Metro West Community Development Organization

Housing: improve the conditions and appearance of commercial and residential properties in our neighborhoods through property code enforcement, housing redevelopment, neighborhood stabilization & strategic demolition. - work with public sector and nonprofit partners to acquire and rehabilitate vacant properties. - maintain a database of housing to track ownership records, tax, title, liens, transfers, foreclosures, environmental issues, zoning and other encumbrances. - field resident complaints and coordinate code issues and problem properties with councilpersons. - provide technical assistance to developers in preparation for new construction proposals. - convene stakeholders and residents in public meetings pertaining to new development proposals. - represent the mwcdo service area in landmarks commission, design review and planning commission hearings by providing input and technical assistance. - attend board of building standards and building review hearings to testify in opposition to request. - provide lead clearance exams for residential rental properties and offer full service lead risk assessment services. - provide sideyard application assistance for homeowners to acquire and beautify vacant lots. - provide technical assistance and referrals to residents to connect with city and nonprofit housing repair assistance. - attend local events pertaining to housing issues in the greater cleveland community, staying abreast of trends and communicating with other field professionals, which is vital to a larger understanding of the conditions in the service area.

Economic development: we continue to support local businesses by providing technical assistance, connecting to resources, assisting neighborhood infrastructure projects, and through commercial code enforcement - exterior improvement program (lisc): registered businesses can participate in this program. In which we can refund them up to 2,500.00 for exterior building improvements. Through this initative, we distributed grants to 3 businesses to enhance the appearance and curb appeal of their properties. - marketing essentials for business growth(lisc): a four-session marketing workshop was held to guide 12 small businesses in developing effective marketing strategies and defining their brand identity. Businesses that attended at least three out of four sessions received 1,000 grant to implement their marketing strategies - financial smart for small business (score): in collaboration with score, we hosted a two-session workshop to help small busineess owners better understand their financial statements, build financial forecasts, and explore funding oppurtunities. A total of 8 businesses benefited from this program. - security system micro-grant program (cnp): businesses could applyfor up to 1,200 to enhance their security systems based on their individual needs. Through this program we were able to support 3 small businesses. - seasonal marketing campaigns: throughout the year, we highlighted different businesses by sharing diverse content such as photos, videos, posts, success stories, and features of newly opened businesses within our service area. - work local 2.0 job fairs (deaconess foundation): organized four job fairs in which we connected over 250 participants to local employment opportunities, workforce training, and other career resources. - partners organizations: strengthened partnerships and connected businesses to key local resources, including jumpstart, score, hispanic business center, hfla, greater cleveland partnership, and the city of cleveland.

The mission of metro west community development organization is to revitalize our neighborhoods, strengthen collaboration, diversity, and redevelopment.