focused on modernization, infrastructure, economic development, and housing. This platform advocates for specific changes that the new administration and council should enact to strengthen all Cleveland neighborhoods.
The forum featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Nick Castele, Reporter and Producer at Idea stream Public Media. Panelists included Jamal Doyle, Executive Director of Greater Collinwood Development Corporation; Tania Menesse, CEO and President of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress; and Rosemary Mudry, Executive Director of West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development.
Throughout the discussion, panelists explored every aspect of the Cleveland Neighborhood Platform and its potential to transform the city. They also addressed additional factors that could influence Cleveland’s future.
One moment that stood out was when our good friend Fareed Siddiq, who immigrated to the United States from Pakistan in 1972, asked a compelling question. He argued that immigrants and refugees could play a vital role in revitalizing Cleveland.
In response, Ms. Menesse said she supports City Hall conducting a robust marketing campaign to attract more foreign-born residents. She also suggested creating pathways for international students to re-settle in Cleveland.
These initiatives, she explained, align with Cleveland’s long history of welcoming immigrants and could help address the city’s declining population. The rest of the panel—and the audience—expressed strong agreement with these points, just as they did with the Cleveland Neighborhood Platform overall.
Why the City Club Cleveland Forum Matters
The City Club Cleveland Forum highlighted the importance of inclusive strategies for neighborhood development. Immigration and diversity can play a key role in revitalizing Cleveland and shaping its future.
If you or someone you know needs help with immigration support, call us today. We’re here to assist you.