To the editor:

(Plain Press, October 2023) As you’ve no doubt heard, there are many changes happening at Ohio City Incorporated. I wanted to update you on a few key pieces of information to keep you as informed as possible during this period of organizational transition.

   Ohio City Inc (OCI) is currently working with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) to identify potential efficiencies that could better position our organization for the future. There is a strategic planning process currently underway to consider how OCI might more effectively work with Tremont West Development Corporation (TWDC). There is also the possibility the plan recommends formalizing connections with other neighboring Community Development Corporations (CDCs).

   This is by no means new territory. In fact, OCI and TWDC have been working together for many years on projects and through shared roles that jointly benefit our neighborhoods. The departure of the Executive Directors of both OCI and TWDC in September allows the Boards of the organizations to speed up discussions about more formal alignment.

   The Boards for each organization, in consultation with their members, would vote on any changes related to this strategic plan. Nothing will change without a thorough community process, and nothing will happen unless it is to the benefit of our stakeholders to make a change. The strategic planning process is scheduled for 12 weeks and will start as soon as possible with an RFP set to launch any day. The OCI Board is aiming to have a recommendation in place for the membership to review and comment on following this process (around the end of 2023).

   With Tom McNair’s departure to become the Director of Economic Development at the city, many of you have rightly inquired about the leadership of the organization. The OCI Board made the decision in August to not hire a new Executive Director at this time to maintain maximum flexibility to implement the recommendations of the joint strategic plan. Hiring a new leader will coincide with the Board’s decision on the future structure of the organization. TWDC is also not hiring a permanent Executive Director at this time for the same reason.

   The Board is leading the organization directly during this period of transition and is meeting on a bi-weekly basis to review the status of the organization and the work with CNP. I am personally at the OCI office daily and I’m working with staff leadership to continue the day-to-day work of OCI as this strategic planning process happens in the background.

   We are fully committed to the neighborhood and the ongoing priorities of OCI, and its members should not notice any changes in the immediate term. We will continue to update our stakeholders at monthly community meetings, in our newsletters, at block clubs, at resident groups, at SID meetings, and through other communications as needed.

Chris Schmitt

President,

Ohio City Inc.