The First Suburbs Consortium (FSC) of Northeast Ohio was created by elected officials of older suburbs in response to the recognition that government policies and practices promote the development of new communities at the outer edges of metropolitan regions over the redevelopment and maintenance of mature suburbs. The FSC is a major government-led advocacy organization working to revitalize mature, developed communities and raise public and political awareness of the problems and inequities associated with urban sprawl and disinvestment.

The Consortium consists of 17 developed communities in the Greater Cleveland area: the cities Bedford, Bedford Heights, Brook Park, Brooklyn, Cleveland Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, East Cleveland, Euclid, Fairview Park, Garfield Heights, Lakewood, Maple Heights, Parma, Shaker Heights, South Euclid, University Heights, and Warrensville Heights. The current challenges facing the FSC are to:

• Make an effective case that will appeal to a broad coalition of voters and public interest groups
• Educate and secure action from the state administration and legislature, agencies, and local leadership
• Create and implement unique initiatives and programs that demonstrate the efficacy of local, regional, and statewide actions.

In 1998, the Northeast Ohio FSC convened a statewide meeting to share information with colleagues in the Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo areas. Participants agreed that older suburbs throughout Ohio shared many of the same issues and challenges: aging infrastructure; deteriorating business and industrial bases; and an aging and sometimes dated housing stock that is becoming less attractive to potential new residents. Increasingly, communities are experiencing the same economic and social consequences of outmigration. The statewide group continues to meet quarterly and is currently planning statewide initiatives. The 28 participating communities represent more than 750,000 Ohioans.

For a more comprehensive history of the organization and its accomplishments,  please click below. 

First Suburbs Consortium History (pdf)

(to get Adobe Acrobat Reader, click HERE)