Neighbor Up has joined the work the City of Cleveland is doing to assess its current residential tax abatement policy.
OUR GOAL?
Neighbor Up members want to gain knowledge, advocate for neighborhoods and create more viable pathways for residents to influence city policy.
HOW WILL IT WORK?
The City of Cleveland has chosen to study its current residential tax abatement policy and, if necessary, recommend changes to City Council in 2020. This study is one component of the City of Cleveland’s Equitable Community Development Strategy that aims to cultivate more racially and economically inclusive neighborhoods with affordable housing through strategic, citywide policies.
As part of the work, multiple research firms are doing a comprehensive study on the impact of the existing tax policy and analyzing data from developers, community development corporations, and lenders.
The city’s study planning team also wanted to talk with Cleveland neighborhood residents, and we are leading that work along with Leverage Point Development.
From now through mid-December, we will be hosting Listening Sessions across Cleveland. During these sessions residents can learn more about the current residential tax abatement policy, share how it has affected them, and weigh in on what they would like to see moving forward.
LISTENING SESSIONS
The current schedule is as follows (more sessions may be added later):
11/18 from 6-8PM @Life Skills Center, 13407 Kinsman Rd.
11/19 from 6-8PM @ASIA Inc. 3631 Perkins Avenue, Suite 2A-W
11/25 from 6-8PM @Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center, 2800 Archwood Ave.
11/26 from 6-8PM @Mary Queen of Peace, Parish Center Upper Hall, 4127 Pearl Rd.
12/3 from 6-8PM @Neighborhood Housing Services, 5700 Broadway Ave.
12/4 from 6-8PM @Gunning Rec. Center,16700 Puritas Ave.
12/10 from 6-8PM @3rd Space Action Lab, 1464 E 105th St.
12/11 from 6-8PM @Cornucopia Place, 7201 Kinsman Rd. Suite 103b
12/12 from 6-8PM @LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland, 6705 Detroit Ave.
12/17 from 6-8PM @Urban Community School Gathering Room, 4909 Lorain Ave.
12/18 from 6-8PM @Pilgrim Church, 2592 W. 14th St.
Find a flier with all the session dates here.
If you feel strongly that you would like an individual interview, please contact Kaela at kgeschke@neighborhoodgrants.org.
TIMELINE
Once the Listening Tour and accompanying interviews are complete, the results will be compiled into a chapter to be included in the study. The current timeline is projected to be:
September – October : Researchers perform interviews, data analysis, and economic impact analysis
November – December : Residential interviews and focus groups are held throughout the city
November – January : Draft analysis, interim reporting, and initial recommendations are put together in a report
January : Two larger community meetings will be held to share recommendations and receive feedback
March : Final report and presentation to Cleveland City Council
If you would like more information or have questions, please contact Kaela Geschke: kgeschke@neighborhoodgrants.org or 216-965-1859.