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 …}

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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.

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 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 …

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.

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.

Ward 4 Asset Mapping Report, Molly Schnoke, Jack Yochum, Erika Shinn, Izzy Esler

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 Deborah Gray to provide an accounting of assets and strengths in Cleveland’s Ward 4. 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 …

Cleveland Innovation District: A Cippo Panel Brief, Molly Schnoke

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

No abstract provided.

Innovation District Policy Highlights, 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 2022, Molly Schnoke, Jack Yochum, Georgina Guadalupe Figueroa

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The NASA John H. Glenn Research Center, located in Cleveland and Sandusky, Ohio, continues to create vast economic benefits within the regional economies of Northeast Ohio and Ohio by employing local labor, paying high wages to their employees who spend most of their income locally, engaging local contractors, and collaborating with local higher education institutions, providing them with research grants and contracts. This study uses a multi-regional input-output (I-O) model to estimate the effect of NASA Glenn Research Center's spending on the economies of Northeast Ohio and Ohio. For the total economic impact in the state of Ohio in 2022, …

Investing In The Middle, Molly Schnoke, Jack Yochum, Shannon Driscoll, James Flanigan

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

Middle Neighborhoods (MNs) are generally recognized for their safety, stability and affordability for residents. They also provide an important opportunity to give lower-income populations access to affordable housing and an overall higher quality of life, but the number of MNs is declining throughout the U.S. Recognizing these opportunities and challenges regarding MNs, the research team set out to fill in the existing knowledge gaps about which public policies and programmatic activities are effective at 1) stabilizing MNs and 2) providing equitable access for lower-income and marginalized populations to join and stay in MNs.

Reframing Project Goals In Alignment With Responsive Ecosystems, Jack Yochum

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

This presentation offers a window into the progress and changes made as a part of the 5-year research-practice collaboration funded by the E.M. Ewing Kauffman Foundation exploring the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in three major entrepreneurial ecosystems across Ohio- Cleveland, Toledo, and Dayton. This project's heavy reliance on collaboration with service providers was complicated by the ecosystem’s immediate responses to the economic duress of the pandemic and the influx of new entrepreneurs and capital. Like how these ecosystems responded, the project team adjusted by reframing this study as a deep dive into how entrepreneurial ecosystems grow and change to best …

The Economic Consequences Of The East Palestine Train Derailment, Molly Schnoke, Iryna Lendel, Jack Yochum, Shannon Driscoll, Matt Saneda, Georgina Guadalupe Figueroa, Mary Isler

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The Center for Economic Development at Cleveland State University, in partnership with the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, is engaged in an ongoing effort to track the economic consequences of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on the evening of February 3, 2023. This initial report focuses strictly on effects felt throughout the city of East Palestine, with special attention paid to the evacuation area, and covers the period from the date of the derailment until two weeks afterward (through February 17, 2023). This period coincides with the mandatory evacuation time ordered by the office of Governor …

Front International: Cleveland Triennial For Contemporary Art 2022 Economic Impact Study, Molly Schnoke, Shannon Driscoll, Jack Yochum, Izzy Esler

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

FRONT International Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art 2022 public art exhibit ran from July 16 through October 2, 2022. The FRONT exhibit takes place every three years and this iteration, Oh, Gods of Dust and Rainbows, was displayed in Cleveland and Akron, OH at a variety of locations through partnerships with museums and other institutions in the region. This study uses a multi-regional input-output (I-O) model to estimate the effect of the exhibit on the economies of the Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor and Akron Metropolitan Statistical Areas. The economic impact consists of two components: impact of visitor spending and impact of the …

Economic Vitality Index: Is There A Pandemic Recovery In Ohio?, Molly Schnoke, Georgina Guadalupe Figueroa, Jack Yochum

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

The 2021 update of the Economic Vitality Index (EVI) illustrates the ongoing effects of the global pandemic and economic slowdown and highlights the impacts of policy responses aimed to ease its detrimental and uneven impacts on the economies of Ohio’s 88 counties.

An Examination Of Incentive Programs To Attract Remote Workers, Molly Schnoke, Jack Yochum, Madeline Frantz, Georgina Figueroa

All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic changed the nature of work for many Americans, and the use of these attraction programs escalated quickly. Remote work attraction has quickly become a valuable strategy for municipalities aiming to bolster and target their economic development. The rise of this tool, with its focus on individual community investment rather than traditional models of employer attraction or workforce development, has the potential to reshape economic development policy at the local level. This brief explores the nature of these programs: where they are, what they offer, their conditions, and their early indicators of success.

In order to …