Cleveland State University’s (CSU) Levin College of Public Affairs and Education has long served as a bridge between the classroom and City Hall. On February 11, that bridge was on full display as municipal leaders from across the region gathered for the Mayors Forum: Critical Issues for Cities in 2026.

Hosted by Levin College and sponsored in partnership with the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and the Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium, the forum was designed to equip mayors with the insight, resources, and collaborative strategies needed to navigate a rapidly shifting policy and funding landscape.

The event was led by Levin College Senior Fellows Michael Summers, former Mayor of Lakewood, and Earl Leiken, former Mayor of Shaker Heights, who understand firsthand the complexity of governing in Northeast Ohio. Their leadership underscored the deep bench of practitioner-scholars who blend academic expertise with real-world experience that makes Levin College distinctive.

Discussion centered on evolving federal and state legislative changes, funding opportunities, sustainability, regional collaboration, and the growing importance of interlocal cooperation. In a time when cities face mounting fiscal pressures and heightened service demands, the clear message was that collaboration is essential.

Levin College Dean Jill Gordon emphasized the power of cross-disciplinary partnerships, noting that Levin brings together expertise in public administration, urban affairs, education, and public policy to serve communities holistically. As Levin College approaches its 50th anniversary in March 2027, Gordon highlighted plans for a yearlong celebration during the 2026–27 academic year. It’ll be one that honors Levin’s legacy while looking squarely toward the future.

“We want to celebrate the past with a focus on the future,” Gordon said, noting that alumni, community partners, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to be part of the milestone.

The forum’s speaker lineup reflected Levin College’s expansive regional reach. Among them was Levin alumnus Grace Gallucci, CEO of NOACA, who also serves on the Board of Directors for Vibrant NEO alongside Levin Professor Joanna Ganning, and co-chairs Summers and Leiken. Vibrant NEO 2040, a vision and framework for the future of Northeast Ohio, illustrates how Levin’s faculty and alumni are shaping long-term regional strategy.

Other featured speakers included Kent Scarrett, executive director of the Ohio Municipal League; Carolyn Berndt, legislative director of sustainability for the National League of Cities; Levin Professor Meghan Rubado; and Chris Alvarado, director of regional collaboration for Cuyahoga County. Their insights provided mayors with actionable intelligence on policy shifts and collaborative governance models.

A highlight of the day was a panel discussion moderated by Levin Professor of Public Administration Clayton Wukich. The conversation on interlocal cooperation featured former Mayor Leiken, Shaker Heights Mayor David Weiss, South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo, and Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium Director Jennifer Kuzma. The discussion reflected a growing understanding that shared services and coordinated strategies can increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce costs.

Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Director Elaine Yi Lu, who joined Levin College in January 2026 after a distinguished tenure at City University of New York–John Jay College, delivered a message that captured the spirit of the forum.

“We here at Levin College are resources that want to be shared,” Lu told the room of municipal leaders. “We can learn from each other and grow with each other. Knowledge is power. Use us, work with us, and collaborate with us.”

Her call to action speaks to Levin College’s broader mission. Levin isn’t simply a place where public servants are trained. It’s an active partner in governance across Northeast Ohio. Through research, policy analysis, leadership development, and regional convenings, Levin serves as both think tank and collaborator that helps cities anticipate change rather than react to it.

As communities confront economic uncertainty, infrastructure demands, sustainability goals, and shifting legislative priorities, Levin College continues to position itself as a trusted regional resource. The Mayors Forum demonstrated that when academic expertise, alumni leadership, and municipal experience converge, the result is more than dialogue. It’s a blueprint for stronger, more resilient cities.