LAKEWOODALIVE PRESENTS TWO-PART SPEAKER SERIES:

MAKING “CENTS” OF LAKEWOOD’S FINANCES

We would like to thank the presenters and attendee's of our April 16th forum for their participation in a very informative conversation on the present state and future outlook of Lakewood's finances.

Below is a brief overview of our "Making Cents" series as well as the various documents and reports presented:

Reports:

The following reports from Part I are in PDF format:

Financial overview of Lakewood and budget to date - Jennifer Pae
Lakewood Fiscal Strategy - Jennifer Pae
Structural Balance Report Overview - Mike Summers
Lakwood Budget and Finances - Kevin O'Brien
NEO Economy - How are we doing? - Yvette Ittu
2008 Structural Balance Report

Part II Presentation:

Lakewood's Finances Presentation

Update:

A video recording of this presentation can be seen daily on Channel 74 at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Overview:

Part One RECAP
Tuesday, February 26th

A panel of experts will discuss details and current challenges of municipal finance. Speakers will also directly address Lakewood’s current financial position, challenges and opportunities.

“The forum series will provide a opportunity for all of us to learn more about the intricacies of municipal finance and connect the dots to Lakewood’s finances,” said Jay Foran, President of LakewoodAlive.

Expert panelists for the February 26 forum include:

Mayor Edward FitzGerald, City of Lakewood | MORE INFO
Yvette Ittu, Chief Financial Officer and VP Cleveland Development Advisors, Greater Cleveland Partnership | MORE INFO
Kevin O’Brien, Executive Director, The Center for Public Management and the Great Lakes Environmental Finance Center, The Maxine-Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University | MORE INFO
Jennifer Pae, Finance Director, City of Lakewood | MORE INFO
Mike Summers, Lakewood City Council and Leader of the Structural Taskforce Citizens Committee | MORE INFO

Part Two RECAP
Wednesday, April 16th

Part II of "Making Cents of Lakewood's Finances" will be presented on Wednesday, April 16th at 7 p.m. at Harrison Elementary.

Mayor Ed FitzGerald, Finance Director Jennifer Pae, Council President Mike Dever and Council Finance Chair Mike Summers will present the results and implications of the 2008 Budget that was approved by Council on March 31.

This is the first structurally balanced budget, in which projected General Fund revenues exceed expenditures, passed by Council since 1992.

LakewoodAlive is a citizens' advocacy group formed by, and for, the citizens of Lakewood. We seek to provide the residents of Cleveland's greatest suburb with opportunities to learn how to better navigate the complex issues associated with economic development. Feel free to browse the site, and consider becoming a member. LakewoodAlive is non-partisan and open to all residents at no cost.

We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions -- send email to info@lakewoodalive.com. Most of all, we welcome your participation in the issues and activities that will affect our future.