Advance Northeast Ohio is our region’s economic action plan that consists of a series of regional economic development initiatives. Up-to-date information regarding the plan and the region's economic progress is available at Advance Northeast Ohio's web site. 

Who developed it?

Advance Northeast Ohio is the result of two years of input, analysis and collaboration from the 20,000 citizens who participated in Voices & Choices, leading economists and researchers, business, labor, government, education and civic leaders throughout the region. The Fund for Our Economic Future brought together the partners that crafted the action plan. The plan was launched in March 2003.

What is the focus of the plan?

All of the initiatives of Advance Northeast Ohio are designed to grow, attract and retain businesses, capital and talent in Northeast Ohio. Initiatives are grouped into four action areas:

• Business Growth and Attraction
• Workforce Preparation and Educational Excellence
• Growth Through Racial and Economic Inclusion
• Government Collaboration and Efficiency 

How is this plan different from earlier economic development plans?

This is the first effort to bring a regional approach to economic development in Northeast Ohio. Advance Northeast Ohio is based on the priorities set by the public during Voices & Choices, and it was developed with the help of the public and leaders from across all 16 counties.

As a regional plan, Advance Northeast Ohio complements local economic development initiatives.

Who is in charge of Advance Northeast Ohio?

No single organization is responsible for this plan. It is the region’s plan and partners in the plan collaborate to implement individual initiatives.

How will we know if it’s working?

Partners in Advance Northeast Ohio are developing specific, tangible goal for each of the initiatives and each of the action areas. The Fund for Our Economic Future will issue regular reports regarding the results of specific initiatives and the overall performance of the region’s economy.

What is the Fund for Our Economic Future’s role in the plan?

In addition to measuring and reporting the plan’s performance, the Fund will issue grants to select initiatives. It will also convene partners in the plan to work on specific initiatives.