Neighborhood Transformation Initiative

This map identifies the NTI target areas along with complementary initiatives and projects occurring within these neighborhoods. The map can be expanded to access more information about the neighborhoods and other initiatives, and users have the ability to search specific addresses.

The Departments of Economic Development, Community Development, City Planning and Building & Housing have come together to execute the vision behind Mayor Frank G. Jackson’s Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI). By deploying new tools, programs, and resources, NTI aims to provide healthy, equitable and sustainable opportunities to build wealth and stabilize neighborhoods. The Administration seeks to build communities where all residents are able to achieve their full potential.

Mayor Jackson has leveraged $25 million in City bond funds to attract an additional $40 million in bank, non-profit, and philanthropic funds that are strategically targeted towards commercial, residential, and entrepreneurial and workforce training programs. Engaging selected partners that share the vision of equitable neighborhood development, the Administration is working to ensure that everyone has a part in Cleveland’s growth.

The goal of NTI is to invest in disadvantaged neighborhoods just outside growth zones and encourage the private market to return to these areas without the need of public incentives. Initial efforts are concentrated in neighborhoods that were chosen based on the result of CORE Redevelopment Strategy Study done by the Cleveland Planning Commission. The selected areas are in proximity to large, anchor institutions that are interested and committed to transforming the neighborhoods they are located in, as well as provide job opportunities to their residents.

Target Areas:

  • Circle North
  • Buckeye-Woodhill
  • Clark-Metro
  • East 79th Street (between Central Ave and Kinsman Rd)

Small businesses are the lifeblood of economic growth and are a key component of the American Dream. Entrepreneurship provides flexibility and self-sufficiency unmatched in traditional jobs. With low entry barriers to start, business ownership is a way to provide income, wealth and upward mobility across communities. Not only are the entrepreneurs themselves generating wealth, having gone through the process of starting and growing a businesses, they will be better equipped to pass these lessons onto next generations.

Increasing entrepreneurial participation in NTI areas will emanate into the overall well-being of the community. Local businesses can provide meaningful employment, necessary products and services, and create sense of interconnectedness with the community.

To help with residents’ entrepreneurial journey, local resources have come together to offer an array of trainings and coaching classes to help develop the skills needed to turn a business idea into reality. The City has partnered with local organizations that understand the difficulties of business ownership and are able to help overcome them.

Local Partner Organizations:

Programs:

NTI reinforces the idea of creating walkable neighborhoods, where residents can access goods and services in close proximity to their homes. Mixed-use development includes both residential and commercial space on the same site, which increases neighborhood vitality and expands the range of retail and service options within walking distance. This close proximity encourages residents to step out of their homes, walk around the common areas, and engage with their community. Increased foot-traffic deters crime and creates even safer neighborhoods ultimately bringing in new residents and visitors.

An activated mixed-use development becomes a destination hub which requires improved transit, road infrastructure, and leads to even more development in the future. Commercial districts are important to neighborhood revitalization, because they bring in small businesses, create more affordable housing, and restores property values of existing real estate.

The largest barrier to developing new or rehabilitated housing in neighborhoods that were hard hit by the foreclosure crisis is low appraisal values; low appraisals prevent approval of conventional mortgage loans requiring reasonable amounts of down payment. By creating an array of programs to assist residents who purchase or rehabilitate houses, NTI will improve market confidence and build equity for all home owners. 

The various efforts that are being put in place in NTI areas, will facilitate the restoration of value in the neighborhoods creating places where people can live, work, play and shop, in a well-connected environment. Eliminating abandoned property is also a priority as is sets a stage for new housing construction and eliminates pockets of blight in a neighborhood. 

Programs: 

  • Homebuyer Education

With grant assistance from the Cleveland Foundation, the City of Cleveland will work with Cleveland Citywide Development Corporation (CCDC) to offer homeowner preparation workshops to consumers; topics include first-time home purchasing, credit repair and budgeting, and home maintenance best practices.

  • Homeowner Rehab

Cleveland Citywide Development Corporation (CCDC) will oversee a homeowner rehabilitation program.  Senior citizens are given priority for home repair assistance enabling them to safely age in place.

  • Down Payment Assistance

Cleveland Citywide Development Corporation will oversee a Down Payment Assistance Program for individuals purchasing homes newly constructed or rehabilitated through NTI. Additionally, home buyers who are employed by University Circle area institutions and non-profits may qualify for down payment assistance through the Greater Circle Living.

  • New Single Family Infill Program

Housing investment creates a need for retail amenities and spurs economic activity in communities. The City of Cleveland will be partnering with interested developers for new construction of single family housing on scattered parcels in NTI Target Areas.  Buyers of these homes may qualify for pilot mortgage programs being offered through private banking institutions for these neighborhoods.

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