Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

The Economy Of College Closure: Institutional Failure And The Quiet Loss Of Public Knowledge, Kristen A. Blazek

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

In 2024, Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio, announced its permanent closure. Notre Dame College was founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922 as a teaching and nursing college for local women. Over the course of more than a century of operation, more than 6,000 students graduated from the small private catholic college. NDC was not only important to their alumni, but served as South Euclid’s largest employer, with an $82.5 million loss of GDP for the Cleveland-Euclid MSA¹. Alumni raised funds for the struggling college; however, their efforts failed, and at its 100^{th …}

Shale Investment Dashboard In Ohio Q1 And Q2 2025, Andrew R. Thomas, Mark Henning, Tessa Rosenberger

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This report presents findings from an investigation into shale-related investment in Ohio, looking at up, mid, and downstream activities. The investment estimates are for January through June of 2025. The report also includes an estimate of cumulative investment into shale in Ohio from 2012 through December 2024. Prior biannual investments are included in previously posted reports that are available from Cleveland State University.

The Cleveland Foundation: Greater Circle Living Evaluation, Molly Schnoke, Kristen A. Blazek, René-Simone Martin

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

No abstract provided.

Smart City And Smart Tourism Destinations: A Look At Split, Croatia, Bj Fletcher, Saša Drezgić, Molly Schnoke

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This case study was a multi-institutional collaborative effort shaped by interdisciplinary expertise including people and tools. Led by the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Rijeka, Croatia, the team includes researchers from the University of Illinois at Springfield (USA) and Cleveland State University (USA). The research team conducted a site visit of the city of Split between June 12-14, 2025. The visit included field observations, in-person interviews with local officials; informal meetings and conversations with varying experts and residents; examination and documentation of field visit sites; and review of strategies, plans and publicly available information.

Researchers utilized …

Shale Investment Dashboard In Ohio Q3 And Q4 2024, Andrew R. Thomas, Mark Henning

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This report presents findings from an investigation into shale-related investment in Ohio, looking at up, mid, and downstream activities. The investment estimates are for July through December of 2024. The report also includes an estimate of cumulative investment into shale in Ohio from 2012 through December 2024. Prior biannual investments are included in previously posted reports that are available from Cleveland State University.

Cleveland Financial Empowerment Neighborhoods Of Strategic Focus: Data Profile, Molly Schnoke, Ronnie A. Dunn, Jack Yochum

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This report primarily focuses on the data that supports the need for financial empowerment policies, programming, and planning in the City of Cleveland, with a specific focus on the target neighborhoods identified. Demographic and economic data alike show that residents in target neighborhoods face substantial challenges when it comes to economic stability and mobility. This is true citywide for minority populations, especially, and the target neighborhoods of this project face notable challenges beyond that.

The neighborhoods targeted for this project include Downtown, Central-Hough, Glenville-Collinwood, Buckeye-Woodhill, Broadway-Slavic Village, Clark Fulton, and Old Brooklyn. Together, these neighborhoods contain over 256,000 residents, which …

Curated Storefront: Examination By The Center For Economic Development, Molly Schnoke, Kristen A. Blazek, Jack Yochum, René-Simone Martin

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

In early 2025, Curated Storefront contracted the Center for Economic Development at Cleveland State University to examine the impact of the organization’s programs that support and underwrite the installation of artistic works in unoccupied or vacant storefront spaces concentrated along the main commercial corridor of downtown Akron. This report serves to contextualize the organization's work within relevant and practitioner literatures on place-based economic development, storefront revitalization, and creative placemaking, examine the community’s understanding of the organization and its work, and provide guidance and strategic recommendations for moving forward.

Shale Investment Dashboard In Ohio Q1 And Q2 2024, Andrew R. Thomas, Mark Henning, Samuel Owusu-Agyemang

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This report presents findings from an investigation into shale-related investment in Ohio, looking at up, mid, and downstream activities. The investment estimates are for January through June of 2024. The report also includes an estimate of cumulative investment into shale in Ohio from 2012 through June 2024. Prior biannual investments are included in previously posted reports that are available from Cleveland State University.

When Colleges Drop Out Of The Economy, Kristen A. Blazek

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

We explore the profound economic impact of small liberal arts colleges faltering and failing in various countries. These institutions have long been the backbone of their communities, providing stability and growth. However, due to declining birth rates, pandemic recovery, high costs, cultural shifts, and waning confidence, many are struggling. Our research investigates the economic consequences of this large-scale rightsizing of the university system across five continents, highlighting differences in higher education supply chains and interconnectedness. We'll delve into the specifics of enrollment trends, closures, and financial challenges in the U.S., Chile, England, South Korea, and Egypt, and analyze the ripple …

Casting Spells On The Economy: The Economic Impact Of A Wizarding School On A National Economy, Kristen A. Blazek

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The Wizarding World is cloaked in mystery, a secret society of dragons, spells, and broomsticks. Living beyond the ordinary in the back alleys and behind the veil, what are the economic impacts of having one of the few wizarding schools, and how does that compare to the economic impact of the traditional American college? Unlike traditional American Colleges, Wizarding schools do not need to pay for electricity or offer WIFI; however, they still need to purchase food, books, and supplies. The recent increase in liberal arts colleges and universities closing in the United States has significantly impacted the economy. Nortre …

Put-In Bay Current Conditions Report, Molly Schnoke, Jack Yochum, René-Simone Martin

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This document serves as a current conditions report for the Put-In-Bay island chain of North, Middle, and South Bass Islands in Lake Erie. The following sections will cover financial, tax, and levy data; the geographic context of the three Bass Islands, including the land area of the Township and governmental structure; percentage of public and privately-owned land summary; public education; and demographic, housing, and economic data for the households on the islands.

Affordability: Practitioner Definitions And Perspectives From The Field, Molly Schnoke, Kristen A. Blazek

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

What does Affordability mean when it comes to housing? The Center for Economic Development utilized housing data and stakeholder interviews to assess the county's housing needs. The study addresses challenges such as mismatched housing stock, an aging population, affordability issues, and programming difficulties.

Waterfront Mapping Tool: Connecting The Development Dots, Molly Schnoke, Jack Yochum

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The Center for Economic Development, in collaboration with the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Metroparks, and Cuyahoga County, are excited to announce the launch of the “Waterfront Mapping Tool, Connecting the Development Dots”.

This is an interactive ArcGIS Online tool that tracks ongoing and completed economic, real estate and mobility projects along Cleveland's lakefront and the Cuyahoga River, providing up-to-date information on project costs, timelines, and development phases. The intended goal is for the tool to serve as a comprehensive resource for planners and stakeholders, offering a clear picture of the waterfront’s transformation.

Cuyahoga County Regional Collaboration Survey 2024, Meghan Rubado, René-Simone Martin

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This report explores collaboration among local governments in Cuyahoga County using a survey of municipal and township officials, primarily mayors. The survey was fielded in late 2024 through a partnership between the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs and the Cuyahoga County Department of Regional Collaboration and follows up on a similar survey fielded by Levin in 2018. This report summarizes findings of the survey. The report examines the extent to which municipalities in the County were collaborating with various types of external partners, including the County, other municipalities, nonprofits, and private organizations. The vast majority of respondents reported …

Fire Station Consolidation And Feasibility Study For The City Of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, Bernie Becker

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The City of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, (Mayor and City Council), commissioned Cleveland State University, Center for Emergency Preparedness to conduct this “Fire Station Consolidation and Feasibility Study.” The summary of findings and recommendations highlights some of the major issues which require discussion.

The focus of this study is on the outcome factors to be investigated but not limited to the existing two fire station locations versus a single fire station, existing two fire station emergency service response times versus a single fire station emergency service response time, effective fire department staffing and relative costs.

A thorough background literature review of …

Cuyahoga County Housing Study, Molly Schnoke, Kristen A. Blazek, Jack Yochum, Georgina Figueroa, Erika Shinn

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The Cuyahoga Countywide Housing Study was completed by the Center for Economic Development in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education at Cleveland State University. The study aims to guide the newly established Office of Housing and Community Development in formulating housing policies and action strategies for Cuyahoga County and its municipalities. The Center for Economic Development utilized housing data and stakeholder interviews to assess the county's housing needs. The study addresses challenges such as mismatched housing stock, an aging population, affordability issues, and programming difficulties. To tackle these disparities, the study identifies key metrics, recommends best practices, and …

Ward 5 Asset Mapping Report, Molly Schnoke, Kristen A. Blazek, Jack Yochum, Erika Shinn

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The Center for Economic Development at the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, Cleveland State University was contracted by Cleveland City Councilperson Richard Starr to provide an accounting of assets and strengths in Cleveland’s Ward 5. The research team conducted interviews with stakeholders throughout the Ward, spoke to residents at community meetings, and conducted a survey of residents to better understand what challenges and opportunities residents and stakeholders felt were important for consideration in the planning of new projects and programs, support for existing services, and to provide guidance to the Councilperson for resource and funding considerations. This work …

The Loss Of Institutional Knowledge And Capital: The End Of Notre Dame College, Molly Schnoke, Kristen A. Blazek, Candi Clouse

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

Notre Dame College of Ohio was a staple in South Euclid Ohio for over 100 years, starting as a women’s training college and moving to a college helping local disadvantaged students experience a place of higher learning, closed in May 2024. Over a century of learning in their hallowed halls, students no longer sit in the classroom and venture the grounds. This tale of a small college closure is a growing trend throughout the United States. Small cities are having to grapple with the loss of their hometown institutions. Not only are the students left with limited options for continuing …

Shale Investment Dashboard In Ohio Q3 And Q4 2023, Mark Henning, Andrew R. Thomas, Samuel Owusu-Agyemang

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This report presents findings from an investigation into shale-related investment in Ohio, looking at up, mid and downstream activities. The investment estimates are for July through December of 2023. The report also includes an estimate of cumulative investment into shale in Ohio from 2012 through December 2023. Prior biannual investments are included in previously posted reports that are available from Cleveland State University.

2024 Update On Electricity Customer Choice In Ohio: Deregulated Markets Continue To Save Ohio Ratepayers Nearly $3 Billion Per Year, Andrew R. Thomas, Mark Henning

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This study provides an update to the research team’s 2016 and 2019 reports on the performance of deregulated electricity markets in Ohio since restructuring first took effect in 2009. This latest study covers the important pandemic and post-pandemic era, when electricity retail markets experienced considerable volatility.

Key findings:

1. Despite recent energy market upheaval, deregulated markets continue to save Ohio ratepayers nearly $3 billion per year. From 2019-2023, Ohio consumers saved 13.5$ billion due to deregulation, with an additional $2.7 billion in savings expected for 2024.
   
   
2. Total savings of $37.5 billion since 2011 translate to $261 per household each year and …

Examining The Small Business Characteristics Of The Dayton-Kettering Msa, Molly Schnoke, Jack Yochum

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This brief examines the industry, size, and regional characteristics of the small enterprises across the three county Dayton-Kettering MSA in 2022. This brief is meant to help close the gap in data collection for small businesses identified in the Center’s collaboration with the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce in advancing the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Role Of Partial Requirement Tariffs And Standby Charges In Microgrid Adoption In Ohio, Matthew R. Fulton, Andrew R. Thomas

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

Utility partial load tariffs can be used to enable microgrids to be connected to distributions systems. While partial load tariffs can be avoided by connecting the microgrid directly to the transmission grid, this strategy is likely to be more effective for larger microgrids (e.g. 10 MW). But partial load tariffs – if suitably designed -- can be very useful to enabling smaller microgrid development.

Looking Back And Beyond: The Economic Impact Of Nasa Glenn, Jack Yochum, Georgina Figueroa

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The Center for Economic Development at Cleveland State University has been engaged with the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in performing annual economic impact analyses for nearly 25 years. The economic impact of NASA Glenn extends well beyond the facility with integral supply chain components and employees sited across Northeast Ohio. This presentation provides an overview of the FY 2023 economic impact of NASA Glenn on Northeast Ohio as well as the state of Ohio, including the operating expenditures of the organization, GRC’s grantmaking to local academic institutions, and fiscal contributions to local municipalities through income tax. A specific cohort …

The Loss Of Institutional Knowledge: The Closure Of Notre Dame College Of Ohio, Kristen A. Blazek, Candi Clouse, Molly Schnoke

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

No abstract provided.

The Nasa John H. Glenn Research Center: An Economic Impact Study Fiscal Year 2023, Molly Schnoke, Georgina Figueroa, Jack Yochum

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

No abstract provided.

Economic Vitality Index 2022: Disparate Recovery Across Ohio, Molly Schnoke, Georgina Guadalupe Figueroa, Jack Yochum

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The Center for Economic Development tracks the economic health of Ohio's 88 counties using the Economic Vitality Index (EVI). After establishing a baseline with 2019 data and analyzing pandemic impacts through 2021, the 2022 EVI shows resilience amid inflation and high interest rates. Urban counties like Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Montgomery display positive recovery trends, whereas Appalachian counties in Southern Ohio continue to face economic challenges.

The Cleveland Health Tech Corridor: An Analysis Of Economic Trends, 2011-2022, Molly Schnoke, Jack Yochum, Erika Shinn

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The Health-Tech Corridor (HTC) has been a hotbed for development in Cleveland for several decades. This report serves as an update on the economic growth and wellbeing of the HTC from 2011 to 2022, describing the growth, developments, and change in the neighborhood during this time period.

Shale Investment Dashboard In Ohio Q1 And Q2 2023, Andrew R. Thomas, Mark Henning, Samuel Owusu-Agyemang

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This report presents findings from an investigation into shale-related investment in Ohio, looking at up, mid and downstream activities. The investment estimates are for January through June of 2023. The report also includes an estimate of cumulative investment in shale in Ohio from 2012 through June 2023. Prior biannual investments are included in previously posted reports that are available from Cleveland State University.

The Places Of Innovation: A National Review Of Innovation Districts, Molly Schnoke, Kristen A. Blazek, Izzy Esler, Shannon Driscoll

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

Innovation is an important economic driver and should be cultivated. Innovation is the spark that drives economic growth and development. At its most basic, innovation is defined by the "new" and the "improved". More specifically to those concerned with economic growth, innovation concerns, new products and economic growth. It is distinct from the invention in that innovation encompasses the "entrepreneurial function" of putting new ideas into commercial practice.

Innovation is an important economic driver and should be cultivated. Innovation is the spark that drives economic growth and development. At its most basic, innovation is defined by the "new" and the …

Reinforcing The Educational Glass Ceiling: For-Profit Institution’S Cost Of Attending For Women, Kristen A. Blazek

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

No abstract provided.