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The City Club Forum Established to encourage new ideas and a free exchange of thought, The City Club is the oldest continuous free speech forum in the country, renowned for its tradition of debate and discussion. The City Club firmly believes in the free expression of all ideas and the benefits of an open exchange. It is non-partisan and does not take positions on issues. All speakers must answer unfiltered, unrehearsed questions directly from the audience. Each Forum is an hour long program. The program starts with a brief introduction followed by a 25-30 minute address by the speaker. Spirited, insightful and often challenging questions from the audience fill the final half hour of the program.
The City Club Forum

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The City Club Forum

The City Club Forum

From WKSU

Established to encourage new ideas and a free exchange of thought, The City Club is the oldest continuous free speech forum in the country, renowned for its tradition of debate and discussion. The City Club firmly believes in the free expression of all ideas and the benefits of an open exchange. It is non-partisan and does not take positions on issues. All speakers must answer unfiltered, unrehearsed questions directly from the audience. Each Forum is an hour long program. The program starts with a brief introduction followed by a 25-30 minute address by the speaker. Spirited, insightful and often challenging questions from the audience fill the final half hour of the program.

Most Recent Episodes

The Purpose and Power of Place-based Philanthropy in Cleveland and Detroit

For over a century, the Cleveland Foundation and Kresge Foundation have worked to improve the lives of residents and champion equity in Cleveland, Detroit and beyond. Building on their legacies, both organizations are innovating for the future and reshaping the field of place-based philanthropy. The Cleveland Foundation has embarked on a new chapter with its historic move to MidTown/Hough and is focused on growing our region, investing in vibrant neighborhoods and connecting people to prosperity. The Kresge Foundation has expanded its long-standing efforts to increase opportunity across American cities, with a deep focus on its hometown of Detroit.\r\n\r\nThis is a bold new era as legacy institutions like the Cleveland and Kresge foundations are thinking about the next 100 years of place-based philanthropy - including how they leverage their purpose and power to advance critical work that will lead to transformational change and more equitable communities.\r\n\r\nCleveland Foundation President and CEO Lillian Kuri and Kresge Foundation President and CEO Rip Rapson will be joined by moderator Mark Joseph, PhD, the Leona Bevis/Marguerite Haynam Professor in Community Development at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University.\r\n\r\nRapson will also discuss his recently published book "Drawn to Challenge: Stories of Leadership in the Public Interest (with doodles)." These stories show his unique approach to tackling the challenges of cities and the society at large.

Resiliency Amidst Uncertainty: Driving Economic Growth in Cleveland and the Country

As the national business and economic landscape rapidly shifts, Citizens CEO Bruce Van Saun will spend March crisscrossing the country to meet with dozens of public and private sector leaders to guide and listen. Many Americans are on edge, or may not be well-prepared for change. How can Cleveland businesses and communities lead with confidence amidst uncertainty, and emerge stronger and more resilient?\r\n\r\nNew data and findings from local business owners and Citizens' operations right here in Cleveland have shed light on the state of business in the region. This includes workforce development challenges and opportunities, prospects for near-term growth, and embracing technological transformation - from A.I. to cloud computing. Now, it\'s time to unpack what it means to invest in the future, and Cleveland\'s business economy.\r\n\r\nBruce Van Saun joined Citizens in October 2013 after serving as Group Finance Director at the Royal Bank of Scotland and as an executive director on the RBS Board from 2009 to 2013. Join us at the City Club as Bruce discusses the vital role of the American banking system in driving economic growth; and shares insights on how Cleveland businesses and communities can thrive in tumultuous times.

Resiliency Amidst Uncertainty: Driving Economic Growth in Cleveland and the Country

Listen · 1:00:00

The State of DEI

Perhaps no widespread social initiative has been targeted by the presidential administration and others in political power as aggressively as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. Among the Executive Orders signed by President Trump on day 1 was an order \"Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.\" Another that day took aim at so-called \"gender ideology.\" Here in Ohio, an aligned effort has taken shape with Senate Bill 1, which among many changes to higher ed, would eliminate DEI programs at colleges and universities.\r\n\r\nThe Executive Orders immediately reverberated across the country. In higher education, healthcare, the non-profit sector, and private enterprise, firms and institutions tried to assess the potential impact on their work, their stakeholders, and their future. Some engaged in what\'s come to be known as \"pre-emptive compliance.\" Some have maintained a \"wait and see\" posture, understanding that even Executive Orders may not be durable and may face court battles, which they, in fact, do. And others, such as Costco and the Cleveland Cavaliers publicly redoubled their commitment to DEI and creating environments in which everyone feels a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nAfter decades of progress in addressing systemic and structural racism, to many, this moment represents a step backwards. Join us to hear from local leaders who have long supported the community in creating more welcoming spaces and institutions. We\'ll assess the state of DEI, the meaning of this moment, and the prospects for the future.

2025 High School Debate Championship

For more than two decades, The City Club of Cleveland has hosted the annual High School Debate Championship.\r\n\r\nEvery year, the top two area high school debaters square off in a classic \"Lincoln-Douglas\" style debate at a Friday forum. This allows the debaters to compete-not only for the judges and audience in the room-but also for our radio and television audiences.\r\n\r\nThe finalists will debate the topic Resolved: The development of Artificial General Intelligence is immoral.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of BakerHostetler, we are honored to support this annual tradition in memory of Patrick Jordan--a lawyer, fierce protector of democracy and free speech, and a championship debater himself. You can learn more about the life and legacy of Pat Jordan at the 2022 High School Debate Championship here, or read the transcript here.

Proof of Performance: Assessing the First 50 Days of Trump 2.0

The early days of the second Trump administration brought a dizzying number of policy and practice changes to the federal government. Through executive orders, directives, proclamations by social media, emails to federal employees, and statements to the press, President Trump, his administration, and his formal and informal advisers are bringing change to government and U.S. geopolitical standing with a velocity unmatched in U.S. history.\r\n\r\nThere\'s debate, however, about whether all this change is actually making America great (again) or is a destabilization of already beleaguered government institutions and frayed relationships with allies. On Fox News, Hugh Hewitt described the president\'s first week as \"the governing equivalent of batting 1.000 or hitting 10 for 10 from behind the arc in the NBA.\" Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal editorial board took aim at the following week\'s tariff announcements with the headline \"The Dumbest Trade War in History.\"

Happy Dog Takes On Afrofuturism in Fashion, Film, and Community

Marvel\'s 2018 film Black Panther not only broke box office records, it also changed perceptions of Black superheroes and African culture. As the first film to feature a Black superhero, the film\'s director and writers wasted zero time taking up space in an industry that traditionally lacks BIPOC representation. Joining the team was Ruth E. Carter, whose skill in blending African-American history and contemporary culture through fashion, combined with her determination to showcase Black excellence, won an Academy Award in 2019.\r\n\r\n\r\nNow through April 6th, Clevelanders will have the opportunity to be up close to the outfits created by Carter, in conjunction with the Cleveland Orchestra's performance of Ludwig G?ransson's Oscar-winning score from Black Panther on March 28-29. It is a rare opportunity to see what it looks like when communities can tell their own stories through their creativity, and shift narratives for lasting change.

From Crisis to Opportunity: Strategies for Housing Affordability and Ending Homelessness

As the nation continues to grapple with rising homelessness and rising housing costs, the need to create and preserve more affordable homes has never been more acute. Yet, innovations are happening at the local level to spur safer, stronger communities. What are the practical solutions for bringing down escalating housing costs? And how can a national movement leverage proven solutions to ending homelessness and our housing crisis?\r\n\r\nJoin us at the City Club for a wide-ranging discussion with Enterprise Community Partners President and CEO Shaun Donovan and Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) on the housing challenges facing Cleveland, the State of Ohio, and the nation.

From Crisis to Opportunity: Strategies for Housing Affordability and Ending Homelessness

Listen · 1:00:00

Amplifying the Voices of Black Women, A Project Noir Update

What does accountability in healthcare, workplaces, and educational systems look like for Black Women? This is the question that Enlightened Solutions, a nonprofit social enterprise and social advocacy think tank asked in their 2024 follow-up report to Project Noir. The original report, released in 2021, was the first survey of its kind to understand better why Cleveland was ranked last as a livable city for Black Women.\r\n\r\nNow, with an enhanced survey methodology and questions, the 2024 report provides another glimpse into the lived experiences of Black Women in our communities. Has anything changed since 2020?\r\n\r\nKayla S. Griffin Green, Esq., MPA, Ohio State Director, All Voting is Local; Chinenye Nkemere, Co-Founder and Director of Strategy, Enlightened Solutions; Bethany Studenic, LSW, Esq., Co-Founder and Managing Director, Enlightened Solutions\r\n\r\nModerator: Indigo Bishop, Program Officer, Saint Luke\'s Foundation

Man of Steel: A Conversation with Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves

Cleveland-Cliffs is not just a local household name in Northeast Ohio manufacturing and economic development. It is North America\'s largest flat-rolled steel producer and the largest supplier of automotive-grade steel in the nation. Since 2014, Lourenco Goncalves has been Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland-Cliffs. Mr. Goncalves successfully led four major company acquisitions beginning with AK Steel in March 2020, followed by the acquisition of ArcelorMittal USA in December 2020, Ferrous Processing and Trading Company in November 2021 and most recently Canadian-based Stelco Holdings Inc. in November 2024.\r\n\r\nIn 2023, Cleveland-Cliffs offered to buy Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel in a merger that would have cement Cleveland-Cliffs as the nation\'s largest steelmaker--bringing more jobs and opportunity to the region. Instead, U.S. Steel rejected the offer in favor of a higher bid from Japanese firm Nippon Steel. President Biden blocked the merger in January, citing national security concerns, specifically the belief that U.S. Steel should remain an American-owned company to support the domestic steel production and strengthen U.S. supply chains. President Trump has also opposed Nippon's acquisition of U.S. Steel.

The Case for Cities: What is Needed to Promote a Viable & Sustainable Urban Resurgence

The fateful year 2020 brought dramatic challenges to American cities. The COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest caused by the killing of George Floyd led to a cascade of negative media stories about cities, often politically motivated. It seemed possible that the economic and demographic gains cities had achieved over the last few decades could be lost. In fact, there has been measurable population loss in larger cities caused by changing work/life patterns and changing public perceptions about the costs and benefits of urban living.\r\n\r\nReleased in July 2024, the 38 chapters in The Case for Cities draw on the expertise of contributors from the academic, professional, and civic sectors. They argue that, when faced with these challenges, advocates for cities must make a vigorous case for cities and show how they aren't the cause of America's social, environmental, economic, and public health problems but, are rather, are the places where the solutions to those problems will be found.\r\n\r\nJoin us at the City Club as we hear from the book\'s authors and experts in urban planning on what is needed to promote a viable and sustainable urban resurgence.

The Case for Cities: What is Needed to Promote a Viable & Sustainable Urban Resurgence

Listen · 1:00:00
The City Club Forum

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