CNP E-news – February 2017

Year of Awareness Building
Growing Equity in Northeast Ohio: Year of Awareness

Race has once again risen to the forefront of our national conversation. The outcome of a highly contentious Presidential Election that witnessed the collision of two radically different visions for our nation’s future, suggests to some that our society is hopelessly divided on the question of who belongs in America.

However, these incidents alone do not fully explain the tragedy of the current moment. In Cleveland, as in cities across the country, the inhabitants of high-poverty, racially segregated neighborhoods struggle to survive in the face of desperate circumstances-diminished resources and opportunities, underperforming schools, deteriorating physical environments, crime, and the constant threat of violence. The conditions in which they live all but predict the negative outcomes that characterize most low-income neighborhoods. Though the immediate future may seem bleak, the need for empathy, thoughtful discourse, and a commitment to justice, has rarely been more urgent.

In January 2017, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress is bringing the Racial Equity Institute into town as our organization and engaged partners will embark on a learning journey to increase our shared understanding of racial inequality, to foster productive dialogue among community stakeholders and civic leaders, and to determine strategies. Learn more about our Year of Awareness Building efforts here.

Vibrant City Awards

In 2015, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress introduced its Vibrant City Awards Lunch – an annual gathering of city leaders, decision-makers and stakeholders that celebrated Cleveland neighborhoods and leading efforts in neighborhood revitalization. Our 2017 event will be the most memorable yet, as we take our celebration outdoors! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information on this fantastic event.

Call for Nominations – nominations are now open for the Vibrant City Awards! Please take a few minutes to fill out a simple online form and nominate the organizations and individuals leading the way in neighborhood revitalization. You can access the online nomination process here.

– PROGRAM UPDATES –

CDC ADVANCEMENT
SII Presentations

The finalists for the 2017-2020 Strategic Investment Initiative grants will be presenting this month. You are invited to join us as these finalist CDCs share their vision for increasing capacity within their organizations and improving neighborhood conditions.

The schedule and location for the presentations can be found below. We ask that if you attend, you are mindful of the schedule and do not join in progress. Please plan to be seated at the start time for each CDC.

2/15/2017 – Schedule
8:30am – 9:30am – SII Meeting
9:30am – 10:45am – DSCDO/MWDC
11:00am – 12:15pm – SVD
12:15pm-12:45pm – Lunch/Break
12:45pm – 2pm – NESDC
2:15pm – 3:30pm – OBCDC
3:45pm – 5pm – SCSDC/CNVDC

2/16/2017 – Schedule
8:30am – 9:45am – CDI et al
10:00am-11:15am – OCI/TWDC
11:30am – 12:45pm – Lunch/Break
12:45pm – 2:00pm – BBC
2:15pm – 3:30pm – FAMICOS
3:30pm – 4:45pm – Deliberation

The Strategic Investment Initiative presentations will take place at:
The Centers for Families and Children – Mandel Community Room
4500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103

PLACEMAKING
Legacy at Saint Luke’s will provide new housing in Buckeye

The flagship effort of the Cleveland Neighborhood Progress neighborhood marketing campaign continues to be the LiveCLEVELAND! Magazine. Now in its 11th year in print, this content-driven publication highlights the city’s neighborhoods and serves as a resource to residents, visitors and new hires in the region. Advertising opportunities are now available. Be a part of this magazine and share your message with thousands of readers.

2017 is Cleveland’s year of Vibrant Greenspace, and County Greenprint training is returning to the Cleveland Public Library for more sessions. The County Greenprint is a great tool to assist nature and sustainability enthusiasts, as well as planners, service directors, city council persons, and interested citizens in planning for and protecting our greenspaces. Find out how the Cuyahoga County Greenprint can help with tree plantings, riparian setbacks, and other conservation strategies which enhance our natural quality of life.

County Planning has created a video tutorial covering the basics of using the Greenprint. Please view the video and consider joining in for a training session in conference room D on the second floor of the Louis Stokes Wing of the Cleveland Public Library Main Library. Two sessions are offered:

Tuesday, March 14 | 2:30-4:00 p.m. | Register
Wednesday, April 5 | 2:30-4:00 p.m. | Register

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
It’s Tax Time!

If you earned $53,500 or less last year, you are eligible to receive FREE tax preparation and e-filing assistance during the upcoming tax season. This means that you could save, on average, more than $200 to file federal and state tax returns. In addition, for those who are eligible, let us help you claim important tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

– DATES TO NOTE –

Feb 6 – Racial Equity training – half day
Feb 7,8 – Racial Equity training – two day
Feb 10 – Film screening: 13th
Feb 15 – 16 – Strategic Investment Initiative: Finalists’ presentations
Feb 20 – President’s Day
Feb 22 – Accelerate 2017: Citizens Make Change
Mar 2 – Organizers & Allies Meeting
Mar 6 – Racial Equity Training – half day
Mar 7,8 – Racial Equity training – two day
Mar 14 – County Greenprint training
Mar 24 – COPE Simulation – Cost of Poverty Experience
Mar 29 – April 9 – Cleveland International Film Festival
April 5 – Racial Equity Training – half day
April 5 – County Greenprint training
April 6,7 – Racial Equity training – two day
April 6 – Organizers & Allies Meeting

– STAFF SPOTLIGHT –