Cleveland Less Poor Than Thought

The results of a study commissioned by the Key Bank and the Cleveland Foundation indicate that the city of Cleveland is not as impoverished as previous research had found.

"It shows there are disposable dollars in Cleveland neighborhoods that can support businesses and retail," said Daryl Rush, the city's community development director.

The study due for official release next week was done by Social Compact, a Maryland-based nonprofit that tries to show the hidden buying power in urban areas. It studies utility bills, credit reports, auto registrations and other sources to compile population and income estimates.

Since the results of the study are encouraging, there will probably be scant mention of it in the elite media. Businesses, however, will review the data and may be persuaded to locate in the area if adequate buying power exists. It should be noted that there already have been indications of renewed vibrancy of the local economy from rumblings of uncommonly high election season voter registration transactions.