Levin College Forum

About the Forum | Events & Media

Known as the place "where the community gathers to discuss challenges, create opportunities, and celebrate accomplishments," the Forum is a catalyst for thoughtful public debate, innovative thinking, new ideas, and timely action addressing critical issues that impact Northeast Ohio. Since its inception in 1998, the Forum has tackled a broad range of civic issues including the lakefront plan, economic growth and development, affordable housing, immigration, education, the convention center, poverty, race and sustainable development. The work of the forum is based on the premise that an informed and engaged citizenry is a valuable asset for the region's future growth and prosperity. In 2005, the Forum was recognized by Northern Ohio Live as "a springboard for economic and social progress throughout the region" and in 2003 received the national CivicMind award for its Millennium Program, which worked with area high school students to introduce them to careers in public service.

Building Our Future Beyond Foreclosure Series

"Feeding Cleveland" Photo Contest

View Envisioning Cleveland Photo Exhibition

A Crack in the Pavement, Fix it First?
Thursday, February 11, 2010, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Ohio's First Suburbs play a leading role in "The New Metropolis," a groundbreaking two-part documentary on the rise, fall and revitalization of America's first suburbs. Plan to join us for the Cleveland premier of Episode 1, "A Crack in the Pavement," produced by award-winning filmmaker Andrea Torrice. Narrated by actor Peter Coyote, this episode follows the story of two Cincinnati area public officials and their efforts to keep their towns stable and healthy despite difficult times to repair and improve infrastructure and lure businesses.

Counting Cleveland! Making the Most of the 2010 Census
Friday January 29, 2010, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Listen to the WCPN interview with John Begala on this forum

Transforming Public Square: Three Strategies for Enhancing Cleveland’s Civic Core
Thursday January 21, 2010, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us for this interactive forum to learn more about the latest design strategies for Public Square. James Corner, noted urban designer and landscape architect with James Corner Field Operations and the Kent State Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative will present three designs for Public Square. Participants will have ample opportunity to view the plans, ask questions, share their ideas and discuss ways to make Public Square a vital center and gathering place connecting Cleveland’s downtown.

Portraits of Homelessness Gallery Opening
Friday January 8, 2010, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Photos and stories by Lydia Bailey of the men at 2100 Lakeside, Ohio’s largest homeless shelter.

Cuyahoga County Government Reform: What does it mean for Health and Social Services?
Thursday December 17, 2009
9:00-11:00 a.m.

Explore the challenges and opportunities facing the health and social services delivery system in the light of Cuyahoga County government reform. On November 3, voters approved the restructuring of Cuyahoga County government, replacing the three elected commissioners with a single elected executive and an 11-member council.

Now it is time for the community to work together to ensure that the coming reform has a true, positive impact on the delivery of health and social services for Cuyahoga County residents.

The Cuyahoga County Land Bank
Part of the Building Our Future Beyond Foreclosure Series
Thursday November 19, 2009, 8:30 a.m.-Noon

The new newly incorporated Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) holds great promise for helping cities reutilize distressed properties, rebuild neighborhoods and shore up declining tax bases. As a partner with cities and other units of government, lenders and individual property owners, the Land Bank has the potential to restore housing markets, rebuild communities and change development patterns on a regional scale, targeting future growth and development to core areas.

Join us as we take an in-depth look at the Land Bank and the roles it can play as a partner in rebuilding our communities. Featuring Jim Rokakis, Cuyahoga County Treasurer and Gus Frangos, President, Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation.