Greater Cleveland Partnership

Appealing Communities:Appealing communities are essential to attracting and retaining vibrant businesses and talented people. We focus on shaping Greater Cleveland into a dynamic place where people want to live, work, and play. Through collaboration with public and private partners, we advance interconnected, inclusive development across downtown, the waterfront, and surrounding neighborhoods. We invest in both residential growth and commercial revitalization, supported by accessible and efficient transit. We push for better parks and trails, stronger arts and culture, and the kind of sports and entertainment experiences that make a city stand out. We advocate for expanded resources that enhance quality of life, and we work to strengthen air service and connectivity that supports both business and leisure travel.Enhance City Development: In 2024, GCP supported Cleveland's securing of major federal and state resources to transform the lakefront, riverfront, and downtown. Through Cleveland Development Advisors, GCP continues to invest in catalytic real estate projects in neighborhoods like Ohio City, Clark-Fulton, Midtown, and Fairfax, leveraging partnerships with local developers to redevelop underutilized properties and bring new housing and commercial activity to life.Expand recreational amenities including parks, arts and culture, and sports: GCP supported the Metroparks efforts in securing funding for trails and connectors, and championed the Cuyahoga Arts & Culture levy, which passed with overwhelming voter support. GCP continues to pay a vital role in coordinating, promoting, and amplifying major Cleveland events.Improve airport and air service connections: GCP supports the City's efforts in securing more flights to the region including providing direct support for the Aer Lingus flight. It also provided business community perspectives on airport improvement priorities in 2024 and supported the City's leadership efforts towards a major terminal modernization program.

Talent:Dynamic businesses need abundant talent to grow. Our focus is catalyzing business-led initiatives and work-based learning opportunities for in-demand jobs. We collaborate with employers, educators, and career training partners to increase enrollment and completion in degree and credential programs across high-growth industries. We also strengthen pathways into the workforce through internships, apprenticeships, and co-ops driven by industry needs. To build early awareness and engagement, we support programs that connect high school students to career exploration and real-world experiences, helping young people navigate their options and pursue meaningful employment.Retain college graduates: Through the Cleveland Talent Alliance, GCP helped host record-setting intern engagement events, including Summer in the Land, College Fest and a Winter Career Fair, connecting 1,700+ interns to the region and showcasing local career opportunities. 2024 also saw a rise in college and university enrollments and graduate retention in Greater Cleveland.Expand apprenticeships and tech credentials: In addition, GCP operated the Apprenticeship Hub with a focus on engaging companies and individuals in apprenticeships in non-traditional industries such as health care, financial services, and hospitality. GCP also promoted increased usage of tech credentialing to up-skill workers.Broaden career awareness among high school students through exposure programs: Through partnerships, GCP supported expansions of apprenticeship programs, linking high school and post-secondary students to career pathways. GCP engaged over 2,600 high school students from across the region in career connected learning experiences with industry volunteers from over 50 Northeast Ohio companies and supported the Greater Cleveland Career Consortium's expansion to 10 school districts to broaden access to career-connected and work-based learning programs.