Cuyahoga County Housing Plan

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

In Q4-20, there was significantly less community development project and reimbursement activity.  This reduction in activity is the result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on business activity and progress, as well as adjustments to the County’s procurement process with the implementation of a new ERP.   

The $1.6 million invested represents $6,800 in fair housing initiatives, with the remaining representing reimbursements for Emergency Rental services administered through the Cleveland Housing Network (CHN).  Over 700 persons or households were assisted with up to three months of rent directly provided to landlords.  This enabled families to stay in their homes while at an economic disadvantage due to the pandemic conditions.  Although there were no new contracts for Homeowner Repair for 2020, previously awarded funds resulted in $109,924.50 reimbursed for 9 home repairs in 2020.  Four of these repairs were completed in Q4-20 totaling $24,870. 

Affordable housing plans are being finalized and a formal statement will be provided in next quarter’s narrative.  Although most, if not all, program activity decreased in Q4-20, the County is optimistic activity will increase in 2021.  Municipalities and Non-Profits have already begun to utilize their 2020 awarded funds to get projects underway and apply for new funding for 2021 as they are confident business activity will continue and efforts to revitalize will increase. 

The federal government has been at the forefront of eviction moratoriums for individuals, families, and landlords, providing direct payments to owners on behalf of renters whom are unable to pay. This has affected the use of the County funds appropriated for these purposes as agencies were provided with CARES ACT funding.  With the timeline for spending CARES Act funds extended through 2021, the County expects to see a continued decrease in the use of County funds.  Rental assistance remains available for renters and landlords through CHN, with additional funding forthcoming through additional funding appropriations from the State of Ohio.

In 2021 the County expects to see an increase in activity across all Department of Development programs as staff has already begun reviewing applications for the municipal and supplemental grants.  These programs are indicative of potential project activity for the revitalization communities through Cuyahoga County.

Demographic activity displayed in the graphs and tables represent data provided by the agency and/or collected during reimbursement requests.  This data has not been consistently provided across all agencies for the specified periods and may not accurately reflect true results.  However, the Department of Development is working with its partner agencies, non-profits, and internal staff to make sure the demographic information is provided, especially considering the recent Race, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives currently sponsored by the County.  Moreover, the data shows that there has been significant activity in minority communities for the programs and time periods in question.   

DEMOLITION

In Q4-20,  $1.2 million dollars were reimbursed through the Cuyahoga County Demolition Fund for approximately 162 demolished structures.  A new contract with the Cuyahoga County Land Bank is currently in development for approximately $2.9 Million to continue revitalization efforts.  The contract will support an array of tasks aimed at the demolition of structures to decrease slum and blight, while potentially increasing property values and assisting with revitalizing our neighborhoods and communities.