Strengthening Cleveland’s CDCs

Climate change presents unique challenges in the Great Lakes region such as rising temperatures and an increase in high heat days. According to the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program (GLISA), temperatures in Cleveland are rising three times faster than the national average. Additionally, we face heightened risks of heat waves, flooding, and more intense storms.  
 
Cleveland’s social conditions and land use patterns exacerbate these challenges, with sprawling development leading to concentrated poverty, redundant infrastructure, and increased impervious surfaces. The Cleveland Climate Resilience and Urban Opportunity Plan assesses these vulnerabilities and maps out strategies to address them while mitigating risks. Through targeted efforts and collaboration with local partners, the Cleveland Climate Resilience and Urban Opportunity Plan aims to build a more resilient and sustainable future for our city and region. 

This plan is focused on four Cleveland neighborhoods:

• Central-Kinsman: Perhaps the most distressed neighborhood in the city, Central-Kinsman has a high poverty rate; many abandoned buildings, vacant sites, and brownfields; and a sparse tree canopy. The neighborhood is home to one of the city’s two eco-districts. It has a strong community development corporation with innovative programs to increase food access/food security and reduce public health disparities. The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority has made significant upgrades to public housing in the neighborhood in recent years.
  
• Detroit-Shoreway: This neighborhood is economically diverse, including some of the poorest and most affluent households in the city. It has excellent transit access and a thriving cultural district. It is home to the city’s other (and original) eco-district.
  
• Glenville: This neighborhood has some of the oldest housing in the city, including grand mansions, multi-family buildings, and small houses, along with pockets of new residential development. The neighborhood has highly engaged residents who meet at regularly scheduled Network Nights to advance local projects and address emerging concerns. 
  
• Slavic Village: As the neighborhood at the epicenter of Cleveland’s foreclosure crisis, Slavic Village has many vacant houses and vacant lots, along with a high concentration of low-income households. Neighborhood assets include excellent transit and bike infrastructure and on-going programming that promote active lifestyles. 

 
Circular Cleveland is a collaborative initiative between Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and the City of Cleveland. In partnership with Neighborhood Connections, Circular Cleveland helps with the transition of Cleveland from a linear economy to a circular economy to improve the health and wellbeing of the residents of Cleveland, while creating more local and green jobs.  

Learn more about the circular economy and Circular Cleveland, visit the Sustainable Cleveland website:

Circular Economy in Cleveland

Building a Circular Cleveland

Through the generous support of the Citizens Bank Foundation, the Clean & Green Cleveland Trailer is available through Cleveland Neighborhood Progress for loan to City of Cleveland residents and community volunteer groups. The Clean & Green Cleveland Trailer is stocked with landscaping tools and cleanup supplies to assist with beautification and clean-up efforts and events in Cleveland’s neighborhoods. 

Book the Clean and Green Trailer

Prior to the Event

• A project lead must be assigned and he/she must complete the application 
• Waivers and Responsibilities form must be completed 
• Trailer needs to be booked 2 weeks in advance and it can be utilized for a period of up to 3 days maximum 
• Review the Information Packet before your event 

After the Event

• Make sure all equipment is returned to the trailer in the designated spots 
• Ensure all debris and trash is properly removed and/or discarded. Clean & Green Cleveland assumes no responsibility for trash/debris removal 
• If there are any damages to the equipment, email mgigante@clevelandnp.org immediately 
• Fill out the Post Cleanup Report
  
  

The Economic Development Working Group (EDWG) provides a forum for CDC economic development practitioners to come together regularly to network, share information, and collaborate on addressing common challenges. By facilitating these interactions, CNP aims to enhance the collective capacity of CDCs to drive economic development initiatives effectively. 

This group exchanges best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas, so members can leverage each other’s expertise and experiences to overcome obstacles and capitalize on opportunities. It also provides a platform for building relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders, such as government agencies, funders, and other community organizations. These connections strengthen the overall ecosystem for economic development in Cleveland.

Are you a new economic development CDC staff member? Complete the sign-up form to join.

Looking to connect with other CDC economic development practitioners? Click here.

The Ward 12 is a comprehensive programmatic effort aimed at revitalizing strategic commercial corridors within the Slavic Village, Old Brooklyn, and Metro West neighborhoods. Led by Councilwoman Maurer, businesses in these areas will receive grant dollars to improve the conditions of their establishment. 

Through this initiative, we seek to spur investment, retain and create jobs, and increase the overall quality of life in these communities. To achieve these goals, we have developed two targeted programs and initiatives focused on addressing various aspects of neighborhood revitalization. 

The Woodhill Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Grant Program offers vital support to eligible small businesses within the community. Through this initiative, businesses can access grants to cover various expenses, including construction or renovations, storefront facade enhancements, signage improvements, eligible furniture and future costs. By providing financial assistance in these key areas, the program aims to revitalize and strengthen the commercial corridor, fostering economic growth and enhancing the overall vibrancy of the Woodhill neighborhood. 

The Business Growth Collaborative (BGC) convenes business development organizations, entrepreneurs and CDC members towards a common goal of making Cleveland the best place for business. In 2024, we will meet bimonthly to network, share successes and connect to member’s initiatives. Meetings will be held throughout Cleveland, introducing members to new businesses and organizations. 

The Sidaway Bridge in Cleveland has a rich history dating back to its original construction as a wooden bridge in 1909. Replaced with a steel suspension structure in 1929, it has since become the only suspension bridge in Ohio and holds significant historical landmark status. In the 1960s, the bridge became a symbol of racial tension as it connected the predominantly black neighborhood of Kinsman with the predominantly white community of Slavic Village. During this time, houses were demolished to make way for public housing on the Kinsman side, and black children were allowed to cross the bridge to attend schools in white neighborhoods. The bridge played a central role in the racial divide of Cleveland, especially during the 1966 Hough riots, and has remained closed since then, serving as a poignant reminder of the city’s turbulent past. **HOW IS CNP INVOLVED IN THIS??

In recent years, efforts have been made to refurbish the Sidaway Bridge and transform it into a symbol of unity and progress for the community. Community Development Corporations (CDCs) like Burten, Bell, Carr Development Corporation, led by Joy Johnson, and Slavic Village Development, led by Chris Alvarado, have recognized the bridge’s potential as a catalyst for positive change. Through neighborhood planning processes and highlighting the need for more recreational green space, these organizations have outlined a vision for the vacant land surrounding the bridge. With its designation as a National Register of Historic Places in 2022 and landmark status in Ward 5 in 2023, the Sidaway Bridge now presents opportunities for federal funding to support its restoration and revitalization efforts, symbolizing a hopeful future of unity and collaboration in Cleveland’s neighborhoods.

Learn more about the history of the Sidaway Bridge:
Sidaway Bridge nominated for landmark status, raising hopes for redevelopment and green space. – The Land
A historic Cleveland bridge remains suspended in time. – Ideastream Public Media

History

Shaker Square, a historic commercial and cultural hub in Cleveland, Ohio, has been an integral part of the city’s landscape for nearly a century. Originally established in 1929 as one of the nation’s pioneering shopping centers and a nexus for public transit, it has remained a cherished landmark and communal gathering space, boasting distinctive architecture and undeniable allure. Despite its illustrious past, Shaker Square has faced periods of neglect and financial turmoil, prompting the need for comprehensive revitalization efforts. In response, community leaders initiated the “This is Shaker Square” planning study in 2019 to envision a brighter future for the square’s public space. However, challenges such as financial issues and foreclosure hindered the plan’s progress, necessitating a fresh approach to address the Square’s long-term viability.

To embark on this transformative journey, a new planning study is imperative, one that builds upon Shaker Square’s legacy while rectifying the shortcomings of previous endeavors. This study aims to craft a holistic and inclusive vision that resonates with the community’s values and aspirations. Key considerations include determining the optimal tenant mix, maximizing development potential, and fostering seamless integration with surrounding neighborhoods. Led by seasoned urban planning experts and bolstered by robust community engagement, the study will chart a sustainable path forward for Shaker Square, ensuring its continued relevance and vibrancy for generations to come. Through collective visioning and proactive engagement, Shaker Square is poised to reclaim its status as a thriving epicenter of commerce, culture, and community in Cleveland.

Learn more about the history of the Sidaway Bridge:
Sidaway Bridge nominated for landmark status, raising hopes for redevelopment and green space. – The Land
A historic Cleveland bridge remains suspended in time. – Ideastream Public Media

The CDC Workforce Development Working Group includes CDC workforce development staff, job training and placement providers, and employers. The convenings illuminate CDCs’ role in assisting with workforce programs that address unmet workforce needs, linking job seekers to training/employment opportunities, and informing CNP’s Equitable Neighborhood Revitalization workforce agenda.

We acknowledge that CDCs provide invaluable guidance to our efforts in constructing a resident-centered advocacy agenda that blends community, economic and workforce development goals. In addition, we offer micro-grant funds to CDCs to advance workforce initiatives, participate in professional development and training programs, build professional networks, and assist residents with work-related needs, etc. 

Interested in joining the Workforce Development Working Group?
Contact CNP’s Director of Workforce Development, Sheri Dozier for more information.

In January 2023, Cleveland City Council unanimously passed America Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) ordinance, investing $10 million in ARPA funds to grow the workforce pipeline for current and anticipated demand in “built environment” sectors (residential and commercial construction, infrastructure and transit, green infrastructure, broadband, and lead and brownfield remediation). OhioMeansJobs Cleveland-Cuyahoga County (OMJCC) is the designated project lead and is working alongside thirteen key execution partners, to connect 3,000 Cleveland residents to new and existing training programs tailored to meet employer needs.  

As a community-based outreach partner, we are performing outreach to residents to promote training, employment opportunities and accompanying support. We are implementing a CDC-inclusive outreach strategy that leverages their role as workforce liaisons in advancing the 4-year workforce initiative. This strategy will enroll Clevelanders in “built environment” training programs – in particular most vulnerable individuals and households which include people of color and/or women. 

We are currently partnering with CDCs and their Workforce Coordinators at Famicos Foundation (Lovell Payten), Jefferson Puritas West Park CDC (Tyia Powell) and Union Miles Development Corporation (Charone Gray) that service multiple neighborhoods in Cleveland to increase resident participation in trainings and improve employment outcomes.