created in 1996 by elected officials from mature, developed communities surrounding cleveland, the first suburbs consortium is the first government-led advocacy organization in the country working to revitalize mature, developed communities and raise public and political awareness of the problem and inequities associated with urban sprawl and urban disinvestment.

The Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium membership includes the communities of Bedford, Bedford Heights, Berea, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Cleveland Heights, East Cleveland, Euclid, Fairview Park, Garfield Heights, Lakewood, Maple Heights, Parma, Parma Heights,Shaker Heights, South Euclid, University Heights and Warrensville Heights which represents 37% of Cuyahoga County's population.

What is a First Suburb?

The First Suburbs are suburbs that were built or mostly built, near central cities before 1960.  In the Midwest, suburban development began around 1900 and progressed slowly until halted by the Great Depression and World War II.  In the 25 years following the War, suburbs growth accelerated dramatically.  Those "first" suburbs now are 45 to 100+ years old, and with age, many have begun to experience that which had been exclusively central city challenges.  First Suburbs offer advantages such as proximity to their central cities, access to affordable housing and established quality of life amenities such as pedestrian-oriented town centers or downtown.  These communities also offer older distinctive housing in traditional neighborhoods complete with features like bicycle routes, sidewalks and neighborhood parks. 

NORTHEAST Ohio First suburbs consortium
& first suburbs development council

The First Suburbs Consortium is a Council of Governments

The First Suburbs Development Council is a 501(C)3.