2021 Year-end message from Director Angee Shaker:

Changes and improvements were made in many areas throughout the City of Solon in 2021. From road upgrades to increased rooftops, to adding new businesses and growing some of our favorite existing businesses. 

We welcomed 34 new businesses to Solon in 2021 and the City celebrated nine ribbon cuttings with the Solon Chamber of Commerce. 38 Solon businesses were spotlighted on our Facebook page and economic development website. 

Swagelok Global Innovation Center Opening 

In August 2021, Swagelok opened their Global Headquarters & Innovation Center at 29500 Solon Road, where its current headquarters has been since 1965. The new center is 124,000 square feet and will house 270 employees with room to grow.

Chagrin Valley Islamic Center Opening 

In November, the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center opened on Liberty Road. It broke ground in 2018 and is the city's first mosque. The $3 million building is approximately 7,000 square feet and sits on 5.3 acres.

Labor shortage 

To help address workforce shortage issues, the City and the Solon Chamber of Commerce hosted a Job Fair in the Park on June 3 at the Solon Community Park. Over 70 local businesses participated in the event and there was a steady flow of job seekers.  Many connections were made between employers and job applicants. The job fair is an annual event. Next year’s job fair will take place on May 19 at the Solon Community Park.

Public transit 

To improve the RTA rider experience, four new shelters and some additional concrete pads were installed at RTA stops throughout Solon.

For more information, visit https://www.solonohio.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=918 

Central Retail district now a reinvestment area 

To encourage redevelopment in Solon's Central Retail District, city council approved making it a community reinvestment area. This means that property owners could be eligible for tax abatements for new construction and the remodeling of aging buildings. Focus areas for 2022 include the vacant former Liberty Ford auto dealership site and aging core retail shopping centers that no longer align with today's market demands.

Solon Connects 

The City collaborated with the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission to develop the Solon Connects Bike and Walkability Plan. We have a 12 year plan in place. The City is already moving forward on implementing this plan. More details and announcements will be shared in early 2022.

New welcome sign

We finally have a new welcome sign that aligns with the city’s rebranding. You can’t miss it on SOM Center Road at the intersection of Rte. 422.  

Best Town to Raise a Family

Lastly, Solon was recognized in 2021 several times including being named “Best Town to Raise a Family” for 2021 by NE Ohio Parent Magazine. The City of Solon was also highlighted in Cleveland Magazine’s October issue, click here to read the Solon Magazine. 

Coming up in 2022 - 

We have several new restaurants slated to open in the New Year:

• Elle Restaurant & Lounge
• City BBQ
• YI Hotpot & Korean BBQ in the Solon Shopping Center

We are still in the midst of a pandemic, but we as Team Solon continue to persevere and remain strong and vibrant because we take care of each other.
 
 A Happy and Healthy New Year to all!

For more information on doing business in Solon or to inquire about moving or expanding your business operations; contact Angee Shaker at ashaker@solonohio.org.