Follow our “#CG2018 Stories” blog series for updates, information and stories about Common Ground 2018 and related events. In this post, learn about the “For the Love of Cleveland: The Power of Place” event series we’re hosting in partnership with The City Club of Cleveland throughout the month of June.

Last week, we announced our “For the Love of Cleveland: The Power of Place” series at a sold-out Friday Forum at The City Club of Cleveland featuring ioby Co-Founder and Executive Director Erin Barnes, who spoke about the power of resident activism in creating and sustaining place (you can watch Erin’s presentation here). This kicked off a series of free City Club forums that will take place from noon – 1 p.m. every Tuesday in June on Cleveland Public Square. This is the second year we’ve partnered with The City Club to present the “For the Love of Cleveland” series as part of Common Ground, and we’re delighted to share a preview of this year’s lineup with you:

For the Love of Cleveland: The Power of Place

June 5 – Streets: Achieving Connection, Not Competition

A conversation on how to ensure our urban streets and sidewalks are safe for all, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. Panelists include Calley Mersmann (Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator, Cleveland City Planning Commission; Organizer, Open Streets Cleveland), Emily Muttillo (Applied Research Fellow, The Center for Community Solutions), and Krista Nightengale (Managing Director, The Better Block). Learn more here.

June 12 – Architecture: Balancing Form and Function

A conversation exploring some of Cleveland’s current design projects including the Cleveland Public Library’s MLK Branch design and Clark-Fulton’s Dollar General store. Panelists include Freddy L. Collier, Jr. (Director of City Planning, City of Cleveland), Michele Crawford (Aspiring Architect/Community Enthusiast; Project Manager, Capital, Construction & Facilities, Cuyahoga Community College), Keisha Gonzalez (Managing Director, Metro West Development Office), Felton Thomas, Jr. (Executive Director and CEO, Cleveland Public Library). Learn more here.                

June 19 – Public Health: Why Parks Matter

A conversation on the effects of urban design and parks on public health. Panelists include Jacqueline Gillon (Community Engagement Specialist, Thriving Communities Institute at Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and Slavic Village resident), Stephen Love (Program Officer, Environment, Cleveland Foundation), Alex Robertson (Program Director, Recess Cleveland), and Shanelle L. Smith (State Director, The Trust for Public Land). Learn more here.

June 26 – Narrative: If These Spaces Could Talk

This final forum in the series will feature voices from the media on how narrative contributes to a sense of place. Panelists include Justin Glanville (Writer/Producer, Sidewalk LLC), Carol Malone (Communications Fellow, Neighborhood Connections), and Johnathan Streeter ( Writer/Producer, Making Our Own Stories (MOOS). The conversation among our speakers is just the beginning of this dialogue – a booth will be placed in Public Square where all can share and record our stories to be archived with the City Club. Learn more here.