About Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium
Our History
Communities represented by the Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium began to develop around the start of the 20th Century and boomed after GIs returned from World War II and started families in suburbs adjacent to the City of Cleveland.
The Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium was the first organization in the United States created to advocate for mature suburban communities. The Consortium’s success inspired the founding of similar groups in Ohio and other states. The organization was formed in 1996.
Our Mission
The mission of the Consortium is to initiate and support policies and practices that protect, maintain and redevelop mature communities and foster regional cooperation and collaboration.
First Suburbs Archive
25th Anniversary Celebration!
2021 marked the 25th anniversary of the Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium and to celebrate this milestone, join us as we look back at highlights of the last 25 years including successes, reflections from members and how the events of the region shaped the First Suburbs Consortium and its focus.
LOOKING BACK..... a message from First Suburbs Founder Ken Montlack
Serving on Cleveland Heights City Council in the late 80s and the 90s, it occurred to me that no matter how hard inner ring cities’ officials and staff worked on critical issues, our cities seemed to be falling behind. It also occurred to me that government policies at federal, state, and sometimes even the county levels, promoted disinvestment in, and outmigration from, the urban core.
Fortunately, several other elected officials in Cuyahoga County’s older built-out suburbs also identified with these challenges. We also recognized that by working together the first suburbs could improve governance and gain seats at the political/economic table alongside financially advantaged exurban areas and the more politically unified central City.
With enthusiastic support from our member-cities, the Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium was formed as a Council of Government and then pursued “Inside Game/Outside Game” efforts. The “Inside Game” emphasized information-sharing dialogue and best practices actions. The “Outside Game”, giving the First Suburbs some advocacy muscle more consistent with our combined populations and other assets. You’ll hear more about how these “games” played out as the history of First Suburbs is explored more in future editions.
Now, the torch has passed to a new generation of First Suburbs’ elected officials and staff, and - - just like their predecessors - - they get it.
Ken Montlack
