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As you may be aware, in 2005, with the RC&D’s blessing, the Countryside Program embarked on a process to locate a new home that could provide opportunities for increased capacity and long-term financial sustainability. A marketing study was done last summer that proved that after 10 years our services are still very much needed among communities in Northeast Ohio, and we began exploring our options with several possible organizations. In the fall, discussion began in earnest with Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs, and we are happy to announce that as of April 1, the Countryside Program will be housed in a new planning-oriented research center to be located at the College.

This new location will bring many benefits: the ability to collaborate with faculty and students from multiple departments on new projects and research; a cost-effective home with built-in administration and grant writing assistance, and satellite locations in the region; a neutral platform from which to educate and provide technical assistance to community officials and the development community alike; and access to state of the art knowledge about sustainable practices and policy for local and regional communities. The Levin College is at the center of regional discussion about the Lake Erie Basin and watershed-based planning, and is more and more taking a regional approach in their work. The Countryside Program will help to expand this vision, providing a counterpoint to urban projects with its continuing focus on smaller, rural and exurban communities.

Current and planned projects for this year include:

• Working with the Ohio Lake Erie Commission to develop an implementation program which will train local officials across the Lake Erie Basin in the use of Best Local Land Use Practices to protect the watershed and provide for balanced growth;
• Offering a subscription program to local communities, which would provide ongoing education, communication and technical assistance on planning and conservation issues and policies
• Continuing work with the Smart Growth Education Foundation (a local development-based group) to educate developers and real estate professionals about smart growth alternatives for local communities, and the importance of balancing conservation and development
• Continuing ongoing information, referral, partnerships and assistance to local communities and others in the region working on balanced growth issues

As we move forward into the future, we hope to be of even better assistance to County Planning Commissions, Soil and Water Districts, townships, cities, villages, and their constituents, and the RC&D itself. To contact us, use our existing web site, phone and e-mail address, and we will incorporate updated information when it is available. We will remain a strong supporter of the Western Reserve RC&D, and ever grateful for its initiative in launching this program and getting it situated for the future.