CLEVLOT | Stakeholder Summit 2.0 by Seventh Hill

Cleveland Vacant Land Opportunity Tool Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cleveland, Ohio

Stakeholder Summit 2.0 June 16, 2022

Project grant recipient:

Project funded by:

Project consultant:

Agenda 12:00-12:05 Grab lunch and settle in 12:05-12:10

Welcome, project introduction & review work completed

12:10-12:15

Explain breakout groups

12:15-12:50

3 Breakout Groups: Identify problems for Working Groups

12:50-1:05

Break

1:05-1:25

Review Proposed Working Group Themes

1:25-1:50 Self-organize around different Working Groups 1:50-2:00

CLEVLOT

Discuss next steps

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01 CLEVLOT

Project Introduction

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PROJECT PARTNERS

CLEVLOT

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PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Build upon previous investments in vacant land planning Establish an Environmental Justice framework for vacant land reuse and management Address environmental and public health challenges in historically redlined, majority POC communities Engage major stakeholders and community members in the target neighborhoods Collaborate to select and develop a demonstration project Launch a publicly accessible vacant land database and planning tool Establish clear, data-driven policies for implementation

CLEVLOT

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TARGET NEIGHBORHOODS CENTRAL KINSMAN BUCKEYE-WOODHILL BUCKEYE-SHAKER MOUNT PLEASANT UNION MILES

CLEVLOT

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PROJECT TIMELINE

2022 2023 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MTG

STAKEHOLDER SUMMIT 1.0

DEVELOP VACANT LAND PLANNING TOOL

STAKEHOLDER MTG 2.0

STAKEHOLDER MTG 3.0

PRELIMINARY WORKING GROUP MEETINGS

LEVIN FORUM

WORKING GROUP MEETINGS

PUBLIC MEETINGS MILESTONES ACTIVITIES PROJECT PRIORITY MAPPING ANALYSIS & MAPPING

DRAFT METRICS & FRAMEWORK

OUTLINE PROJECT SCOPE PECHA KUCHA PRESENTATIONS

REFINE METRICS

BARRIERS & SOLUTIONS

ESTABLISH WORK GROUPS

IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES

IDENTIFY PRIORITY PROJECTS & BARRIERS

PUBLIC ROLLOUT

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS PROJECT VOTING

CLEVLOT

WORK TO IMPLEMENT PRIORITY PROJECTS

REFINE FRAMEWORK

BUILD DRAFT OF DATABASE / PLANNING TOOL

REVIEW / REVISIONS TO PLANNING TOOL p. 7

Work Completed

CLEVLOT

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CLEVLOT.ORG

CLEVLOT

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STAKEHOLDER SUMMIT 1.0 APRIL 21, 2022

CLEVLOT

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STAKEHOLDER SUMMIT 1.0 APRIL 21, 2022 CLEVLOT

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SERVICE BLUEPRINT // Visualizing the Vacant Land Reuse Process EVIDENCE

TIME

00:00:00

USER JOURNEY LINE OF INTERACTION FRONTSTAGE EMPLOYEE ACTIONS TECHNOLOGY

LINE OF VISIBILITY BACKSTAGE ACTIONS

SUPPORT PROCESSES

LINE OF INTERNAL INTERACTION

RECOMMENDATIONS

CLEVLOT

Framework adapted from NNGroup

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SERVICE BLUEPRINT // Focus on the User Journey EVIDENCE

TIME

00:00:00

USER JOURNEY LINE OF INTERACTION FRONTSTAGE EMPLOYEE ACTIONS TECHNOLOGY

LINE OF VISIBILITY BACKSTAGE ACTIONS

SUPPORT PROCESSES

LINE OF INTERNAL INTERACTION

RECOMMENDATIONS

CLEVLOT

Framework adapted from NNGroup

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DRAFT USER PERSONAS

Jasmin, 35

Lucille, 65

Henry, 45

Victoria, 56

Neighborhood: Tremont Education: Grad. Degree Occupation: Greenspace Development Specialist

Neighborhood: Mt. Pleasant Education: High School Occupation: Retired

BIO: Grew up in Cleveland suburbs, interested in environmentalism and wants to improve the urban ecosystem while addressing systemic inequities. Wants to bring green infrastructure ideas from major cities (SF, NYC, etc) to Cleveland.

BIO: Lived in Cleveland for 40+ years and owns her own house. Raised a family who moved away and now lives alone. Wants to buy side yard in order to take care of it and cushion her property values, but apprehensive to do so because the land is in bad shape (overgrown trees, sunken basement).

Technology Vacant Land Experience

Non-Profit

CLEVLOT

City Staffperson

Darius, 19

Activist/Resident

Tiana, 28

Neighborhood: Edgewater Education: Bachelor Degree Occupation: Real Estate Development

Neighborhood: Old Brooklyn Education: Associate Degree Occupation: Clerk for Councilperson

Neighborhood: Central Education: Tri-C Student Occupation: Rec Center

BIO: Wants to do mixed-used development that includes market rate and affordable housing, preferably near transit line. From out of state originally, but has lived in the region for a decade, looking to turn cheap land into profit.

BIO: Lives in an inner ring suburb of Cleveland. Has worked at the City for more than 20 years. Goes along with the day to day on multiple tasks. Has to field many inquiries from others about status of vacant land application and availability of vacant parcels.

BIO: Grew up in neighborhood, ambitious communityoriented individual. Wants future of the neighborhood to be better. Notices a lack of spaces for young kids to play. Neighborhood has lost a number of parks and has seen more vacant lots and houses where used to be full of families.

Neighborhood: Buckeye Education: Bachelor Degree Occupation: Development Program Manager

Technology

Vacant Land Experience

Resident

Developer

CDC Staff

BIO: Search property inventories for potential parcels to buy and develop into housing, parks, etc. Contacted often by developers and residents about various projects that require vacant land. Try to tee up different property for development.

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CLEVLOT

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Lucille, 65 Resident

Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant Education: High School Degree Occupation: Retired

Technology Vacant Land Experience

Stages of Journey

BIO

GOALS

Lived in Cleveland for 40+ years and owns her own house. Raised a family who moved away and now lives alone. Wants to buy side yard in order to take care of it and cushion her property values, but apprehensive to do so because the land is in bad shape (overgrown trees, sunken basement).

• • • • •

Discovery

Look into soil

Communicate with neighbors

Application Process for Land

Determine ownership (my place)

Actions

Is this land a brownfield?

Big task.

Do I need soil samples?

Complicated, not intuitive.

Side Yard Application  Garden/ greenspace design

Will they deny me?

Thoughts

Feelings

Increase land value Beautify the block Increase access to outdoor play for neighborhood kids Gardening Increase the tree canopy

What’s the foundation made out of?

Frustration.

May not know that she should look into soil first.

As a resident, navigating the City land bank is rather mystifying.

Permission:

Research Looks for help to understand all that needs to be done to space & how to afford it

Ownership

Soil test for heavy metals & nutrients

Parcel application approved

Maintenance on her new lot.

Where can I find $?

What is the total cost of this design?

How can I access resources for testing & remediation, if needed?

I’m excited to own my side-lot!

Given the sunken structure on lot, it needs grading to be safe.

What’s the liability?

Where is my application?

I need help with financial planning for my sideyard project!

Are there any community groups I can join to learn more?

Who can help me?

Doesn’t know where to look for funding or potential liability.

Frustrated about lack of updates on her application.

Needs guidance on financial planning.

Doesn’t know what groups to contact for help.

Unexpected long-term maintenance to address lot sinking.

CDC, Councilperson, Planners

Are there any funds to build a garden, fence or plant trees?

Waiting...

Very Happy Satisfied Unhappy

Insights

CLEVLOT

Anxious what to do if her application is denied.

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CLEVLOT

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Henry, 45 Developer

Neighborhood: Edgewater Education: Bachelor Degree Occupation: Real Estate Development

Technology Vacant Land Experience

Stages of Journey

BIO

GOALS

From out of state originally, but has lived in the region for a decade. Financial ambition is to find cheap land and turn it into profit. Wants to assemble property for mixed-used development that includes market rate and affordable housing, preferably near transit line.

• • • •

Outreach to City

Trying to get adjacent lots Big Dev!

Actions

Need to coordinate my trips to CLE w/ my project in Detroit

Big ROI! Infiltrate the min market “visibility” Make a difference in the community Develop townhomes near W. 65th rapid station

Research

Meet with Development Team

Craft the business plan

Update financials and income projections.

Community Engagement

Receive TIF/Tax Abatement

Call CDC

Review Process

Marketing

Meet w/ neighbors to understand the need for type of development

Submit Land Bank Application

Submit Plan for Redevelopment

Design Review Process (through the City)

Planning Commission approval

Marketing Plan to attract businesses & tenants

The number of touchpoints is frustrating.

When should I expect to receive final approval?

I may have missed other opportunities while focused on this project.

There are so many different opinions! When will I get final approval?

I’m glad to have this stage in the process over with!

Need assistance to reach potential tenants / businesses

Call Councilperson

What’s my upfront investment?

Time is money.

Can I get a Tax Abatement?

This is taking me longer than I hoped.

Thoughts I don’t think we can achieve all of the community needs.

What’s my potential for volume?

Feelings

How long / soon before we can install “coming soon” sign?

Very Happy Satisfied Unhappy

Insights

CLEVLOT

How can he better support existing neighborhood plans?

Not a lot of time to fully understand local context.

Not clear what is required to receive TIF or Tax Abatement.

Who should be the first contacts to prepare for Land Bank?

Could the community needs have been provided earlier?

What tool is available to track an application’s status?

Land Bank lots provide leverage for the City to gain community benefits in return.

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CLEVLOT

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Victoria, 56

City Staffperson Neighborhood: Old Brooklyn Education: Associate Degree Occupation: Executive Assistant for Councilperson

Technology Vacant Land Experience

Stages of Journey

Actions

BIO

GOALS

Lives in an inner ring suburb of Cleveland, but her work focuses on the Old Brooklyn neighborhood. Has worked at the City for more than 20 years. Goes along with the day to day on multiple tasks. Has to field many inquiries from others about status of vacant land application and availability of vacant parcels.

• • • •

Establish Guidelines Establish guideline priorities for VL ie: greenspace, dev., other

Inventory: Mine vs. parcels managed by my coworker

Keep spirits up Keep flow of work moving Maintain/build resident relationships Fulfill neighborhood / ward plans as determind by Council office

RESEARCH

Determine if VL is for purchase or lease w/ City

Connect with resources available

Vacant Land Application

Research community grant opportunities

Submit to Community Development

CD reviews application to ensure it complies w/ intended use & taxes are current Send 1,000,000 emails Wait for replys

Thoughts

I have a lot of existing documents and reports to read!

How can we filter my calls to maximize my time?

Who can I contact to help me answer this question?

Steady communication w/ CDC, council member & City staff

What are the best sources for this information? Are they up-todate?

Submit application Very happy

How to streamline process/ push to ease burden of work?

Route application to Planning, Council, CDC. 45 day review

After 45 days application is sent to Land Bank disposition commmittee

Process is burdensome Frustrated!

Design Review

Type of use (which application)

(For development projects only)

Unhappy neighbors

If applicant is compliant w/ DR, lot is transfered & approved for development

Document & archive records & processes

Don’t discourage ideas, show applicants reality of process

Project is thriving 5-10 years later

Project successfully installed!

Can the process flow chart be on the City website?

How will my performance be measured? Resident service vs. disposition?

Optimistic

Feelings

If application is approved:

Automatic transfer of parcel, if just sideyard expansion w/out a structure

Explain possible delays at the City

# of different departments who review

Evaluation

Very Happy Satisfied Unhappy

Insights

CLEVLOT

Which VL questions should be handled by Council office?

Is there a “go-to” source to have VL questions answered?

Where are current grant opportunities listed?

How can How to explain someone perceived quickly check delays to the status of an application? community?

How can the current review process be improved?

How to communicate a complex process to residents?

Is a simple flowchart of the process broadly available?

Better to show realistic expectations, even if intimidating?

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CLEVLOT

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Jasmin, 35 Non-Profit

Neighborhood: Tremont Education: Graduate Degree Occupation: Greenspace Development Specialist

Technology Vacant Land Experience

Stages of Journey

BIO

GOALS

Grew up in Cleveland suburbs, interested in environmentalism and wants to improve the urban ecosystem while addressing systemic inequities. Wants to bring green infrastructure ideas from major cities (SF, NYC, etc) to Cleveland.

• Buy vacant lots for recreational activities

Discovery

Research

Figure out permits, zoning, process... research

Build connections

Door to door

Look / drive around

Be steadfast

Discover selfinterests of those in area

Survey residents about needs beyond green space

What is that used for?

What a huge project to tackle!

Proud + connected

I’m a winner not a quitter

Stand on faith...

Be the connecting factor

I’m determined

Find spaces

Actions

Fundraising

Match opportunities to org. values

Connect with other organizations & community members

Identify funding opportunities.

I’m overwhelmed!

Feelings

Thoughts

Vacant Land Application

Read parcel application.

Submit application to own???

Receive application response

Should we buy? Lease? Or license?

Be patient!

Contact someone at City to understand reason for denial Update application with comments received.

Go in person and talk to people last minute

Try to talk to someone with experience

Do multiple parcels each require different applications?

Bother people at City Hall (whoever you know)

Declined permits can be frustrating and cause delays

I wish I would have known more at the start of application process.

Discouraged

Very Happy Satisfied Unhappy

Insights

CLEVLOT

Connecting residents to other orgs happens throughout the process.

Fundraising is a continual process, not just a stage. Who can help?

Need a list of contacts with past experience.

Need a decisionmaking framework.

Feels like the process doesn’t work, so they have to pester people.

Could interim feedback avoid a long wait, only to be rejected?

Provide resource with most common reasons for denial?

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CLEVLOT

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Darius, 19

Activist / Resident Neighborhood: Central Education: Tri-C Student Occupation: Intern at Rec Center

Technology Vacant Land Experience

Stages of Journey

Actions

GOALS

Grew up in neighborhood, ambitious community-oriented individual. Wants future of the neighborhood to be better. Notices a lack of spaces for young kids to play. Neighborhood has lost a number of parks and has seen more vacant lots and houses where used to be full of families.

• • • • •

Discovery

Walks the neighborhood and talks to kids at rec center.

Attempts to survey the community

Place for children (like he had) How to bring people back to the neighborhood? Clean neighborhood w/ a lot of community care Career goals & resume builder Get community involved in the planning process so everyone is invested

Programming

Research Speaks to Dir. of rec center, who introduces him to Councilperson

Lots are unattractive (dumping, debris). Few parks nearby.

What level of recreation equipment? B-ball or playground?

I know lots of people who should be able to help me.

I’m optimistic, but not sure what others really want.

What are kids interested in today?

I guess I should just talk to more people.

Thoughts

Feelings

BIO

Reaches out to Tri-C Sustainability Director

I feel encouraged, but not really sure what to do next.

Uses social media to promote GoFundMe

Search online to see what other people have done.

Access to resources i.e. SOCF

Reviews application for vacant land, but does not submit.

I should be able to find funding sources pretty easily.

I’m frustrated with the online process

Career Development

Future Leadership

Brings rec center programming to the site

Host games before final design

After Tri-C, becomes student at CSU

Gets frustrated & decides to lead change from the inside & join Bibb’s team

Advocates enough to have formal playground built, but it is ultimately built by the City

Should I ask for forgiveness not permission?

People will assume my intentions are temporary in nature

I need to focus on my education.

Impatient with how long things take.

I could be happy with the outcomes, although I’m no longer involved.

Runs for City Council @ 25 (elected @ 35)

I don’t have as much time to dedicate to the vacant lot project.

Very Happy Satisfied Unhappy

Insights

CLEVLOT

Might not have access to methods & tools for surveys.

He might not Attempts to see barriers obtain funding coming in the before vacant work ahead. lot is acquired.

Uncertain about vacant lot application process, he programs site anyway.

Concerned he may get in trouble for using lot he does not own.

Works on design for lot to build confidence in his vision.

Unable to Feels he can no longer connect with someone for dedicate time clear guidance & effort to this project. on lot design.

The process His advocacy motivated him drove action to become by the City more involved to build a in public playground. service.

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CLEVLOT

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Tiana, 28 CDC Staff

Neighborhood: Buckeye Education: Bachelor Degree Occupation: Development Program Manager

Technology Vacant Land Experience

Stages of Journey

Actions

Planning

Looks for contiguous connections for vacant land

Call Drew @ Cleveland Neighborhood Progress

BIO

GOALS

She often searches property inventories for potential parcels to buy and develop into housing, parks or other community needs. Contacted often by developers and residents about various projects that require vacant land. Her aim is to tee up different properties for development within the CDC’s service area.

• • • •

Fundraising

Looks for grant opportunities $$$

Identify vacant parcels with mapping Help residents Bring development income to community Think of potential uses prioritizing resident expressed interests

Engagement

Research owners of parcels

Meet with planning partners for tech support & planning

Doorknocking Social media Flyering @ n’hood hubs

Create plan w/ timelines & images for engagement

Support policy resident land ownership - live on the street

Submit application for parcels

I’m motivated to create an impactful project!

Organizing

I hope Drew has some helpful tips for me!

I wish there was a single source to find VL grants.

Hoping to support comm. goals & get buy-in

Concept development

Am I missing any opportunities to get funds?

Intent on making change for the better for community

Construction

Letters of support from Councilperson, res, biz, orgs

Programming

Craft engagement plan / strategy

Reach out to City Planner for input & guidance on permitting & other

Identify exist. resident project leader to support for inputs & eval

I know how to do this!

Let’s engage orgs + partners for programming

How do I know a resident will be reliable?

Evaluation

SWOT

Identify and select contractor(s)

Who will manage + maintain long-term?

These steps take a lot of time.

Thoughts

Feelings

Scope big or small?

I wish we had an existing list of strong partners.

Very Happy Satisfied Unhappy

Insights

CLEVLOT

Should she contact CNP first or some other resource?

Unclear where to look for funds to acquire and improve lots.

Difficult to confirm ownership and complete applications.

Wants to know what long-term issues to expect.

Can obtaining support letters & contractors be more efficient?

Could finding partners be easier?

What are best practices for selecting resident leaders?

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Breakout Groups

CLEVLOT

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BREAKOUT GROUPS 35 MINUTES

WHAT SHOULD OUR WORKING GROUPS FOCUS ON THIS YEAR?

CLEVLOT

Break up into 4 groups.

Once in groups, pair up with 3-4 people sitting next to you. Read the INSIGHTS at the bottom of each User Journey Map together.

After 5 minutes, return attention to your group’s facilitator. Share the common problems you identified in the the User Journey Maps. Facilitator in each group will document your comments in Miro board.

Next, based on the various problems identified, name 3-5 topics or ‘buckets’ they fit into. Remember: these are potential working group themes.

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Take a Break

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Next Steps

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NEXT STEPS

CLEVLOT

Document feedback from today’s meeting.

Individual Meetings with Key Stakeholders.

Schedule Working Group meetings.

Post to website: www.CLEVLOT.org

Build out Service Design Blueprint.

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Cleveland Vacant Land Opportunity Tool Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cleveland, Ohio

Stakeholder Summit 2.0 June 16, 2022

Project grant recipient:

Project funded by:

Project consultant: