Douglas J. Guth
Stories by: Douglas J. Guth
Douglas J. Guth is a Cleveland Heights-based freelance writer and journalist. In addition to being senior contributing editor at FreshWater, his work has been published by Crain’s Cleveland Business, Ideastream, and Middle Market Growth. At FreshWater, he contributes regularly to the news and features departments, as well as works on regular sponsored series features.
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress is investing $1.66 million in the city's 18 Community Development Corporations (CDC)s to strengthen staffing, operations, and organizational capacity—recognizing that healthy neighborhood organizations are essential to long-term revitalization.
In his forthcoming graphic novel "The Dissidents," Cleveland author John "Derf" Backderf explores the true story of the artists and writers behind "The Masses," a radical magazine targeted during World War I for its anti-war views. Through meticulous research and vivid illustrations, Backderf examines a century-old battle over free speech, political repression, and dissent that continues to resonate today.
A public art initiative will bring eight new murals and installations by seven artists to Cleveland Heights later this summer. Led by Heights Arts, in partnership with local artists, businesses, and LAND studio, the $250,000 project aims to strengthen the city arts districts' identities, celebrate local creativity, and create a more welcoming, vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike.
For generations, the Abbey family has helped guide the evolution of Holden Forests & Gardens—from its founding vision to its modern role as a regional leader in conservation, research, and education. Today, Connie and Paul Abbey continue that legacy through leadership, advocacy, and philanthropy, including a recent $1 million gift to enhance the visitor experience at The Holden Arboretum.
More than 150 Cuyahoga County nonprofits received project support grants from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture for 2026—helping fund everything from neighborhood concerts and youth theater productions to arts education programs. The grants provide critical resources to strengthen community connections, expand opportunities, and elevate local arts programming.
NRP Group's $50 million mixed-use project called Mingyue Place will transform the former Dave’s Market site in AsiaTown with housing, commercial space, a Cleveland Public Library branch, a park, and other amenities—all shaped by community input.
A year-long community engagement effort in the Hough neighborhood ensures residents play a central role in shaping redevelopment and cultural preservation. Led by Rhodes Heritage Group, MidTown Cleveland, and ThirdSpace Action Lab, the initiative gathered community input to guide investments and shape neighborhood identity.
After relocating from Shaker Square to Cleveland Heights 13 months ago, EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute has more than doubled its revenue and is now expanding its footprint with upgraded classrooms, teaching kitchen, and new oyster bar. Founder Brandon Chrostowski credits the Cleveland Heights community for EDWINS' continued growth and success.
Shooters, the longtime West Bank staple, has reopened with new ownership, a redesigned space, and a refreshed concept aimed at a new generation. With updated dining, entertainment, and waterfront experiences, the revival reflects both the Flats’ ongoing evolution and Cleveland’s broader push to reconnect with its riverfront.
The Lake-Clifton Connector project adds another key piece of cycling infrastructure in Lakewood, complementing the shared-use trail as part of the Bunts Road renovation. While the Bunts Road overhaul has sparked debate over a potential influx of new riders, the neighboring Lake-Clifton Connector project has moved forward with little friction.
Cuyahoga County opened its Financial Empowerment Center on March 19—offering free, one-on-one financial counseling to residents struggling with debt, credit issues, and economic instability. Funded in part by a $150,000 grant and supported by public-private partnerships, the center offers wraparound services to help achieve financial security.
Cuyahoga County Public Library opened its renovated Parma Heights branch on Saturday, April 11—a $16 million, 22,000-square-foot community hub featuring a maker space, drive-up window, and expanded meeting rooms, plus new partnerships with Aspire and Cuyahoga Community College to expand workforce training, early childhood education, and environmental learning tied to nearby Cleveland Metroparks.
Manufacturing Growth Advocacy Network (MAGNET) says Ohio manufacturers are maintaining a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026, with 70% planning to increase headcount despite challenges. A new statewide survey reveals that companies are prioritizing operational efficiency, technology upgrades, and workforce development over innovation as they navigate a more challenging business environment.
Cuyahoga County secured $23.1 million in state historic tax credits for 10 projects in the second half of 2025, with the West Side Market and a former Flats grain mill each receiving the maximum $5 million allocation. The credits are crucisl to Cleveland's urban revival, generating hundreds of millions in investment while preserving the city's historic identity.
Josh Bartell, a 38-year-old former Marine and Tremont resident, created "Dudes of Cleveland" to address male social isolation after realizing he lacked meaningful connections with other men. Two years later, the group hosts monthly meetups focused on low-pressure activities—providing a space for men of all ages to build genuine friendships.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History archaeologist Elizabeth Sawchuk was recently part of the research team that found the earliest evidence of cremation in Africa—a 9,500-year-old pyre in northern Malawi, where hunter-gatherers cremated a small adult woman. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about ancient African foragers' social behaviors and shows the sophisticated burial practices of early human societies.
Cuyahoga County's Fresh Water Institute, launched in 2024 by County Executive Chris Ronayne, is training a new generation of environmental stewards to protect the Great Lakes. The institute has reached more than 10,000 residents in its first year, teaching students about water safety, environmental justice, and career opportunities in the region's blue economy.
The Trump administration’s December suspension of millions in funding for Ohio manufacturing support programs has caused uncertainty and layoffs, including 37 positions at MAGNET. Despite broad government and industry calls to restore the funds, the outlook remains unclear.
A recent survey conducted by MAGNET reveals that tariffs are creating both opportunities and challenges for Ohio manufacturers, with about one-third of respondents reporting impacts on sales. While some companies benefit from reshoring efforts, losses are often cutting deeper than gains.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture in November approved $12.9 million in grants to more than 300 organizations for 2026, supporting both major cultural institutions and smaller nonprofits across Northeast Ohio. FreshWater looks at three diverse initiatives that demonstrate how expanded arts funding from the recent cigarette tax increase is strengthening Cleveland's creative economy and preserving important cultural legacies.