Regional Plan Recommends Three Elements for Creating a Thriving Northeast Ohio

Northeast Ohio's largest regional planning effort in a generation recommends infill development, transit expansion, and land conservation as the essential elements for ensuring the area's future success.

1 minute read

October 10, 2013, 7:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"If Northeast Ohio did three things that sound simple – but are in fact really hard - it could limit sprawl, safeguard natural resources and blaze a path to a smarter, greener and more economically robust future," reports Steven Litt. "That’s the thrust of the latest iteration of “Vibrant NEO 2040,” a long-term vision for the region prepared by the Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium, the biggest regional planning effort in decades in this part of the world."

A robust outreach effort has found that area residents want to limit sprawl and protect the quality of the region's air and water. 

"The sustainability group – a voluntary consortium of cities, counties, planning agencies, universities, foundations and cultural institutions has no power to impose its concepts beyond that of persuasion," notes Litt. "But the sustainability group is hoping that its ideas take root in the region through long-term policies of metropolitan planning organizations, such as the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, which oversees federal spending on transportation in the Cleveland area."

Wednesday, October 9, 2013 in The Cleveland Plain Dealer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog