City Solutions Blog

Ohio’s cities are proving that strategic investments in downtowns, infrastructure, housing, and economic development are creating opportunities that benefit entire regions.

At the Ohio Mayors Alliance’s recent Mayors & Lawmakers Luncheon, city leaders convened at the Statehouse to explore how strategic investment, community vision, and robust partnerships are powering transformation across the state. Hosted by Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn, the panel featured Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry, and Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.

The discussion followed remarks from House Speaker Matt Huffman, who emphasized that building strong communities requires targeted redevelopment and the strategic use of incentives. He encouraged investment in areas with existing infrastructure rather than continued expansion into undeveloped land outside urban cores.

Cleveland’s Midline: Revitalizing an Industrial Corridor

Mayor Bibb highlighted one of Ohio’s most ambitious redevelopment efforts: the Midline. Spanning over 350 acres on Cleveland’s East Side, the project is transforming long-vacant industrial land into a modern jobs district dedicated to manufacturing, food production, research and development, and other innovation-driven sectors.

Fueled by $50 million in federal stimulus funding and supported by partners like the Cleveland Foundation and the State of Ohio’s brownfield cleanup programs, the Midline is positioning Cleveland to lead in advanced manufacturing and technology.

When asked what the state could do to support projects like the Midline, Mayor Bibb’s message was straightforward: give cities the resources they need, with fewer strings attached.

Mansfield Rising: A Community-Led Vision

Mayor Perry detailed how Mansfield Rising, launched in 2018, converted a community-wide vision into tangible results through streetscape enhancements, new housing, and the $25 million Downtown Forward initiative.

Now, Mansfield Rising 2.0 is engaging a new generation of leaders to sustain this momentum. The effort focuses on housing, transportation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and quality-of-life improvements throughout the community. The city is also generating buzz as the future home of a new Buc-ee’s location, a signal that national retailers are taking notice of Mansfield’s momentum.

Mayor Perry also emphasized that Mansfield’s approach has centered on identifying and securing the resources needed to move projects forward rather than dwelling on what may not yet be available — a mindset that has helped the city build lasting momentum and confidence in its future.

Toledo’s Riverfront and the Road to the U.S. Open

Mayor Kapszukiewicz described a city gaining real momentum. Toledo’s Glass City Riverwalk is reconnecting residents to the Maumee River via new trails and public spaces, serving as a spark for downtown revitalization, housing growth, and business development.

While noting that recent increases to the Local Government Fund are a step forward, he highlighted that the long-term trajectory of state funding remains a challenge for cities across Ohio.

With the Inverness Club set to host the 2045 U.S. Open, Toledo is preparing to showcase its charm and hospitality to a global audience. The city’s goal to surpass a population of 300,000 over the next 20 years reflects a commitment to building a premier destination where people want to live and work.

Together, these three cities reflect what the Ohio Mayors Alliance has long championed:

When Ohio invests in its cities, the entire state benefits.