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Next Generation Council


Overview

The mantra of “doing more with less” will continue to be an overriding principle when delivering public goods and services.  While the challenges of this “new normal” seem insurmountable, there is a unique opportunity for Cuyahoga County to unleash the citizen sector as a tool to drive change.  Young leaders in particular offer a unique set of talents that can be used to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing Northeast Ohio.

There is a strong value proposition for effectively engaging the next generation. According to research from CEO’s for Cities, in more than two-thirds of the nation’s 51 largest metro areas, the young adult population in the past decade grew twice as fast within 3 miles of the urban center as in the rest of the metropolitan area — up an average 26% compared with 13% in other parts. Thus, developing vibrant communities will be critical for any major metropolitan area to thrive in the 21st century.  Understanding the unique role that young leaders can play in advancing the public good, the FitzGerald Administration proposes the establishment of the Cuyahoga County Next Generation Council (NGC).  

The NGC will be dedicated to meet the concerns and needs of the regions young adults and young professionals. Composed entirely of members aged 20-34, the vision of the Council is to encourage greater participation in government, to identify or create programmatic or policy opportunities in issues affecting young adults and young professionals in Cuyahoga County, and to inform various elected and appointed officials representing young people about issues specific to them. As a whole, the NGC will work to give young adults and young professionals in Northeast Ohio a major role in working with local government to move the region forward.

Key Goals

  • Improve communication between county government and the young adult community of Cuyahoga County.
  • Build coalitions with young adult organizations and governments to increase the influence and effectiveness of young adults in civic issues.
  • Identify emerging public policy priorities.
  • Develop mechanisms to increase civic participation within county government.  

Term

2 Year  

Number of Members

15

Contact

Facebook: facebook.com/CuyahogaCountyNGC
Email: nextgenerationcouncil@gmail.com

Members


 Whitney M. Anderson, Grant Writer and Communications Associate for Recovery Resources:  As part of the development team, I manage all public and private grants and communicate with our stakeholders. Although a native Floridian, I'm a big advocate for Downtown Cleveland, enjoy live music, painting and traveling

Erika L. Anthony (Secretary), Project Coordinator at the Center for Families and Children’s Greater Cleveland Integrated Re‐Entry Project (GCIRP): I am responsible for managing all facets of a multi‐million dollar community wide public/private integrated prisoner re‐entry project. My diverse professional and community endeavors include law, advocacy, policy and civic engagement. Additionally, I am the Vice President of the Cleveland Young Professional Senate.
Daniel Brown: I am an entrepreneur interested in socially and environmentally responsible business models. I work to promote economic stability through self‐reliant communities, local food, and people‐oriented urban planning. 

Ludgy Adams LaRochelle (Chair), Esq., Associate for Licata & Toerek: I help entrepreneurs & small businesses succeed through my legal & business expertise. As the Chairman of Cuyahoga County’s Next Generation Council & a Board Member for Ohio City, Inc., I work to strengthen my community.
 Heather Lenz, Policy Associate at Advocacy and Communication Solutions, LLC, and Independent Strategy Planning Consultant: I work with nonprofits in Cleveland to develop strategies that maximize impact towards creating socially, environmentally and economically healthy communities. Outside of work, I love to travel, cook, and ride my bicycle.
Michelle Mulcahy, Program Officer with Enterprise Community Partners: A Cuyahoga County native, I currently live in Cleveland and work in community development. Outside of work, I like to cook, travel, and explore the city.

Tammy Oliver, Associate at MRN Ltd., an urban real estate development firm. I am a downtown Cleveland resident passionate about the city’s revitalization, a non‐profit yoga studio director, aspiring Toastmaster and cycling enthusiast.
Jason M. Russell, Project Director for the Civic Commons: I help individuals become more engaged in their communities through innovative uses of technology, while facilitating community dialog that have the power to become collective action. 
Bryce Sylvester, Planner for the City of Lakewood: City Planner implementing a proactive housing strategy, expanding cycling infrastructure, and inspiring entrepreneurs in Lakewood. 

Scott Snider (Vice Chair), Partner at Snider Premier Growth: I am a passionate Cleveland entrepreneur who started my first business at the age of 17. Our company invests in businesses and real estate opportunities within a 350 mile radius of Cleveland. Our core business, Aspire Management, provides exit planning and value creation services.
Seth H. Wamelink, Attorney at Tucker Ellis LLP: I am an Associate in the Trial Department at Tucker Ellis LLP and practice extensively in the areas of construction law, medical malpractice and product liability. As a Northeast Ohio native, I am passionate about the area and our local sports teams.