Civic Engagement
The Fund engages the public and leaders from the private, civic, labor, education, government and other sectors to strengthen the region's capacity to build a strong regional culture and to support and implement the key economic growth strategies of Advance Northeast Ohio, the region's economic action plan.
The Fund is committed to enhancing broad regional participation in the work required to shape our region's economic future. Representatives from the Fund regularly speak to community groups, elected officials and others who share our commitment to making a stronger region. If you would like to host a conversation with the Fund please contact Chris Thompson at 216-456-9802.
Northeast Ohio embraces 16 counties, five metropolitan areas, and a broad range of urban, suburban, rural and natural assets. The region is home to more than 4 million residents and generates an annual economic output of $170 billion.
As diverse as a region can be, Northeast Ohio is unified by a shared future. The economic fate of each community is intertwined with the future of every other community across the region. Recognizing this interdependence, business, philanthropic, civic and government organizations, and an empowered public, support Advance Northeast Ohio, the region’s plan to strengthen our region’s economic competitiveness.
Strengthening the region's economic competitiveness is dependent on a regional culture that values:
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Collaboration
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Innovation
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Inclusion
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Empowered individuals
Advance Northeast Ohio strives to continuously move the region forward by promoting a sustainable system of organizations and individuals collectively focused on addressing four economic priorities:
The need to address these four economic priorities emerged from both economic research and a massive public engagement effort hosted by the Fund in 2005-06 called Voices & Choices. The 18-month effort engaged more than 20,000 Northeast Ohio residents to help establish the region’s economic priorities. Advance Northeast Ohio incorporates the priorities identified by the residents that participated in Voices & Choices. Download the Voices & Choices final report.
Learn more about Advance Northeast Ohio.