Lakewood's Affordable Housing Strategy Wins Award

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood has been awarded a 2020 Vibrant NEO Champion Award for its affordable housing strategy.

The award recognizes Northeast Ohio projects that advance the "Vibrant NEO vision." Lakewood's affordable housing strategy was developed and adopted in 2019. The plan outlined steps for the city to address housing conditions for low- and middle-income residents.

“The Planning and Development Department worked hard to create this Affordable Housing Strategy and develop balance in our housing. We anticipate this strategy to develop and evolve over time. I am grateful to Vibrant NEO for this award and the recognition of our efforts to date," said Lakewood's Director of Planning and Development Shawn Leininger.

The steps in the affordable housing strategy are:

1. Launch a rental restoration program to preserve affordability
2. Gap financing for rental development projects
3. Non-profit partnerships
4. Homeownership opportunities for low- and middle-income residents
5. New affordable home construction
6. Connect property owners to resources and incentives
7. Outreach and advocacy to HUD by city administration and Lakewood City Council
8. Promote development of new, affordable rental housing

View the whole plan on the city's website.

“I am proud to call Lakewood home. This award from Vibrant NEO is a testament not only to our Planning and Development Department’s hard work, but also to the residents of Lakewood who make this community vibrant," Mayor Meghan George said.