Lakewood Shines in Vibrant NEO Awards

City of Lakewood’s Affordable Housing Strategy is Recognized for Outstanding Leadership in Northeast Ohio

The City of Lakewood has been awarded a 2020 Vibrant NEO Champion Award for its Affordable Housing Strategy.

Mayor Meghan George said, “I am proud to call Lakewood home. This award from Vibrant NEO is a testament not only to our Planning and Development Department’s hard work, but also to the residents of Lakewood who make this community vibrant.”

Vibrant NEO annually recognizes projects within the Northeast Ohio region that demonstrate leadership in the advancement of the Vibrant NEO vision. Vibrant NEO is a regional non-profit organization supporting implementation of Vibrant NEO 2040, an important community-based strategic development framework adopted in 2014 for the 12-county Northeast Ohio region.

Director of Planning and Development Shawn Leininger said, “The Planning and Development Department worked hard to create this Affordable Housing Strategy and develop balance in our housing. We anticipate this strategy to develop and evolve over time. I am grateful to Vibrant NEO for this award and the recognition of our efforts to date.”

The City’s Affordable Housing Strategy was developed by the Department of Planning and Development and adopted by City Council in 2019. The City outlined eight action steps in the Strategy to

address current and future housing market conditions for Lakewood’s low- and middle-income residents. With the Affordable Housing Strategy in place, the City has been able to strengthen and revitalize housing throughout the community.

The Affordable Housing Strategy can be viewed on the City’s website at www.onelakewood.com.

The virtual awards ceremony was on Thursday, November 19, 2020.