Crain Editorial: Community First | Crain’s Cleveland Business

Like its predecessor, 2021 will not go down in history as a great year. (Persistent pandemics will.)

It is a bit of a relief, then, to take note of some positive developments in our part of the world that give us hope for better things to come.

If you live or work in downtown Cleveland, you know that giant construction cranes in the air are relatively rare. There is now, however, just west of Public Square, where Sherwin-Williams Co. has started construction on what will be a three-building head office complex. Last week, public review bodies gave final design approvals for the project, which features a 36-story glass tower that alters the skyline the coatings giant expects to occupy in late 2024. .

It took a long time and a lot of work – for the company and the officials who put the package in place to keep Sherwin-Williams growing in his hometown – to reach the point where part of downtown is now dominated by above-ground parking is found to become energized and vibrant. The wait will be worth it.

More immediately, Cleveland Mayor-elect Justin M. Bibb quickly build an awesome team to quickly start the new administration in January.

Bibb last week announced the names of more than 75 people – a mix of experience and youth, and reflecting the diversity of the city he will lead – who will sit on 10 subcommittees and two task forces for the Transition Team. administration.

If surrounding yourself with smart, strong people is an important measure of leadership, Bibb has passed a first test. To fill the economic development, education, environment, equity and other key areas subcommittees, Bibb brought in original thinkers who know the city well.

There is no guarantee that building a talented team will lead to the results you want. But it certainly helps, and we’re encouraged that people who have the incoming mayor’s ear to know what they’re talking about.