OCTOBER 27, 2023 — Cleveland — Following the release of the latest version of the Cleveland North Coast Master Plan, the city is announcing the launch of the new North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation (NCWDC), a not-for-profit entity that will assist the City of Cleveland with the equitable development of the North Coast Lakefront as a destination for residents, business, recreation and visitors.
“We are making great progress on the lakefront and North Coast Connector planning and this focused and purpose-driven entity is the way to ensure that our planning translates into action,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “This is a long-term project, and the development authority model is a best practice that ensures the work continues, regardless of future leadership changes.”
In addition, the new NCWDC is seeking an Executive Director to spearhead the implementation of the community’s vision for Cleveland's Lakefront. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, collaborative, and experienced leader who can build the organization from the ground up. The Executive Director will be responsible for organizational leadership, advocacy, funding strategies, and maintaining alignment with public and private sector stakeholders.
The legislation to create the development corporation, passed by Cleveland City Council earlier this year, establishes a hybrid public-private structure. The new NCWDC is comprised of 10 inaugural board members, with the ability to add additional members in the future.
The new NCWDC board members include:
Chair - David Gilbert, CEO of Destination Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission
Vice Chair - Ayonna Blue Donald, Vice President, Ohio market for Enterprise Community Partners
Treasurer - Michael Taylor, PNC Community Development Banking (retired)
Justin M. Bibb, Mayor, City of Cleveland
Blaine A. Griffin, President, Cleveland City Council
Pat Rios, Executive Director of Buildings and Design, Cleveland Clinic
Greg Harris, CEO, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Kirsten Ellenbogen, CEO, Great Lakes Science Center
Will Friedman, CEO, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority
David Jenkins, CEO Haslam Sports Group
“Council is committed to collaborating on moving the lakefront project forward,” said Cleveland City Council President Blaine A. Griffin. “I am pleased to be part of the new board and look forward to the progress we will make together.”
The main responsibilities of the NCWDC include planning, financing, land management and coordination, development oversight, community benefits, development coordination, and partnership and oversight of a potential New Community Authority and/or financing and development districts as needed to implement the project.
“I am honored the city selected me as the first chair of the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation,” said Destination Cleveland CEO David Gilbert. “My whole career has been dedicated to improving Cleveland and strengthening its economy for everyone, and I look forward to working with the board, the city, and the community to implement our collective vision for the lakefront.”
More about the Executive Director role can be found here.
Related: Cleveland North Coast Master Plan Update | City of Cleveland Ohio
