Levin College MUPD Student Brings CityNerd to Cleveland

What began as a simple classroom assignment at Cleveland State University (CSU) evolved into an opportunity to bring together urban planning enthusiasts, community advocates, and civic leaders to discuss the future of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

Robby Organ, a graduate student in the Master of Urban Planning and Development (MUPD) program at CSU's Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, organized CityNerd: Cleveland Edition on October 19 at the Cleveland Public Library.

The event was about more than hosting a popular YouTube personality. It also provided a chance to showcase Cleveland's potential, spark conversations about urban development, and demonstrate how students can turn classroom ideas into community engagement.

CityNerd: Cleveland Edition featured Ray Delahanty, creator of the popular YouTube channel CityNerd, who explores urban planning, transportation, walkability, and the characteristics that make cities more livable.  Delahanty's videos helped inspire Organ's own interest in urban planning and ultimately contributed to his decision to pursue a graduate degree at CSU.

The inspiration for the event emerged during a class taught by CSU faculty member Dr. Beth Nagy, who regularly asks students to reflect on topics discussed in class and consider how those concepts connect to real-world challenges.

"This idea came from a class attendance activity that I do in most of my classes," Nagy said. "I ask students to respond to a question related to the class session topic or do some sort of reflection on a point from class.  Robby let me know Ray was interested in coming to Cleveland, so there is where we hit the pavement in finding support for the event.”

Organ, with encouragement from Nagy and support from community partners, began transforming his idea into an event designed to connect people who care about Cleveland's future.

"I am excited that one of our students took a pie-in-the-sky idea, found out it was actually possible (on his own) and then looked to a faculty member and community partners to help execute it," Nagy said. "I want my students to know 'at CSU, they can,' and this is an example of that.”

Organ reached out to Delahanty, whose CityNerd channel had already featured Cleveland in several episodes, even though he had never visited the city before the event.

As communities across the country face challenges related to transportation, sustainability, affordability, and climate change, Organ believes Cleveland has an opportunity to position itself as an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

"My first goal was to highlight Cleveland as an attractive destination for visitors and people considering relocation, particularly as communities across the country face increasing challenges associated with climate change," Organ said.  "I also wanted the event to bring together urban planning professionals, community advocates, students, and emerging leaders who are passionate about improving the region.”

Through his experiences as a runner, cyclist, and urban planning advocate, Organ has developed an appreciation for how transportation networks, neighborhood design, and public spaces influence people's daily lives.

Organ hopes the event will encourage further conversations about how urban planning can shape Cleveland's future.

"The event was an opportunity to build momentum around a shared belief that communities can become more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable places to live," Organ said. "It shows that there's a huge desire for great urban spaces throughout the region."

Organ’s efforts to organize CityNerd: Cleveland Edition illustrate how student initiative, faculty mentorship, and community partnerships can come together to create opportunities for meaningful public engagement.

The event also reflects the broader mission of CSU's Levin College of Public Affairs and Education to connect education with the challenges and opportunities facing Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.