Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in conversations that have left me with tremendous optimism.

Caution: For any Clevelander reading this, I know I may have just triggered a bit of skepticism in your heart.

But stay with me for a moment.

That skepticism isn’t unfounded. It comes from familiar wounds:

  1. Our sports teams.
  2. Comparisons to faster-evolving cities.
  3. The slow economic bleed and population decline

We’ve had our hopes raised — and dashed — too many times. Some of us are still reeling from our history of corruption or missed opportunities.

I get it. But…

I believe there are real, tangible reasons to be hopeful. And I’m not asking for blind faith. While there are many bright spots, here are three developments that I believe deserve your attention:

#1: Airport Transformation — The CleVolution

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation transformation. Backed by $1.6 billion in funding approved by the airlines, this isn’t just a new building — it’s a bold statement.

Hopkins, Ohio’s busiest airport, serves 20+ counties, 4.2 million residents, and an economy larger than Mississippi’s. This redevelopment is core economic development:

  • It will support thousands of jobs.
  • Expand opportunities for local businesses.
  • Improve the surrounding infrastructure.
  • And serve as a bold welcome mat to the world.

This is our front door. And we’re making it clear that Northeast Ohio is open, ambitious, and on the move.
Connect with procurement opportunities.

#2: A Launchpad for Dreams — Blue Abyss

How many of you dreamt of going to Space Camp? Of exploring the stars — or the deepest parts of the ocean?

Now imagine this: a $250 million investment to build the world’s first private astronaut and deep-sea diver training center, right here in our backyard.

The UK-based company Blue Abyss could have gone anywhere in the U.S. — but it chose the Aerozone.

This center will feature a massive deep-water training pool, centrifuge, and zero-gravity flight simulation. It will bring together training, innovation, and exploration. But more importantly, it will bring awe and possibility to our students and families — through camps, classes, and access to cutting-edge aerospace experiences.

John Vickers, CEO of Blue Abyss, talks about the new training facility in the Aerozone

#3: Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals — NASA HQ?

The final idea is still early — but electrifying.

There is a growing, coordinated movement to relocate NASA’s headquarters to Cleveland. Initiated by Congressman Max Miller, this effort has rapidly gained traction, with partners like GCP, TeamNEO, JobsOhio, and the Governor’s Office rallying behind it.

Yes, the goal is big. But what’s equally exciting is how we’re approaching it:

  • Fast-moving collaboration
  • Public-private alignment
  • Hundreds of leaders pushing together for a bold, shared vision

This may be the first time I’ve seen such rapid, unified mobilization at the federal, state, and local levels in Northeast Ohio. You can read more about it here.

So, what do we do with this?

The skeptics among us will surely raise valid concerns. And sure — we’ve earned some of our doubt.

But I want to ask you this:

Which world do you want your children to grow up in?
One where we see only the limitations of the past?
Or one where we see the possibility of what could be?
Do we view these efforts as scattered anomalies in a broken system — or as a constellation of progress?

I choose hope.
And I hope you do too.

Best regards,

signature of Hrishue Mahalaha

Hrishue Mahalaha
Executive Director
Aerozone Alliance