A “lesson in Cleveland politics” for the ages: Organizers open up about what they learned in the Q deal fight.

Cuyahoga County held a grand opening for its new Diversion Center on a bright, chilly morning in early May. One by one, elected officials, judges and politicians stepped up to the podium to sing its praises. Outside the tent where the politicos were seated, leaders from Greater Cleveland Congregations, a faith-based group wearing bright yellow shirts, stood in the back and cheered.