Final edition. Part six of Reason Saves Cleveland with Drew Carey: Bring Back the People.

No city can exist without people, and Cleveland has lost more than half its population since the 1950s. Yet the city still boasts amazingly affordable neighborhoods, down-to-earth charm, a rich history, a stunning and varied landscape, and diverse ethnic and cultural scenes. How can Cleveland become a destination where people flock to pursue their personal versions of the American Dream?

Episode 5: Bottom-up redevelopment
Episode 4: Take care of business
Episode 3: Privatize it
Episode 2: Fix the schools
Episode 1: The decline of a once-great city

Part five of Reason Saves Cleveland with Drew Carey. I have been sharing these all week. Lots of good ideas here on bottom-up redevelopment.

“Cleveland has spent billions on big-ticket urban redevelopment efforts including heavily subsidized sports stadiums and convention centers that have utterly failed to revitalize the city’s economy. Should the city be pouring even more money into and pinning yet higher hopes on long-odds mega-projects? Or should they realize that bottom-up projects driven by the actual residents and private-sector investors are the best was to build a vibrant city for the long haul?”

Episode 4: Take care of business
Episode 3: Privatize it
Episode 2: Fix the schools
Episode 1: The decline of a once-great city

Reason Saves Cleveland with Drew Carey Episode 4: Take care of business.

Respect.

“After World War II, Cleveland was booming, thanks to its leadership role in heavy industry and a business-friendly climate. Today, the city’s high taxes and onerous regulatory demands make it nearly impossible for new businesses to set up shop while choking the life out of existing companies. While relatively laissez-faire cities such as Houston are growing even during the current recession, Cleveland remains stuck in a rut. How can city officials make the city a more welcoming place for entrepreneurs to thrive?”

Episode 3: Privatize it
Episode 2: Fix the schools
Episode 1: The decline of a once-great city

Posting one of these every day this week in solidarity with Drew Carey and Reason’s attempts to save Cleveland…

“Should cities be in the business of running businesses ranging from convention centers to farmers markets? Selling off golf courses, contracting out parking concessions, and all manner of public-private partnerships are generating billions of dollars in revenue and dramatically improving city services in places such as Chicago and Indianapolis. Will Cleveland’s elected officials learn the right lessons in time?”

Part 2: Fix the schools
Part 1: The decline of a once-great city

From reason.tv comes part 2 of the series Reason Saves Cleveland with Drew Carey:

“Cleveland’s public schools are failing to prepare students for their futures and as a result, all parents who can afford to have been fleeing to the suburbs for decades. Yet some urban schools, like Think College Now in Oakland, California are finding out that a combination of administrative autonomy and accountability can lead to amazing results. Within Cleveland’s own boundaries, charter schools are booming and delivering quality education at a fraction of the cost of traditional public schools. Does Cleveland have what it takes to fundamentally reform its K-12 education system and become a leader in 21st-century education?”

Part 1: The decline of a once great city