Cleveland

We Plan CLE 2021

WePlan CLE’s 2021 theme, FIFTEEN, highlights an emerging (or re-emerging) planning and design topic taking on new meaning as we emerge from pandemic health restrictions. The 15-minute city is a concept in which a community’s residents have access to everything they require within a 15-minute walk or bike from their home. The concept fulfills six social functions: living, working, supplying, caring, learning, and enjoying.

When the pandemic shuttered cities and neighborhoods, it brought to light the importance of proximity for social links and amenities. People began to rediscover their local assets (shops, parks, outdoor patios, walkable sidewalks, etc.). This kick started a trend in putting the 15-minute city on agendas across the country. WePlan CLE will explore what the concept means to our region, cities, and neighborhoods. Is this model similar to existing walkability theories, or a renaissance of past trends? Are there neighborhoods which meet the criteria? How are organizations striving to achieve the goals?

Through a series of events, join us as we explore and discuss this topic, deepen our understanding, and consider how the 15-minute city may help up improve the communities in which we live and work.

If you had 15 minutes to walk from your front door, where could you walk to? And would you?

Many American cities are built around the convenience of cars, with public transit and bike infrastructure taking a back seat to road and highway improvements. Yet, 25% of Cleveland households and nearly 40% of East Cleveland households lack access to a vehicle.

The 15-minute city (or “complete neighborhood”) is an urban planning concept where any resident should be able to get to their job, visit the doctor, grab groceries, or even a cup of coffee with just a short walk or bike ride. It is a different approach through the lens of equity, helping to reduce reliance on personal vehicles.

Over the last year, more residents have found themselves working remotely, going on more walks, and supporting local businesses closer to their homes. Still, other neighborhoods faced long-standing challenges with walkability, pedestrian safety, and access to the basics.

Is it time to reimagine our cities, 15 minutes at a time?

Join us for The City Club of Cleveland Virtual Forum featuring Andre Brumfield, Khrys Shefton and Jason Segedy as they discuss the 15-minute city concept from a national and local perspective.

View the Forum

Building on the keynote event, we will be conducting a series of neighborhood and city walks where residents and community leaders guide participants to see and experience how these areas are working towards and aspiring to become 15-minute cities.

	City of Cleveland | Old Brooklyn Neighborhood Date: July 17 @ 11:00 AM (rescheduled) August 14 @ 11:00 AM Meet-up Location: Pearl Road United Methodist Church, directions Cleveland's largest and most quickly diversifying neighborhood - is home to over 35,000 residents and has a rich history and exciting future. We'll begin our tour in the Brighton commercial corridor- the heart of Old Brooklyn. We'll see new businesses, old establishments, and walk the new Brighton Park trail, which was developed at the site of an old landfill. Feel free to come early or stay after to shop the Old Brooklyn Farmer's market, on the lawn of Pearl Road United Methodist Church.
	City of Cleveland | Glenville Neighborhood Date: July 24 @ at 11:00 AM Meet-up Location: 1464 E. 105th Street (Parking is available along E. 105th Street)   Join us to explore the beauty of the Glenville community in a 2-hour walking tour.  Time will be spent discussing the current transformation and its impact on the neighborhood and its residents.
	City of Painesville | Historic Downtown Date: July 28 @ 11:00 AM Meet-up Location: Chase Bank Building, 30 South Park Place The City of Painesville has over $60 Million in investment occurring in the downtown.  This walk will feature the newly constructed Lake County Administration Building, the new Painesville Medical FQHCC Center currently under construction, a planned student housing project in 65,000 sq. ft. a former bank, and a planned mixed-use development in a 190,000 sq. ft. building known as Victoria Place, a former urban renewal project.
	City of Akron | Wallhaven Business District Date: August 10 @ 5:00pm (rescheduled) August 31 @ 5:00pm  Meet-up Location: Hardesty Park on West Market Street This walk will explore Akron's Wallhaven business district and surrounding residential areas.  This neighborhood has an impressive mix of land uses and housing types, and there are many great businesses and amenities to walk to, but the built-environment prevents the district from being as walkable as it could be.

About the WePlanCLE Series:

WePlanCLE is a yearly series of events that encourages collaboration, discussion, and great ideas.

Enter your email to receive event invitations and occasional updates. Follow along on Facebook and Twitter, and use the hashtag #WePlanCLE!

Previous WePlanCLE Series:

2020: HOME

2019: WATER

2018: EQUITY

2017: ACT!

2016: REPURPOSE

Questions about We Plan CLE should be directed to Arthur Schmidt at Arthur.Schmidt@ohm-advisors.com or 216-865-1342.