Earlier this week Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) honored the 2016 Vibrant City Award winners amid 600 guests gathered at the Cleveland Masonic Auditorium. The winners were chosen from a field of 21 finalists.

CNP president Joel Ratner honored Cleveland Metroparks with the first-ever Vibrant City Impact Award. The community partner was recognized for its role in managing the city’s lakefront parks, rejuvenating Rivergate Park and bringing back a water taxi service.

Ratner also bestowed the Morton L. Mandel Leadership in Community Development Award upon Joe Cimperman.

"Joe is a true champion of the city of Cleveland and Cleveland’s neighborhoods," said Ratner. "He truly is a visionary for making Cleveland a fair and equitable place to call home for all city residents."

Cimperman recently left Cleveland City Council after 19 years and is now the President of Global Cleveland.

The seven other Vibrant City Award winners include:

CDC Community Collaboration Award: Stockyards, Clark Fulton, Brooklyn Centre Community Development Office

La Placita – A Hispanic-themed open-air market providing business development opportunities to entrepreneurs and access to local goods and fresh foods for residents.

CDC Placemaking Award: University Circle Inc.

Wade Oval improvements - the main greenspace in the University Circle neighborhood received a musical themed amenity boost and became an even more attractive and comforting destination for residents and visitors.

CDC Economic Opportunity Award: Famicos Foundation

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program management – This organization has excelled in focusing on the financial well being of its residents and had a record-breaking year with its EITC work. 

CDC Neighborhood Branding & Marketing Award: St. Clair Superior Development Corp. & Campus District, Inc.

Night Market Cleveland  -  the two CDCs partnered and capitalized on past successes and momentum in the AsiaTown and Superior Arts District neighborhoods to create a new destination event that brought exposure to the neighborhood and appreciation for the diverse cultures that surround the area.

Corporate Partner Award: Dave’s Supermarkets

The local grocery chain stayed committed to Cleveland and provides a much-needed amenity to city residents, providing access to fresh food and produce and on-going constant community support.

Urban Developer Award: Case Development, Mike DeCesare 

A residential developer that has successfully completed development projects in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood and is actively pursuing new developments in other city neighborhoods

Civic Champion Award: Joseph Black, Central neighborhood

The Neighborhood Engagement Manager for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland that possesses a passion to serve at-risk communities and has aided and mentored Cleveland’s children and families for years.