(Plain Press, October 2023) Emily Lee, the new Executive Director of Metro West Community Development Organization issued a State of the Community Address on the Metro West website at www.metrowestcle.org. The Metro West Community Development Organization serves the Stockyard, Clark-Fulton, and Brooklyn Centre neighborhoods.

   Lee, who began serving as executive director of Metro West in April 2023, lists some of the activities and accomplishments of the organization over the past year. She notes the community outreach the organization has engaged in by participating in over 50 community events, distributing over 25,000 pieces of literature, and making over 6,200 phone calls to inform residents of upcoming events and programs.

   Lee says Metro West helped ten new businesses get a start in the neighborhood. She pointed out Metro West’s focus on housing stability and the services it offers to residents such as access to resources for home repairs, housing support, utility assistance programs, property code enforcement, housing development and strategic demolition.

   Lee says, “This past year has been marked by noteworthy achievements that have contributed to the betterment of the community. Our proactive community engagement, strong economic development, and sustained focus on housing stability, have created a more stable and thriving environment for all residents.”

   Lee also outlines some goals and a vision for the organization going forward:

A community that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive, where everyone feels valued and respected.

A vibrant community with a diverse economy that supports local businesses and creates job opportunities for our residents.

A neighborhood that cherishes its natural resources, embraces sustainability, and strives to be a leader in environmental initiatives.

An educational hub that nurtures the potential of our youth and equips them with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

A place where affordable and quality housing is available to all, creating a stable foundation for our families.

   According to an article in Crain’s Cleveland Business, Metro West Executive Director Emily Lee has background in program evaluation, community organization, grant writing, has taught at several local colleges, and has a doctorate in public health.

   Metro West’s previous executive director, Ricardo Leon, left the organization in 2022 for a job as Chief Operating Officer at the Cuyahoga Land Bank.