Forward Together

Forward Together is the collaborative planning process launched in 2019 by the City of Shaker Heights, Shaker Heights Public Library, and the Shaker Heights City School District. The focus remains on continuing to develop a shared vision for our community facilities, defined not only as physical buildings, but also amenities such as scheduling software and recreation programming. The shared vision is now shaped by new realities. First, the Library completed comprehensive, stunning renovations of its Main Library in 2021 and Bertram Woods Branch in 2023 that better meet residents needs and will preserve the buildings for years to come. Second, voters have approved a bond issue to renovate the District’s school buildings and thereby help strengthen and create safe, comfortable and vibrant learning and recreation environments for students, staff and residents. And finally, with a school facilities plan now underway, the City completed a formal recreation strategic planning process in 2025.

 Key Initiatives

Hundreds of ideas and suggestions were generated by the community as part of the 2019 Forward Together Vision process. Through discussion and prioritization, this list was narrowed down by the community and the Joint Facilities Task Force to a list of projects, programs and processes. The Task Force members determined the relative priority of each initiative in a group exercise. View the Key Initiatives list (PDF).

Documents

 City & Library Building Assessments (2022)

School Building Assessments (2022)