On Friday, June 7, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress will host its fifth annual Vibrant City Awards—where more than 600 people will gather at Euclid Beach Park to recognize 16 community leaders for their devotion and contributions to enhancing Cleveland's urban neighborhoods. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and tickets are still available for the lakefront BBQ luncheon provided by Zack Bruell Events.

The 2019 Vibrant City Awards finalists are:

CDC PLACEMAKING AWARD:

Famicos Foundation – Circle North neighborhood

Famicos Foundation and many other partners are ushering in new development, commercial opportunities, landscape and excitement to this portion of Glenville that is adjacent to University Circle.

Ohio City Inc. – The Quarter development at West 25^th& Detroit

Ohio City, Inc. worked closely with Snavely Group and numerous community partners to bring an anchor development to the corner of West 25^thStreet and Detroit Avenue.

University Circle Inc. – Nord Family Greenway

University Circle, Inc. was influential in ensuring this attractive public greenspace successfully connected the University Circle and Hough neighborhoods.

CDC ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AWARD:

Burten, Bell, Carr Development – Anton Grdina programming

Burten Bell Carr Development serves as the lead agency for the Community Wraparound Initiative at Anton Grdina School, where it identifies community resources and social supports for the school and the surrounding community.

Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization – Voter engagement

Detroit Shoreway CDO was a recipient of a Cleveland VOTES 2018 grant and leveraged these funds to increase community engagement, improve voter mobilization and provide direct outreach to Hispanic residents in the neighborhood.

Metro West Community Development Office – Las Tienditas del Mercado

Metro West CDO is one of many community partners that assisted in the creation of this small business incubator space in La Villa Hispana, providing a new opportunity for local entrepreneurs.

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Slavic Village Development – P16 Initiative

Slavic Village Development, along with Third Federal Foundation, leads a community vision for fostering healthy, productive, and safe learning environments for the children and youth of the Slavic Village neighborhood.

CDC NEIGHBORHOOD BRANDING & MARKETING AWARD:

Burten Bell Carr Development – BBC Radio

Burten Bell Carr launched its community radio station, WOVU 95.9FM, that informs, engages, and entertains residents of Cleveland’s east side neighborhoods and beyond.

Flats Forward – Brite Winter

Flats Forward is an event partner that worked to promote and host this unique wintertime festival with 40+ performers and artists that attracted approximately 20,000 attendees.

Slavic Village Development – SlavicVillage.org website redesign

Slavic Village Development redesigned its online presence and enhanced users’ experience while providing valuable information on neighborhood news, programs and events.

URBAN DEVELOPER AWARD:

First Interstate Properties

First Interstate Properties opened One University Circle, a 20-story, 300-unit luxury apartment building on Euclid Avenue that brings new high-end residential options overlooking the surrounding scenic neighborhood.

Knez Homes

Knez Homes is bringing quality, new construction homes into multiple Cleveland neighborhoods, including Ohio City, Tremont, Clark Fulton, Detroit Shoreway, Glenville, Fairfax, Midtown, Slavic Village, Downtown and West Park.

Snavely Group

Snavely Group opened The Quarter in 2018 at the corner of West 25^thStreet and Detroit Avenue. This multi-phase development includes luxury and affordable apartments, The Music Settlement and new retail and dining options.

CIVIC CHAMPION AWARD:

Robin Brown

Robin Brown is a community activist dedicated to educating Cleveland families on the dangers of lead poisoning. Recognized nationally for her work, Robin’s efforts have reached over 800,000 people across Northeast Ohio.

Earl Ingram

Earl Ingram is the director of the Boys & Girls Club in Buckeye and also a physical education teacher at The Intergenerational School. He dedicates the majority of his time to all of the youth that come through the doors of Saint Luke’s Pointe.

Anita Gardner

Anita Gardner is an activist and change agent in Mt. Pleasant. She is the founder of Concerned Citizens Community Council and has dedicated her efforts towards creating opportunities for neighborhood youth while advocating for positive change and accountability among city leaders.

Additionally, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress will present the Morton L. Mandel Leadership in Community Development Award. Past Mandel Award winners include Daryl Rush (2015), Joe Cimperman (2016), Judge Raymond Pianka (2017), and Bobbi Reichtell (2018).

The event is open to the public. More information concerning event details, tickets and registration is available at www.ClevelandNP.org/VCAL.