Thinking outside the Higher Education Box: Expanding upon the Economic and Community Development Roles of Urban Universities to Create a Win-win Situation

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Published: Sep 12, 2019
Keywords:
Economic Development, Community Development, Anchor Institution, Neighborhood Revitalization, Higher Education, Tax Credit

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Serena E. Alexander
Cleveland State University
Candi Clouse
Cleveland State University
Ziona Austrian
Cleveland State University

Abstract

This article sheds light on the bi-directional and self-reinforcing relationship between an urban public university and its neighboring communities. Through a case study of Cleveland State University (CSU), located in downtown Cleveland, we found that enormous mutual benefits can be expected from further integration of universities with their surrounding communities. By opening up its historically inward-looking campus to the neighborhood through better planning, using the existing fabric of downtown and teaming up with non-profit organizations and private investors to build and operate facilities, and enhancing the relevancy of education and research at the university to the community, CSU has played a significant community and economic development role in its neighborhood, city and region. Through this better collaboration, CSU has not only transformed its adjacent neighborhoods but also enhanced its mission of “engaged learning” and met its campus needs at a time of diminished public funding for higher education.

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Issue
Vol. 1
Section
Research Articles

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Author Biographies

Serena E. Alexander, Cleveland State University

Serena E. Alexander is a PhD candidate in Urban Studies at Cleveland State University and a Research Assistant at the Center for Economic Development.

Candi Clouse, Cleveland State University

Candi Clouse is a Program Manager at the Center for Economic Development and a PhD candidate in Urban Studies.

Ziona Austrian, Cleveland State University

Ziona Austrian, PhD is the Director of Center for Economic Development at the Cleveland State University.

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