Economic Development

A body of water as large as Lake Erie serves as a natural amenity few cities can enjoy. Yet for far too long Cleveland has turned its back on this underutilized resource and continues to lack a cohesive plan to make the city a beacon of prosperity, culture and beauty by better utilizing the lake. With an intertwined use of recreational, residential, industrial and public space along Lake Erie, the Lakefront Revitalization Plan will draw people to the shore to live, work and play. In order to build a foundation for a thriving and enjoyable lakefront, the Economic Development group has proposed creating new job engines, capitalizing on alternative energy, improving access and laying the framework for a more sustainable city whereby making Cleveland a vibrant Green City on a Blue Lake.

The goal of the proposed economic development projects is to generate investments that encourage positive economic activity and spin-off development.  Phase I lays the groundwork for strategic marketing efforts to increase both awareness of park amenities and park attendance, as well as the following proposed projects: port and the international trade zone, wind energy, targeted brownfield remediation, urban gardening and agriculture, lakefront boardwalk, burke lakefront airport, and an international cultural center. Phase II builds on the foundation set in Phase I by detailing the projects within the Port and International Trade District and the “Cleveland’s North Coast: Get Your Lake On!” marketing campaign.