Greater Cleveland Partnership
HR&A advised the Greater Cleveland Partnership on governance strategies for the Cleveland North Coast Lakefront transformation, a complex waterfront redevelopment along Lake Erie. Our stakeholder facilitation and case study analysis resulted in recommendations for a new independent entity dedicated to lakefront redevelopment — balancing city leadership with organizational flexibility. A new non-profit entity, the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation (NCWDC), was formed based on our recommendations, which now supports the City’s ongoing master planning efforts and will carry the momentum through multiple political cycles.
Cleveland’s Lake Erie waterfront, despite hosting major attractions like FirstEnergy Stadium, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Great Lakes Science Center, has remained disconnected from downtown with numerous redevelopment proposals stalling over decades. This persistent challenge required fresh thinking about governance and implementation approaches to overcome historical barriers. [I think there needs to be mention of many different stakeholders at play – public, private, and philanthropic partners] HR&A facilitated discussions with ten key organizations to understand existing capacities, learn from past development attempts, and align current aspirations. We conducted comprehensive profiling of stakeholder resources, powers, and authorities alongside in-depth analysis of four analogous waterfront public-private partnerships. This methodical approach revealed both the gaps in Cleveland’s current institutional landscape and the critical governance needs for successful project delivery.
Our strategic recommendations focused on creating a dedicated independent entity for lakefront redevelopment that balances multiple imperatives: maintaining the City of Cleveland’s essential leadership and community engagement roles while providing the longevity, flexibility, and resource access that a separate organization can deliver. This governance solution addresses the fundamental challenge that has impeded previous efforts: the need for sustained focus and implementation capacity across political and economic cycles. Under the leadership of Cleveland Mayor Bibb and Cleveland City Council, the NCWDC is now advancing this governance strategy as the City simultaneously pursues master planning and economic impact analysis. This coordinated approach positions the Cleveland Lakefront transformation for success where previous efforts have faltered, creating the foundation for a waterfront that will better serve residents, strengthen downtown connections, and catalyze economic development.
