Cleveland's CocoCrawl draws crowds and boosts local businesses in downtown revival effort

The Cleveland City Council's Economic Development Corporation (EDC) monthly meeting on December 11, 2024, highlighted the success of the recent downtown event, the CocoCrawl, and discussed future initiatives to enhance community engagement and support local businesses.

Victoria, a key organizer of the CocoCrawl, praised Citadel Security for their support, which included providing security cameras and a time-lapse video of the event. She emphasized the community's desire for downtown events, noting that local businesses actively participated and reported increased foot traffic and sales during the event. Shalene from Lone Star Cleaners mentioned that her store was bustling with around 100 visitors at one point, showcasing the event's effectiveness in drawing attention to downtown businesses.

The meeting also featured discussions about the positive atmosphere during the CocoCrawl, with board members expressing excitement about the community's engagement and the potential for future events. Emilio, another board member, suggested forming a committee to further capitalize on the momentum generated by the event, aiming to involve more stakeholders in downtown initiatives.

In addition to the CocoCrawl discussions, the meeting included acknowledgments of various city departments and individuals for their contributions to the event's success. Board members expressed gratitude towards public works, emergency services, and the chamber of commerce for their efforts. The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming events, including a holiday luncheon and an annual awards banquet celebrating Cleveland's 90th anniversary.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to fostering community spirit and supporting local businesses, setting a positive tone for future initiatives in Cleveland.