Cleveland's Comeback: NBA Championship And GOP Convention Cap City's Economic And Cultural Revival

Describing their city as diverse, resilient and tough (41 percent, 40 percent, and 31 percent, respectively), Clevelanders attribute their burgeoning national reputation to several factors, including increased investment and an influx of Millennials drawn to a low cost of living – but residents still say the most important factor is the city's first major championship since 1964.

Residents are proud of their city, as three-quarters (76 percent) of Clevelanders would encourage their friends to relocate to the area, pointing to a mix of career and cultural opportunities as the main draws:

• Cleveland is a world leader in medical capabilities and jobs, starting with the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, as well as approximately 60 other hospitals and medical centers in the area (94 percent);
• The city's vibrant visual and performing arts culture in Playhouse Square, which includes the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Capitol Theater (93 percent);
• The area's vast array of outdoor recreation, including the "Emerald Necklace" of the Metroparks, the Zoo, the Botanical Garden and various national parks and walking trails (93 percent); and
• Cleveland's diverse and emerging "foodie" scene, highlighted by the old West Side Market (92 percent).

The reputation boost in Cleveland has been years in the making, and half of locals (47 percent), attribute the economic growth at the core of the city's revitalization to a citywide collaboration between residents, businesses and elected officials.

• Fifty-seven percent of Cleveland residents have seen benefits from the Cleveland Model, also known as the Evergreen Cooperative Initiative. The cooperative works by having anchor institutions – such as hospitals and universities – purchase goods and services through local resident cooperatives that specifically hire workers from surrounding neighborhoods and community organizations.

"Cleveland is a remarkable city that embodies what The Renewal Project is all about," said Bill Vainisi, senior vice president and deputy general counsel, government and industry relations, Allstate. "Cleveland embodies the American spirit of collaboration and entrepreneurialism, which is exactly what we're looking to showcase with this work. This community is proof that when motivated individuals come together, believe in a common cause and commit to making things better, they can achieve great things."

That spirit of collaboration has created significant local pride. Clevelanders are "all in" on their city, with most intending to put down long-term roots in the area:

• In addition to recommending friends move to the area, most Clevelanders believe their own careers and family lives will be better by staying in Cleveland for a long time (64 percent).
  • Six-in-ten residents (59 percent) grew up and have remained in the area their whole lives.
  • By contrast, few believe moving to a different part of the country would be better for their professional and personal lives (27 percent).

"No longer is Cleveland on the cusp of revitalization. We are here at the forefront," said Jonathon Sawyer, chef and owner of Cleveland-based Team Sawyer Restaurants and investor on LeBron James' CNBC show Cleveland Hustles. "People are embracing the city with their choices to live downtown, the choice to open businesses in what were thought to be forever-empty storefronts, and their choice to put their love, their passion, and their pride behind the city Clevelanders have always known was here." 

Despite notable economic growth and renewal, Cleveland residents still see opportunities for continued improvement:

• Two-thirds of residents (64 percent) believe the local economy is recovering in a way that only benefits certain neighborhoods. Millennials, however, are most optimistic that all neighborhoods are benefitting (38 percent).

The Allstate Renewal Project Poll took an in-depth look at the experiences of Cleveland residents living in and around the city, seeking perceptions of the economy, innovation, renewal and future outlook. The Allstate Renewal Project Poll is a component of The Renewal Project, a social-first website and newsroom launched by Allstate and Atlantic Media Strategies that celebrates those committed to social good and civic innovation in America. Learn more at www.therenewalproject.com or find The Renewal Project on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

To see in-depth poll data from the Allstate Renewal Project Poll, please visit http://www.therenewalproject.com.

Survey Methodology

The Allstate Renewal Project Poll investigates Cleveland metro area residents' views on Cleveland's economy, innovation, renewal and future. The poll was conducted by FTI Consulting from August 24-28, 2016. The survey included a sample of 400 adults age 18+ living in Greater Cleveland, defined as a 5-county core metro area including: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina Counties, with 223 reached via landline phone and 177 via cellphone. The margin of error for a sample of 400 is +/- 4.9 in 95 out of 100 cases.

About Allstate Corporation

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life's uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Allstate is widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®." The Allstate brand's network of small businesses offers auto, home, life and retirement products and services to customers in the United States and Canada. In the 20 years since Allstate became a fully independent public company, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners have donated more than $405 million to support local communities.

About FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,600 employees located in 28 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.78 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2015. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter (@FTIConsulting), Facebook and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Allstate Corporation

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