Analyzing Spatial and Social Mobility Network Impacts of Cleveland Metropolitan School District Closure
"Analyzing Spatial and Social Mobility Network Impacts of Cleveland Metropolitan School District Closure"
In 2026, the closure of 18 schools across Cleveland will significantly reshape how students and families navigate the city—especially in neighborhoods where many rely on public transit. This collaborative research project brings together Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, the Department of Geography’s Community Geography Lab, and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority to study how these closures disrupt existing mobility networks.
Using a community geography approach, the project combines spatial analysis with on-the-ground engagement to understand how travel patterns are changing and where gaps in access are emerging. Through mapping, community workshops, and a user-friendly web-based tool, the team will work directly with families and community members to document lived experiences and co-develop solutions.
The project aims to generate actionable insights for improving transit service, empower communities with accessible data, and build a foundation for longer-term investments in equitable mobility across Cleveland.