About MHDC
Our Mission: To cultivate sustainable growth and enhance quality of life for residents of Cleveland’s Lee-Seville neighborhood. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and community-driven initiatives, we aim to create opportunities for economic, social, and cultural enrichment.
Our Vision: A thriving, connected, inclusive, and sustainable community where every resident has access to quality housing, viable economic opportunities, and adequate resources to achieve their fullest potential.
Our Core Values
Community First – We prioritize the needs, voices, and aspirations of the Lee-Seville community in all our initiatives.
Equity & Inclusion – We are committed to creating opportunities for all residents, ensuring fair access to housing, economic development, and resources.
Sustainable Growth – We promote responsible development that enhances long-term prosperity while preserving the character and history of the neighborhood.
Collaboration – We believe in the power of partnerships with residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to drive meaningful change.
Integrity & Transparency – We operate with honesty, accountability, and openness in all our decisions and actions.
Economic Empowerment – Support entrepreneurship, workforce development, and financial stability to strengthen the community’s economic foundation.
Innovation & Adaptability – We embrace new ideas and strategies to address challenges and create sustainable solutions for neighborhood revitalization.
Safe Thriving Neighborhood – We advocate for quality housing, infrastructure, and public spaces that promote safety, well-being, and community pride.
Strategic Goals and Objectives
As determined through extensive meetings with residents throughout 2024 at Lee-Seville-Miles Citizens Council and online with surveys in 2023 and 2024, via Friends of The Village of Miles Heights Inc.
Economic Development
- Support and attract small businesses through grants, technical assistance, and networking opportunities.
- Advocate for workforce development programs and job training partnerships with local businesses and institutions.
- Promote commercial corridor revitalization by attracting investment and improving infrastructure.
Housing and Development
- Rehabilitate existing housing units for low- and moderate-income families.
- Provide homeownership assistance, including financial literacy programs and down payment support.
- Partner with the city and private developers to address vacant and blighted properties.
- Preserve and restore historic homes and landmarks throughout the neighborhood.
Engagement and Services
- Establish strong neighborhood networks by hosting forums, town halls, and community events.
- Support youth development programs focused on education, mentorship, and career readiness.
- Enhance public safety through conflict resolution training, mediation services, collaboration with law enforcement and community-led initiatives.
Environmental Sustainability
- Advocate for energy efficient homes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
- Significantly increase carbon offsetting initiatives.
- Promote green spaces, urban agriculture, and sustainability initiatives.
- Improve access to healthy food, healthcare, and essential community resources.
- Explore paths to reduced waste and renewable energy.
Implementation and Timeline
- Short-term (0-2 years): Launch pilot programs for business support, homeownership assistance, and community engagement efforts.
- Mid-term (2-5 years): Expand rehabilitative housing plans, establish workforce partnerships, and implement infrastructure improvements.
- Long-term (5+ years): Achieve significant economic growth, full-scale neighborhood revitalization, and a self-sustaining local economy.
Key Partners and Stakeholders
- Current and former residents of the Lee-Seville neighborhood
- Local Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
- City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County & Local Government Agencies
- Nonprofit Organizations & Community Groups
- Private Developers & Financial Institutions
- Educational Institutions & Workforce Development Agencies
- Local Faith-Based Organizations
How We Measure Program Success
- Increased homeownership rates and reduction in blighted properties and vacant lands
- Full CDBG services for seniors and qualifying homeowners
- Increased growth in the number of local businesses and job opportunities
- Enhanced community participation and improved quality of life metrics
- Growth of neighborhood urban tree canopy
- Upgraded signage, branding and neighborhood marketing
Our Work
"Residents in this Cleveland area remember village of 1st Black mayor in Ohio, ensure neighborhood's future"
Residents of the Lee-Seville neighborhood in Cleveland’s Ward 1 are reaching back to the past to ensure the neighborhood’s future. It wasn’t always part of Ward 1. In fact, it wasn’t always a part of Cleveland. In 1927, this area was known as Miles Heights, a village unto itself.
For full video and story click here to view at: News5cleveland.com
Honoring the rich heritage of Miles Heights Village
Big shout out to Rob Powers and The Newschannel 5 team for coming out to share a bit of history... and a bit of OUR STORY. We greatly appreciate you taking the time. This is Cleveland!
Friends of The Village
Thanks You!!!
In the spirit of the holiday season, Friends of The Village, Special Deeds and A Ray of Sunshine Ent. invited residents to come together to celebrate one another in love, peace and unity.
Miles Heights Village Halloween Night Out
Check out the video to see our community in action, complete with costumes, food and family friendly entertainment at our annual Village Trunk-Or-Treat Celebration!
Our Partners
