UPDATE: Cleveland Could Host a Major Political Convention in 2016

Update:

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced this morning that Cleveland, along with two other Ohio cities, has moved on to the next stage of consideration to host the Republican National Convention in 2016.

Congratulations to Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Denver, Dallas, Kansas City, Las Vegas & Phoenix for moving on to the next phase.

— Reince Priebus (@Reince) February 27, 2014

Positively Cleveland’s Dave Gilbert, who we caught up with earlier this month, will be part of a Cleveland contingent trekking to Washington on Monday to pitch Cleveland’s bid to the RNC.

Following Monday’s presentation, the RNC will conduct city vists and will likely announce the hosting city in late summer.

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(Originally posted 02/20/2014) Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County Exec. Ed FitzGerald are vying to bring a major political convention to Cleveland in 2016. The pair announced today their intentions to— er— hash out the financial logistics with Cleveland City Council and Cuyahoga County Council.

via city hall

The Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee have both invited Cleveland, among other cities, to submit proposals to host their respective national convention in 2016. A coalition of non-profits and community leaders has collaborated to establish the Cleveland 2016 Host Committee, Inc., a non-profit corporation that will prepare bids to host a national convention during the next presidential election.

“Cleveland City Council supports bringing a national Presidential convention to our revitalized downtown that offers conventioneers world-class convention facilities, the Rock Hall of Fame, the grandeur of the theater experience in Playhouse Square, first class restaurants owned by America’s top chefs, major league baseball, and all the amenities of an urban city,” said Cleveland City Council President Kevin J. Kelley. “All of this, and add in the friendliness of our residents, makes Cleveland the perfect host for a 2016 convention.”

Cleveland City Council will consider a resolution on Monday, February 24, 2014 that would indicate the City of Cleveland’s willingness to offer significant in-kind support for the necessary services, including Public Safety and Public Works, required to host a national nominating convention in 2016.

FitzGerald is scheduled to introduce legislation to the Cuyahoga County Council on Tuesday that could authorize some $2.5 million to help finance Cleveland’s bid. Another $2.5 million in in-kind law enforcement services could also be pledged by Cuyahoga County.

This article appears in Feb 26 – Mar 4, 2014.