Despite the recession, Northeast Ohio is seeing some major building: The University of Akron and Cleveland State are both expanding, so is just about every major hospital. And in the on deck circle are the Inner Belt redesign, the Flats East Bank, and a casino in downtown Cleveland.

Dr. Tom Bier, Executive-in-Residence, Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University

Stan Bullard, Senior Reporter, Crain's Cleveland Business

Paul Alsenas, Director, Cuyahoga County Planning Commission