A recent phone conversation between Cleveland's Mayor Justin Bibb and Seattle tech investor Charles Fitzgerald followed the publication of Fitzgerald's column on GeekWire, which cautioned Seattle against experiencing a decline similar to Cleveland's past. Bibb emphasized that Cleveland is currently undergoing a revival, countering the narrative that the city remains stagnant.
Bibb reflected on Cleveland's history, stating, "We didn’t pivot fast enough, and the world left us behind," but he also highlighted the city’s transformation into a model for industrial revival. He believes Seattle should observe Cleveland's progress rather than focus on its past issues. "Cleveland is going to lead America in terms of how we think about our industrial revival," he remarked.
Fitzgerald clarified his intentions, explaining that he sought to draw parallels between Cleveland at its height and Seattle today, urging Seattle to prepare for potential challenges ahead. Both men noted the historical context of urban growth, with Bibb referencing Seattle's recovery from economic downturns as a blueprint for Cleveland's future.