Media Contacts: Kahlil Seren (216) 698-2042 kseren@cuyahogacounty.us

Free, Two-day Program a Joint Effort between the Levin College and Cuyahoga County Councilman Dave Greenspan, District 1

Cleveland, OH – In a follow-up to the May 18, 2013 pilot training program for local elected officials, Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs will host a training seminar specifically designed for local officials elected to their positions for the first time in the November 2013 election.

The training program is the result of a joint effort between the Levin College and Cuyahoga County Councilman Dave Greenspan, District 1. The free, two-day program includes introductory sessions on Economic Development, Public Finance, Transparency & Communications, Ethics & Integrity, and Governance Roles & Responsibilities. This initial introduction is a precursor to a planned, extended professional education program for our elected officials.

Continuing their dedication to good government and well informed leadership, the Cleveland Foundation and the Greater Cleveland Partnership have generously provided funding for the two-day symposium, which will be facilitated by The Center for Leadership Development at the Levin College.

“We are a nation that elects our fellow citizens to represent us in government, with varying levels of political or public sector experience.” Councilman Greenspan said, expressing the value of continuing education for elected officials. “In an increasingly complex economic and regulatory environment, our citizen-legislators should be given tools to effectively navigate these sometimes treacherous waters. This seminar gives newly elected officials a secure footing on complicated topics they will encounter as they enter into public service. Just as vital, this cohort will be given the opportunity to develop important resources and create a support network of other dedicated public servants.”

The program has been developed in collaboration with the Northeast Ohio City Council Association and the Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association. The Levin College (ranked 2nd in the Nation for its graduate specialty of City Management and Urban Policy in U.S. News and World Report in 2013) has brought together an impressive faculty of thought leaders and practitioners to present useful information on subjects that impact the big picture issues and the day-to-day efforts of public officials.

Please see the seminar agenda below:

Day 1- February 7th, 2014
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Location: Westlake Recreation Department
28955 Hilliard Boulevard
Westlake, Ohio 44145
Seminar Topic: Public Records Act Training

Day 2- February 8th, 2014
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Cleveland State University’s Maxine Levin College of Urban Affairs
Bonda Room – UR 254
1717 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Seminar Topics: Economic Development, Public Finance, Public Transparency & Communications, Ethics & Integrity, and Governance Roles & Responsibility