[Cleveland selected on July 8, 2014 to host the 2016 Republican National Convention]


Positively Cleveland
July 18, 2014

News Alert: Cleveland Officially Withdraws Bid to Host 2016 DNC Convention

Official Statement:
Today the City of Cleveland and The Cleveland DNC Host Committee has officially withdrawn its bid to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention. We thank the DNC for its interest in Cleveland as a potential host city. We are proud that the bid we presented earlier this year resulted in Cleveland’s selection for a site visit. We all know Ohio’s importance in the election process, but what many are just now starting to realize is how dynamic our state is as a leisure and convention destination.
 
With that said, we wish the very best of luck to our friends in Columbus as they continue with their bid to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention. There’s no better place to launch a campaign to elect the future leader of the free world than right here in the buckeye state.
 
- Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Cleveland DNC Host Committee Chair Terry Egger
www.clevelanddnc2016.com  |  twitter.com/clednc  

Begin Here. Win Here.

Cleveland is the heart of the ultimate swing state

In 2012, Democrats won Ohio by only 166,000 votes. No county in Ohio cast as many votes as Cuyahoga, the county encompassing Cleveland. Nearly 70% of those votes went to President Obama, the highest percentage in the state. Without Cuyahoga County, the road to the White House is nearly impassable.

Cleveland has the resources, infrastructure and enthusiasm to host a successful and memorable convention. No other city will generate more media coverage and strategic advantage as our city. Cleveland—Begin here. Win here.

World-Class Venues

The convenient convention home

Cleveland has numerous spacious and modern convention facilities—all centrally located just a short walk from your hotel.

Quicken Loans Arena
Quicken Loans Arena, known to locals as “The Q,” will serve as the main DNC venue. This multipurpose arena is home to three professional sports teams, several college basketball tournaments, concerts and various entertainment events throughout the year. The Q seats 20,562, including 2,000 club seats and 88 luxury suites. A large-scale renovation in 2005 modernized and updated key elements of the facility, including new seats, state-of-the-art scoreboards, arena graphics, signage, video systems, sound systems, security, locker rooms and suites.

Supporting Venues
Ancillary venues are conveniently located within walking distance of Quicken Loans Arena and contain significant square footage for DNC meetings and support staff. Venues include Cleveland’s new $465 million Convention Center, a sustainable facility featuring a 750,000-square-foot exhibit hall floor and 35 meeting rooms; the Public Auditorium & Conference Center with a 20,000-square-foot lobby, a 10,000-seat auditorium and 15 meeting rooms; and the 4-star Renaissance Cleveland Hotel with 15 floors of guest rooms, meeting rooms and a self-service business center.

Labor Support

Cleveland has the full backing of its labor unions

With nearly 150 local unions affiliated with the region’s central labor council, the Cleveland area has a strong union base and positive relationship with labor unions. To every extent possible, firms covered by union collective bargaining agreements will provide the services, goods, equipment and facilities needed for the DNC. In exchange for using exclusively union labor and to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted Convention, the region’s labor unions will not engage in any strikes or work stoppages.

Dedication to Equality

Cleveland is committed to diversity

Cleveland has a rich history of inclusion in all aspects of our city, from education to business to public office. By embracing diversity, our city has created a stronger community and a stronger economy. All are welcome in Cleveland, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, marital or familial status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, socioeconomic status, veteran status, or any other distinguishing characteristic. Cleveland has recently welcomed large, diverse communities into our city as the host of the National Senior Games in 2013 and as co-host with Akron of the 2014 Gay Games—one of the largest cultural and sporting events in the world.

The Heart of it All

An quick trip and a restful stay

Cleveland is located within 500 miles of 43% of the U.S. population, making it an easy trip for delegates from across the country. Downtown Cleveland has a wide choice of accommodations, from four-star hotels to more budget-conscious options, guaranteeing lodging at the center of the city for everyone.

Hotels
From lavish to modest, historic to contemporary, Cleveland has lots of accommodation options for the delegates, families and staff visiting our city. Cleveland will have 14 premium hotel brands contributing nearly 5,000 rooms downtown by spring of 2016, including four properties opening in the immediate future, highlighted by the 484-room Westin and the 600-room Hilton convention center hotel. Cleveland also boasts a brand new hostel offering both private and shared rooms and top-notch amenities in a central location. All told, Cleveland offers more than 20,000 rooms within 30-minutes of Downtown.

Getting Around
As soon as you get here, you can tell how easy it is to get around the city. World-class airports make the trip easy, whether landing at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport or Burke Lakefront Airport, the preferred commuter jet airport. Our state-of-the-art bus/rail transit system and free trolleys make it simple to get to the convention arena and back. And while you’re here, enjoy the close-quarter neighborhoods that make Cleveland one of the Midwest’s most walkable destinations.

Get Out and Enjoy Yourself

  • Family Fun
  • Cleveland offers an amazing variety of family-friendly entertainment options, like the 183-acre Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Great Lakes Science Center, and more than a dozen other nearby arts and cultural institutions. And did you know that Cleveland has the second-largest theater district in the United States? Catch a show in the PlayhouseSquare Theater District and see for yourself!
  • Something for Everyone
    Enjoy a drink at one of our award-winning local microbreweries or martini bars. Play a hand at the tables in the Horseshoe Casino, adjacent to Quicken Loans Arena. Or grab your clubs and play a few rounds at one of Cleveland’s many world-class golf courses. There’s always something new to do in Cleveland!
  • Rock 'n' Roll
    Cleveland is the home of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, but our love of rock doesn’t stop there. From colorful clubs like the Grog Shop to huge outdoor venues like Blossom Music Center, Cleveland keeps the music coming every day and every night.
  • Shop ’til You Drop
    While downtown, visit the Galleria, 5th Street Arcades and Tower City Center for unique shops and boutiques. Looking for other upscale shopping options? Gorgeous shops are just a short drive away at beautiful centers such as Legacy Village and Crocker Park.

Grab A Bite

Cleveland is the rising culinary capital of the Midwest

Cleveland has become a world-class culinary destination—and not just for our pierogi and craft beers. From slow food to farm-to-table freshness, Cleveland has something for everyone. Visitors can experience an out-of-this-world breakfast at a pancake-only diner, grab a quick lunch at a modern/traditional noodle shop, or enjoy luxurious downtown dining served up by Iron Chef Michael Symon. Whatever your pleasure, Cleveland satisfies.

Cuyahoga County Executive Resolution

- approved Feb. 25, 2014 -
 
A Resolution expressing support for the Cleveland 2016 Host Committee, Inc.’s efforts to secure a National Presidential Convention in Cleveland in 2016, and authorizing the County Executive to negotiate and execute a contract with Cleveland 2016 Host Committee, Inc. in the amount of $2,500,000.00 to support a bid for a National Presidential Nominating Convention in 2016, contingent upon a winning bid, and a contract with the appointed lead law enforcement agency to contribute up to $2,500,000.00 in law enforcement services and resources, contingent upon a winning bid, subject to reimbursement in the event of a security grant by the Federal Government; and declaring the necessity that this Resolution become immediately effective. [PDF]

Cleveland City Council Resolution

- approved Feb. 24, 2014 -
AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION
Supporting Mayor Frank Jackson and the City of Cleveland’s bids to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention and the 2016 Republican National Convention; and supporting the civic collaboration and efforts of Cleveland with Cuyahoga County, the State of Ohio, the Cleveland 2016 Host Committee, Inc., the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Positively Cleveland, the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, Quicken Loans Arena, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, the Cleveland Convention Center and Global Medical Mart and other civic and community leaders and pledging City resources on behalf of hosting of a National Presidential Nominating Convention in Cleveland in 2016. [PDF]

City of Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson    Cleveland City Council    Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald

Media contacts:
Maureen Harper
Rich Luchette
Jim Kopniske

For Immediate Release
February 20, 2014

Jackson, FitzGerald Announce Push to Host National Political Convention in 2016

CLEVELAND – Today, Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald announced their intention to request consideration of a resolution by Cleveland City Council and a resolution by Cuyahoga County Council to support city and county funding to attract a major national political nominating convention to Cleveland in 2016.

“Ohio, Cleveland in particular, is a significant force in national politics. Add to this strong political heritage our outstanding amenities, new convention and hotel facilities and our ideal location, and it is clear that Cleveland has what it takes to meet the demands of such a high-level national event,” said Mayor Jackson.

“Hosting a national political convention would help create jobs in Cuyahoga County, strengthen our tourism industry, and contribute as much as $200 million towards our local economy,” said FitzGerald. “I am looking forward to presenting this legislation and working to turn the goal of hosting a national convention into a reality for our community.”

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.

On Tuesday February 25, 2014, FitzGerald will introduce legislation to the Cuyahoga County Council that would authorize $2.5 million to support Cleveland’s bids to the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee. Funding details would be solidified pending the outcome of the application processes. An additional $2.5 million in in-kind law enforcement services would also be pledged by Cuyahoga County to support one of the two conventions.

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