The City Club of Cleveland Podcast
The City Club of Cleveland Podcast presents talks and discussions from the oldest continuous free speech forum in the United States. Each episode typically features a speaker's 25- to 30-minute address followed by a half-hour of unscripted audience questions. The City Club is non-partisan and promotes the free exchange of all ideas. The podcast captures these forums, which cover a wide range of public affairs and civic issues.
Episodes
The Sioux Chef: Reclaiming Indigenous Food Systems and Promoting Food Sovereignty
\"Where are all the Native American restaurants?\" It\'s a question Sean Sherman addressed during a viral TEDx Talk. Despite a diverse national food scene, it is not common to see the cuisine of the people whose land we are currently on. Ultimately, however, the conversation on the prevalence of Native American restaurants becomes more profound-it\'s about reclaiming culture, connecting with land,
Happy Dog Takes On The Affordability Crisis
According to a recent Harris Poll, 95% of Americans believe the U.S. is suffering an affordability crisis. The rising cost of groceries, gas, childcare, and housing means many families can no longer afford the essentials. The struggle crosses party lines, with about half of all Democrats, Republicans and Independents say they are having trouble affording everyday necessities.\r\n\r\nAdd to this an
The AI Generation: Healthy Early Childhood Development in a Tech World
For many caregivers and early childhood educators, raising and teaching children in an increasingly tech-dependent world can be daunting. Now, the advent of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has further complicated an already vulnerable and challenging time of life for both caregivers and children alike. Moving faster than experts can analyze and research, not much is certain about AI\'s influence o
The Resurgence of Local Independent Bookstores
According to the American Booksellers Association, more than 600 independent bookstores opened in the U.S. last year, nearly double from the prior year. After years of the rise of big box bookstores and online retailers, our local bookshops offer what AI or Amazon cannot-spaces that connect people, that build community, and rekindle the joy of reading.\r\n\r\nWhile digital and audiobooks have grow
From Empty Lots to Endless Possibilities: The Evolution of the Cuyahoga Land Bank
Created in 2009 as a response to the foreclosure crisis that struck Northeast Ohio, the Cuyahoga Land Bank transforms vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties into community assets that strengthen neighborhoods and expand economic opportunity. It has become a leading model for neighborhood revitalization, and since its founding, the Land Bank has demolished more than 10,000 abandoned and b
Perspectives, Policies, and the Growing Momentum for Democratic Socialists
Since the election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialists of America have emerged as a defining force in Democratic Party politics. Mayor Mamdani\'s endorsement of three successful DSA candidates in the New York congressional primaries garnered national attention, and other DSA candidates have won a slew of primaries and electoral contests across the country, including a
The Hollow Half: A Memoir of Bodies and Borders
In 2019, Sarah Aziza nearly lost her life after being hospitalized for an eating disorder. Along the process of recovery, Aziza begins to uncover her Palestinian roots. Daughter and granddaughter of Gazan refugees, The Hollow Half tells the story of three generations of Palestinian displacement and survival.\r\n\r\nWinner of the 2026 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in Memoir, Aziza pens an innovative re
America 250 Ohio: Preparing the Next Generation for Competition on a Global Stage
At the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, Jesse Owens, one of Cleveland\'s most iconic symbols of athletic excellence, brought home four gold medals. His dominance made him a household name far beyond Cleveland, and his success stood as a powerful rebuke to the racist ideals at the time. His story is also one of opportunity. In the face of fierce segregation and racism, dedicated teachers and coaches at E
The 2026 State of the County with County Executive Chris Ronayne
Join Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne for the 2026 State of the County address at the Mimi Ohio Theatre in Playhouse Square. The Executive will deliver remarks, as well as sit down in conversation with Randell McShephard, VP of Public Affairs & Chief Talent Officer at RPM, to share key accomplishments, reflect on the progress made together, and outline his vision and priorities for the upco
Israel at a Crossroads: Charting the Path Within and Beyond
Since October 7, Israeli society has undergone a profound transformation. The attacks, the ensuing wars, and the intense international scrutiny have reshaped how Israelis-Jews and Arabs alike-understand their identities, their relationships with one another, and their visions for the country\'s future.\r\n\r\nWhat does it mean to be Israeli today? How has the events of the last three years changed
Rx Kids: A New Maternal and Infant Health Model is Coming to Cleveland
Pregnancy and infancy are critical periods in children's development and are also the most economically vulnerable times for families. Rx Kids is a public health initiative addressing this dilemma for families in Michigan with a bold approach: It gives moms $1,500 during pregnancy and $500/month for their baby\'s first six months-no strings attached. Announced in early July, Cleveland has been sel
Honoring the Legacy, Revitalizing Together: The Future of Shaker Square
Cleveland\'s Shaker Square is not just a place, it\'s a living piece of history. For nearly 100 years, Shaker Square has served as a community anchor and cultural destination. In 2029, it will officially celebrate its 100th birthday, providing a timeline to both honor Shaker Square\'s history and steward it for the future.\r\n\r\nBuilding on insights from a 2019 planning study, Cleveland Neighborh
The Port of Cleveland: Driving Economic Growth and Opportunity Across Northeast Ohio
The sound of cargo ship horns ringing through the night is a familiar sound for any Clevelander. It\'s also the sound of roughly 13 million tons of cargo moving through the Cleveland Harbor every year. Managing the North Coast traffic is The Port of Cleveland, one of the largest ports on the Great Lakes and the only local government agency whose sole mission is to spur job creation and economic vi
The Power of Music Education for Our Youth and Communities
The future of Cleveland\'s thriving music and arts scene begins with our youth. For decades, studies have shown that high quality music instruction leads to a variety of benefits for young people: greater confidence, self expression, collaboration, leadership, and creativity-to name a few. Our communities benefit, too. Yet, the high costs of instruments and supplies make it challenging for many ta
Liberated Mind: Clarity, Identity, and the Conditions That Shape Us
In a moment where more people than ever are feeling the weight of "the system," or even losing faith in individual self-determination, how do we reclaim agency within this system?\r\n\r\nIn Liberated Mind: A Guide to Black Clarity, author Dr. Timothy D. Goler examines how inequality becomes embedded not only in institutions but also in perceptions and the internalization of stereotypes. \"For gene
Dignity of Work: Building Opportunity in a Changing Economy
As Towards Employment celebrates its 50th anniversary, join the City Club and kick off the first annual Dignity of Work forum-a community conversation exploring the future of work, economic mobility, and the partnerships that create pathways to rewarding careers.\r\n\r\nAs Cleveland continues to adapt to changing labor markets and emerging industries, this conversation will offer timely insights i
What is a Cultural Plan? Lessons from Four Cities
Across the country, communities are increasingly turning to cultural planning to support and grow their creative economies. Whether a city is actively drafting its first vision or beginning to activate it, the process requires constant adaptation, collaboration, and shared learning.\r\n\r\nThis forum explores the practical tradeoffs, constraints, and successes of shaping local culture at every sta
We The People: How Things Really Get Done at the Ohio Statehouse
Democracy works best when citizens are more informed and better understand the institutions that govern them. And advocacy work and movement building become more effective - and successful - when citizens are empowered to become active participants in shaping their communities, and their future.\r\n\r\nYet, the halls of the Ohio Statehouse can seem like an overly complex, insiders network-hard to
Protecting Children Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Advocacy
Nationally, 1 in 7 children is abused before their 18th birthday, and there are over 19,000 reports of child abuse and neglect annually in Cuyahoga County alone. To help address these issues, Canopy Child Advocacy Center (CAC) opened its doors in Cuyahoga County in 2018. It was the last urban county in the country to establish a CAC, a national model for helping children and families affected by a
Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity & Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI
There was a time when the premise of nanny robots and artificial intelligence raising our children was merely the subject of Steven Spielberg\'s futuristic sci-fi films. The future, it seems, is now.\r\n\r\nAs AI enters nurseries, playrooms, and classrooms, parents are being sold a "smart" childhood at every turn. With mainstream use of artificial intelligence, the power of parent talk and human i
We The People, One Cleveland: The People and Stories That Connect Us
As we mark the nation\'s 250th birthday, the City Club\'s 2026 Outdoor Summer Series WE THE PEOPLE will dive into topics centering our communities, organizations, and the very people who help our democracy thrive. As one of our nation's oldest democratic public spaces, libraries have become deeply integrated into our communities-meeting a wide variety of social and civic needs. Due to its wide bre
How Did We Get Here? Inside Ohio's Property Tax Debate
Ohio has the eighth highest property tax rates in the nation, with some homeowners seeing increases of more than 30% in their property valuations in recent years. Reform efforts have proliferated, from caps on tax increases to reductions in approved levies, and a grassroots movement seeks to make Ohio the first state to abolish property taxes altogether. Yet with public schools and local governmen
175 Years of Service: The Ursuline Sisters, The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, & their Legacy
The story of the Ursuline Sisters and the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine in Cleveland begins with the city's first bishop. Just three years into his ministry, the Most Rev. Amadeus Rappe recognized that serving Cleveland's rapidly growing community would require support. He reached out to both orders, who answered the call-five Ursuline Sisters arrived to educate the city's children, and a ye
We The People: The Power of Women and the American Promise
Part of the City Club\'s 2026 Outdoor Summer Series + America 250 Ohio Series\r\nWomen are at the heart of many of America\'s largest movements. We cannot talk about abolition without Harriet Tubman; voting rights without Susan B. Anthony; or civil rights without Rosa Parks. The American promise of liberty and self-determination was strengthened by generations of women who shaped our communities,
Flock and the Future of AI-Powered Surveillance
In Cuyahoga County, more than 1,700 license plate cameras, or Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), take photos of and store license plate data. Proponents have hailed it as the next generation of safety technology, and support installation as part of the effort to crack down on crime, bring justice to victims, and promote public safety. Opponents cite concerns about privacy, data security, and
We The People, Our Stage: Theatre for Every Community
Theatre is one of humankind\'s most ancient art forms. For thousands of years, it has helped tell stories, share history, and entertain. It has created spaces where people gather to celebrate, mourn, and better understand the world around them. Today, theatre remains an integral part of our communities. Providing multiple points of access, whether a viewer, actor, or part of the production process
We The People: A City Club Open Mic Forum!
Every summer since 2016, the City Club has packed up our gong and taken over some of our favorite outdoor public spaces. This year, we are taking over the Playhouse Square Plaza and marking our nation\'s semiquincentennial - or 250th birthday - with the theme WE THE PEOPLE. The series will dive into topics centering our communities, organizations, and the very people who help our democracy thrive.
If Only Outsiders Knew What We Know
Team NEO is not a chamber or a think tank. It is the JobsOhio network partner for Northeast Ohio with a mission to retain, expand and attract jobs, businesses, and opportunities in Northeast Ohio. At the helm as Chief Executive Officer is Matt Dolan, who is dedicated to driving economic growth and prosperity across Northeast Ohio. With a career spanning law, business, and government, Matt has a de
America 250 Ohio: Building an Innovative Water Economy: State of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are home to 21% of the world\'s surface freshwater, and it's not just an environmental asset: it's an economic one. With a $6 trillion regional GDP, the region deeply depends on a flourishing water economy: the full range of economic activity that depends on, relates to, or is generated by water. With issues like emerging contaminants and water scarcity on the rise, there is both a
Polling the Divide: Republicans, Democrats, and the Future of Democracy
What is the future of the Republican and Democratic parties in our nation? The answer may surprise you.\r\n\r\nAhead of the 2026 midterm elections, in an age of ideological tension where politics seems more divided than ever, a new Manhattan Institute poll is cutting through the noise-showing us all where the political right and left parties are actually headed. The findings urge us to be wary of
The Salk Legacy: Vaccines and the Future of Public Health
The name \"Dr. Jonas Salk\" is synonymous with one of the greatest public health achievements of all time: The Polio Vaccine. The arrival of Salk\'s vaccine in 1955 was a beacon of hope and reinforced the role science can play to serve the public good. When asked who owned the patent for the vaccine, Salk famously replied, \"There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?\" In 1994, and just one yea
The Tyranny of False Choices
We are no doubt navigating an incredible age of disruption. Technology, algorithms, politics, and societal pressures have changed the way we both think and work. But how do we break free from a system that was created to manipulate independent thought? In his latest book, The Tyranny of False Choices: A Guide To Authentic Decision-Making, author Rey Ramsey provides a timely and practical guide for
Leadership, Culture, and the Power of People
When Tricia Griffith joined Progressive in 1988 as an entry-level claims representative, her job often required crawling under cars to assess damage. Decades later, she remains committed to doing whatever is required as she leads one of the largest and most successful property and casualty insurers in the country. In fact, she still plays an active role in onboarding new employees at every level o
Building Resilience: How the Red Cross is Saving Lives Here and Across the Country
While the Red Cross is known primarily for blood drives and disaster relief, some of its most important work keeps people out of the hospital. The Home Fires Campaign has installed more than 3 million smoke alarms in homes across the country, saving thousands of lives. Emergency and disaster preparedness campaigns help communities ready themselves for weather related disasters. And CPR and First A
A Conversation with Cleveland Federal Reserve President Beth Hammack
Established more than 100 years ago to address stresses in the banking system, the Federal Reserve is the U.S. central bank. It comprises the Board of Governors, a federal agency located in Washington, D.C., and 12 Federal Reserve Banks around the nation.\r\n\r\nOne of these banks is the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, which serves the Fourth Federal Reserve District.\r\n\r\nThe Fourth District
The Rise of Women in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship has surged in the wake of the pandemic, and it hasn\'t slowed. Leading the way are women who have turned to entrepreneurship for better opportunities, flexible work schedules, and wealth creation. According to a 2026 report by Wells Fargo, women-owned businesses grew 12% from 2022 to 2025, nearly double the growth rate for businesses owned by men. These women-led enterprises now e
Unlocking the Potential of the Public Realm
New York\'s Bryant Park was established in 1847, but by the 1970s, the 9.6 acres behind the New York Public Library just a block off Times Square had become an open air drug market, with muggings there cited as the reason companies were leaving Manhattan. Enter Dan Biederman, founder of the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation. Beginning in 1980, Biederman led a series of initiatives remaking the p
A Free and Fair Press in Cleveland
Essential-and foundational-to our democracy is the promise of a free and fair press. Civic life thrives when the relationship between media and government remains strong, transparent, and accountable. This is especially true at the local level, where access to trusted journalism directly shapes meaningful community engagement.\r\n\r\nIn Cleveland, the City is working to modernize operations and re
Can We Talk? The Importance of Human Connection in the AI Era
Work is full of communication. Slack messages. Zoom calls. Meetings stacked on meetings. But many teams still struggle to do the one thing that matters most: connect in ways that build trust, insight, and better thinking together. It's like we're starving at a buffet.\r\n\r\nAnn Kowal Smith, founder and CEO of Reflection Point, will argue that a successful future (at work and beyond) depends not o
America 250 Ohio: Tradition, Innovation, and the Future of Opera
Part of The Cleveland Orchestra\'s Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Opera and Humanities Festival\r\n\r\nThroughout 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 May, our state will recognize Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture, an
Building Brighter Futures: The Future of Public Schools in Cleveland and the Nation
After months of community feedback sessions, data analysis, and deliberation, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) passed the Building Brighter Futures (BBF) plan in December 2025. The stated goals of the plan are to streamline services and provide more educational opportunities, career pathways, and extracurricular activities, but do so at fewer school sites, essentially reducing loo
Strengthening the Transatlantic Partnership in Turbulent Times
With global security in question, geopolitics intensifying, and democratic values facing increasing threats, the international order has no doubt faced mounting pressure. At the center of these dynamics is the German Marshall Fund (GMF), a nonpartisan organization that for over five decades has worked to strengthen the transatlantic partnership and prepare it for the challenges of the 21st century
Remarks from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In his first year, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has been responsible for some of the most sweeping public health reforms in modern history. \r\n\r\nHHS has lowered drug prices by aligning what the U.S. pays for certain drugs with the lowest prices paid in other developed countries and launching TrumpRx to give patients direct access to those lower
Happy Dog Takes On Your Summer Reading List
Summer is almost here in Northeast Ohio, and with that comes an ambitious \"To Be Read\" list with fresh books from your favorite bookstore. Their spines ready to be cracked on the edge of a beach, or a comfy chair on your front porch. Perhaps you\'re an audiobook fan, indulging in the latest volume at 1.5x speed. No matter how you enjoy your literature, our roundtable of book lovers is here to le
2026 Law Day: Defending the Rights of All People Nationwide
Few organizations serve as fiercer defenders of constitutional rights and the rule of law than the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). At a time when free speech, free assembly, immigration, and voting rights are being tested across multiple fronts, Americans have come to count on the ACLU for its unyielding dedication to principle - even if they don\'t agree on every issue.\r\n\r\nDeborah N. A
The Power of Food, Memory, and the Joy of Being Present
Perhaps better than anything else, food has the unique power to transport us back in time and evoke memories, a feeling, or a moment of our lives. In Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees, poet and essayist Aimee Nezhukumatathil explores the way food and drink evoke our associations and remembrances-a subtext or layering, a flavor tinged with joy, shame, exuberance, grief, desire, or nostalgia.
Our Collective Voices Are Stronger Together: How Justice-Impacted Individuals Shape Our Communities
The 2026 Midterm Election reminds us that every election matters. As the nation prepares for this critical moment in our democracy, it is a moment to learn how justice-impacted individuals in Cleveland and beyond are shaping the fabric of our communities. What are community and faith-based organizations doing today-and what they can do in the future-to center and elevate justice-impacted voices in
America 250 Ohio: The Greyhound Bus and the Secret History of the Great Migration
When the Great Migration began in the early 20th century, there were very few fully established intercity bus lines. In 1930, through the consolidation of more than 100 different bus lines, the Greyhound Corporation began offering a different kind of experience for millions of passengers every year, many of whom were leaving the South to establish new lives in northern cities, such as Cleveland, D
On Call for Our Collective Community
If medicine is a calling, MetroHealth\'s new President and CEO Christine Alexander-Rager, MD, has been on call for as long as she can remember. Wanting to be a doctor from a young age, Dr. Alexander served as a physician with MetroHealth for nearly three decades. During this time, Dr. Alexander founded MetroHealth's nationally recognized School Health Program, which partners with the Cleveland Met
Beyond the Grade: AI, Learning, and Motivation
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way students learn, study, and complete assignments. From explaining difficult concepts to generating essays in seconds, AI tools are becoming a regular part of many students' academic lives. But what impact is this technology having on motivation, curiosity, and the learning process itself?\r\n\r\nAt this final Youth Forum of the year, students, edu
Happy Dog Takes On The Demand of Data Centers
For several years, data centers have been touted as the next frontier of economic development. Household names like Meta, Amazon, and Google are home to some of these centers, and the rising consumer demand for digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence has also contributed to the growth. Ohio is now home to roughly 200 of these facilities. These centers have generated an increased demand f
The Pope's Astronomer: Lessons from a Decade Leading the Vatican Observatory
Since 1891, if the Pope--whether it be John Paul II, Benedict, Francis, or Leo--has had questions about the stars, he would turn to the leadership of the Vatican Observatory. For the past decade, Brother Guy Consolmagno has been that leader, with a team of scientists operating out of facilities in both Rome and the Arizona desert.\r\n\r\nThe science conducted in those places is exactly what you\'d
The Role of the Judiciary in Protecting the Rule of Law
Our Constitutional Republic is dependent on an independent and trustworthy Judiciary to maintain an effective balance of power with the Executive and Legislative branches. With pressures and threats to the safety of judges at the state and federal level at an all-time high, retired Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor (R) and former Justice Mike Donnelly (D) have teamed up in a bipart
Rising to the Defense of Higher Education
Since the start of the second Trump administration, American colleges and universities have been subject to intense political scrutiny by the White House. Both public and private institutions have negotiated settlements at the expense of DEI programs, admissions, and hefty fines and fees. Law firms, media outlets, and even cultural institutions have also been targeted.\r\n\r\nWesleyan University P
Engaging in Civil, Civic Discourse in the Classroom and Beyond
At a time when debate and public trust can feel divided and heated, educators are turning to curriculum to help strengthen empathy, curiosity, and civic responsibility in young people. According to Facing History and Ourselves, students from Facing History classrooms report feeling a stronger motivation to become active civic participants, more motivated to learn, and more positive impacts in thei
America 250 Ohio: The Birthplace of Rock & Roll, The Future of Live Music
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, Cleveland has a pretty loud reason to join the party: We are the birthplace of Rock & Roll. In the 1950s, our city played a pivotal role in launching a new global musical movement that many credit to DJ Alan Freed, who coined the phrase \"rock & roll.\" Since then, countless iconic rock moments shook the region, from the Beatles first concert in
Apple: The First 50 Years
Over the last 50 years, Apple has firmly established itself as a leading company that has changed the trajectory of American culture-reshaping how people communicate, work, and create through technology. Yet, with such long-standing notoriety comes myths and legends. Some of which are rooted in truth, and some in lore. In Apple: The First 50 Years, author and CBS Sunday Morning correspondent David
Women Leading the Future of AI Innovation in Greater Cleveland
Innovation is no longer a niche topic, it is a public priority with implications for economic mobility, workforce development, public trust, and regional identity. The latest in tech innovation is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which his now widely embedded in industries from workforce recruitment and healthcare to business operations and design.\r\n\r\nGreater Cleveland is also entering a defining
A Conversation with 'Five Bullets' Author Elliot Williams
On Dec. 22, 1984, Bernard \"Bernie\" Goetz, a white man, shot and seriously wounded Barry Allen, Darrell Cabey, Troy Canty, and James Ramseur-four teenagers from the Bronx, at point blank range. Goetz claimed they were going to mug him; the teens claim that one of them had simply asked for five dollars.\r\n\r\nIn Five Bullets, Elliot Williams vaults back to gritty 1980s Manhattan and reexamines th
Massively Better Healthcare
What if our loyalty is not to the healthcare system we were handed, it's to the future we can build? And how do we crack an industry highly resistant to change? In Halle Tecco\'s newest book, Massively Better Healthcare, Tecco offers an insider's guide to transforming healthcare through innovation. Drawing on her experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and educator, she distills 15+ years of less
2026 High School Debate Championship
For more than two decades, The City Club of Cleveland has hosted the annual High School Debate Championship.\r\n\r\nEvery 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.\r\n\r\nThe finalists Cha
Happy Dog Takes On The Current Situation in Iran
On the heels of an unprecedented military operation in Venezuela, the United States joined Israel in a direct attack on Iran, citing a variety of justifications for the attack, including a nuclear threat, a predicted strike, a desire for regime change, and decades of hostilities. More recently, widespread protests and a crackdown by the regime have dominated headlines. Congress has responded to th
We Can End Unsheltered Homelessness Today
As record cold settles over the region this winter, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) remains on the front lines defending the civil rights of unhoused people to access public space, to vote, and secure shelter and housing. Newly opened by NEOCH is a seasonal homeless shelter located on 1530 E. 19th Street. It now offers a warm place to go for up to 45 adults during the coldest
America 250: Ohio's Legacy and Future in Aviation, Space Exploration, and Scientific Discovery
Home to the Wright Brothers and the birthplace of aviation, Ohio boasts a proud legacy in scientific discovery and innovation. Included in this legacy is NASA's Glenn Research Center-which was established by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in 1941 to study all aspects of aircraft propulsion. It was incorporated into NASA in October 1958 and has been making the nation's most
Environmental Justice in Our Backyard
This is a youth-led forum, powered by student voices.\r\n\r\nEnvironmental issues affect everyone, shaping the health of our communities, the spaces we live in, and the resources we rely on each day. Access to clean air and water, green spaces, and healthy food plays a major role in quality of life and long-term well-being.\r\n\r\nThis forum will explore environmental justice as a local issue, wit
On Morrison: A Conversation About Toni Morrison with Author Namwali Serpell
Toni Morrison\'s work undeniably reshaped American literature, and her influence extended well beyond her novels like Beloved or The Bluest Eye. Morrison confronted slavery, identity, trauma - as well as beauty - as she centered Black experiences. Morrison changed not only what stories were told, but how they were told.\r\n\r\nHarvard professor and award-winning author Namwali Serpell\'s latest bo
Exit Interview: The Chief of Staff Speaks
Few have as clear a view to what\'s actually going on in our city than the leaders in City Hall tasked with improving conditions for the residents who live, work, and recreate in our region\'s urban core. Brad Davy served as Chief of Staff to Mayor Justin M. Bibb for the four years of his first term. Davy led a cabinet of young leaders who hoped to remake City Hall, renovating everything from poli
His Excellency Amb. Samuel Žbogar, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations
In December 2025, Slovenia completed its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council-participating in 558 formal meetings and 238 consultations of the Security Council, and so much more. Throughout its term, Slovenia addressed the most pressing issues, upheld its values, and shared its expertise globally to maintain international peace and security.\r\n\r\nMore recently, in its final mont
Daughters of Birmingham: Reflections on the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombings
On September 15, 1963, a bombing carried out by members of the Ku Klux Klan at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, instantly killed Addie Mae Collins, Carol Denise McNair, Carole Rosamond Robinson, and Cynthia Dionne Morris Wesley. Also in the room was Addie Mae\'s younger sister, 12-year-old Sarah Collins, who survived the blast and valiantly tried to rescue her sister, but was
Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment
Daniel Coyle is the New York Times bestselling author of The Culture Code, The Talent Code, The Little Book of Talent, The Secret Race, Lance Armstrong's War, and Hardball: A Season in the Projects. Coyle, who works as an advisor to the Cleveland Guardians, lives in Cleveland, Ohio, during the school year and in Homer, Alaska, during the summer with his wife, Jen, and their four children.\r\n\r\nI
Healthcare Inequality and Access to Care
This is a youth-led forum, powered by student voices.\r\n\r\nAccess to quality healthcare is not experienced equally across communities. Differences in policy, insurance coverage, education, and systemic barriers can shape who receives care, when they receive it, and the outcomes they experience.\r\n\r\nThis forum will examine disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, highlighting how policy
The BW Way: Leader-Ready, Career-Ready, Future-Ready
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,
Happy Dog Takes On ICE
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.\r\n\r\nThose
Omaha 360: How One City Reduced Gun Violence by 50 percent
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 n
The Black Home Initiative: Dismantling Homeownership Inequities in the Seattle-Tacoma Region
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 reac
Israel, Gaza, the Ceasefire, and the Prospects for the Future
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 t
America 250: Native American Nations and the Making of the United States
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.\r\n\r\nSince day one, and throughout the entirety of our country\'s forma
Faith, Policy, and Influence: A Conversation with the President of the Center for Christian Virtue
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.\r\n\r\nBaer joined CCV as President in November 2016 after a number of years in pol
Rocket Man: Nic Barlage and the Rise of Cleveland
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 ven
Harnessing the Power of AI in the Classroom
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
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