Crafting the Cleveland Community Benefits Ordinance | Colombi and Nance | Ep. 10

Cleveland has been at the forefront of a transformative movement aimed at reshaping how development projects interact with the communities they impact. Recently, I had the opportunity to engage in a detailed conversation with Jessica Colombi and Chris Nance – two pivotal figures in the passage and implementation of Cleveland's Community Benefits Ordinance (CBO). Their insights provide a compelling look into a city collaborating with industry to create a brighter, more inclusive future.

The Genesis of Change:

The story begins in the heart of Cleveland, a city known for its resilience and vibrant community. The CBO germinated from a collective realization of the long-standing market failures that marginalized minority and women-owned businesses and contributed to widening socio-economic disparities. As Jessica points out, "from 2014 to 2018, only a minuscule percentage of prime contract spending in Cuyahoga County was awarded to minority and/or women-owned businesses."

This data underscored an urgent need for intervention - an initiative to correct systemic inequities and forge a new path for economic inclusion.

A Community First Approach:

The essence of the CBO is not in the legal language it's codified in but the ethos it embodies – putting the community first. This ordinance wasn't conceived in isolation; it involved rigorous engagements with the community, developers, policymakers, and various stakeholders through focus groups, surveys, and discussions. These engagements illuminated the residents' desire for developments that happened with them, not to them.

Chris beautifully articulates the long-term vision, "Fast forward to 2040... what would it mean if people living in neighborhoods like East Cleveland had more money in their pockets? It means local talent stays, contributes, and grows the community."

Building the Future, Today:

The ordinance serves as a catalyst for tangible, systemic change. It mandates developers to engage with and directly benefit the communities they build in, from improving public spaces to creating job opportunities. However, both Jessica and Chris emphasize that the ordinance is but one tool in a broader strategy aimed at economic mobility and equitable development.

The establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) following the ordinance is a testament to the commitment stakeholders have towards embracing its spirit, beyond just complying with its letter. The MOU, as detailed by Jessica, is a pledge from developers, businesses, and institutions to uphold the principles of community benefit, recognizing the intrinsic value of doing business in a way that elevates all sections of society.

Challenges and the Road Ahead:

Navigating the complexities of implementing such a groundbreaking policy is not without its challenges. Resistance from traditional sectors accustomed to a laissez-faire approach loomed large. Yet, the ordinance, designed with flexibility and accountability, aims to transform skepticism into collaboration, guiding Cleveland towards a future where development is synonymous with community prosperity.

Conclusion:

The journey of Cleveland's Community Benefit Ordinance from conception to enactment is a beacon of hope, not just for this city but for any community striving towards inclusivity and economic justice. As Jessica and Chris envision a Cleveland that harnesses the full potential of its residents, it's clear that the real success of the CBO will be measured not by the projects it regulates but by the lives it uplifts and the communities it revitalizes.

In echoing their optimism and commitment, it's evident that while the path ahead may be fraught with challenges, the direction is paved with promise. Cleveland is not just building structures; it's building a legacy of community, equity, and shared prosperity for generations to come.

Links to Resources:

* If you have any questions or interest about the CBO, contact:

Tyson Mitchell, Director, or Terrell Knight, Office of Equal Opportunity at this location.

* For copies of the CBO, the MOU, and the Process Map, go here

* To read coverage of the CBO by the local press, go here

* And to watch the ceremony celebrating the signing of the MOU, go here

Chapters:

00:00 Cleveland's Transformative Movement: The Community Benefits Ordinance

00:12 Insights from Jessica Columbi and Chris Nance: Shaping Cleveland's Future

01:24 The Genesis of Cleveland's Community Benefits Ordinance

02:54 The Impact and Vision of the Community Benefits Ordinance

06:22 Jessica and Chris: Personal Journeys and Professional Insights

12:53 Exploring Cleveland's Rich History and Economic Landscape

26:02 The Community Benefits Ordinance: A New Paradigm for Development

39:04 Addressing Market Failures: The Role of Government in Economic Inclusion

40:42 The Market's Ebb and Flow: Urban Development and Economic Factors

41:45 Government Intervention in Market Failures

42:01 Navigating Global Economic Shifts and Personal Narratives

43:02 COVID-19's Impact on Supply Chains and Economic Rebalancing

44:51 Legislative Innovations: The Community Benefits Ordinance

45:24 Crafting the Ordinance: Community Engagement and Focus Groups

50:03 The Ordinance in Action: Expectations and Real-World Applications

01:00:41 The Future of Cleveland: Economic Development and Civic Engagement

01:15:21 Closing Thoughts: The Impact of Collective Effort

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