Greater Cleveland to Study Regionalism...Again

Cleveland's 14 biggest law firms are pushing for a study on regional government and will team with the Citizens League and the League of Women Voters on the project. Together, the groups plan to look into how regional government could work in Northeast Ohio. They hope to finish a report by the middle of next year. It's not yet clear who will pay for it.

My opinion: Maybe a long shot, but worth a look. Expect lots of resistance from both the City of Cleveland and surrounding suburbs. Why? Because it is "Cleveland's culture" to resist change and innovation. On the other hand, regional government does not solve all problems. It's wrong to over-expect what regionalism can do. It will not heal all problems--just look at Indianapolis and Minneapolis. Regionalism is weakening in both areas as we speak. Creating government service efficiencices is the first reason for doing it. Improving the planning of infrastructure and regional land development is a second reason.

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