Ohio CDC Association

Our 2025 Annual Report is here! Explore the impact, partnerships, and progress that shaped the past year for the Ohio CDC Association and our members across the state.

Read the full report:https://www.ohiocdc.org/uploads/1/5/0/8/150802252/ohcdc_-_2025_annual_report_final.pdf

Community development organizations are doing essential work in low-to-moderate income communities every day, often relying on creative and place-based funding strategies.

As the community development landscape continues to shift, one thing is clear: sustaining and growing this work requires diverse, reliable funding sources and strong opportunities to learn from one another.

As we celebrate National Community Development Week, we’re excited to spotlight our 2026 Regional Retreats. These gatherings will bring together members with regional legislators for roundtable conversations that will strategically facilitate working relationships and information sharing between legislators and experts in the CDC field.

Upcoming retreats:
• Port Clinton, May 6
• Athens, May 11
• Columbus, May 15
• Elyria, June 4
• Dayton, June 8
• Warren, June 15

Learn more and RSVP on our website: https://lnkd.in/gpBzMgNP

From now through Friday, we are celebrating National Community Development Week!

Community Development Week is a moment to step back and recognize the bigger picture: the impact of your organization’s work and accomplishments is greater than the sum of its parts.

This week is also an opportunity to highlight the impact of community development and elevate the importance of programs like CDBG and HOME - key resources that help support communities nationwide.

We’re proud to celebrate and recognize the five initiative areas our members engage in and advance every day: affordable housing, community economic development, community engagement, financial empowerment, and food access.

We invite you to join us by highlighting your organization’s successes and the importance of community development funding, or relating your organization’s work to one of our five initiative areas. Comment below or share to be part of the conversation.

Congratulations to LarKesha Burns of Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc., recipient of this year’s Stephanie J. Bevens Award!

LarKesha’s equity-centered leadership has driven revitalization across Cleveland’s Buckeye, Central, and Kinsman neighborhoods, supporting more than 400 local businesses, leveraging millions in funding, and building lasting programs that strengthen families and communities.

This award was presented at OCDCA’s 41st Annual Conference in honor of Stephanie Bevens: a long-time OCDCA Board Member, innovative microenterprise director, and tireless advocate for low-income entrepreneurs. It recognizes a CDC staff member whose entrepreneurial spirit and advocacy uplift low- to moderate-income people across Ohio.

We’re honored to recognize Caren Bauer, founding Executive Director of New Home Development Company, Inc., as this year’s Ned D. Neuhausel Award recipient!

For 34 years, Caren has led New Home Development with advocacy, partnership, and deep compassion, creating stable and supportive housing for those in need of mental health and housing support. Her servant leadership has both transformed lives and strengthened communities across Northwest Ohio.

This award was presented at OCDCA’s 41st Annual Conference in honor of Ned Neuhausel, a longtime leader in Ottawa County’s disability support system. It celebrates a CDC staff member who has played a key role in providing affordable housing for vulnerable people and has been a strong advocate on their behalf.

Congratulations to Miami Valley Meals, recognized as this year’s Community Development Partner of the Year!

Miami Valley Meals transforms rescued and donated food into nutritious, chef-prepared meals that strengthen food access. By reducing food waste, supporting wraparound services, and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, they’re making a lasting impact on their community.

This award was presented at OCDCA’s 41st Annual Conference and honors a nonprofit, faith-based organization, business, financial institution, foundation, intermediary, or government agency that has provided exceptional support to a CDC.

We’re thrilled to recognize Yellow Springs Home, Inc. for their outstanding work on their project, The Cascades, honored as this year’s CDC Project of the Year!

The Cascades is a 32-unit affordable senior housing development in Yellow Springs that emphasizes accessibility, walkability, and connection to nearby health, safety, and community amenities. All units are part of a community land trust with shared governance and long-term affordability on community-owned land.

This award was presented at OCDCA’s 41st Annual Conference in September and recognizes an outstanding CDC project related to affordable housing, community economic development, community engagement, financial empowerment, or food access.

Congratulations to Thet Win of Asian Services In Action - ASIA, recognized as this year’s CDC Staff Member of the Year!

Since 2014, Thet has been a dedicated leader at ASIA, guiding refugees and immigrants through credit building, microlending, and small business development. With compassion and determination, she has helped more than 100 entrepreneurs overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

This award was presented at OCDCA’s 41st Annual Conference in September and honors an outstanding CDC staff member who has made their organization’s work a success.

We’re proud to recognize Over-the-Rhine Community Housing (OTRCH) as this year’s CDC of the Year!

OTRCH plays a pivotal role in advancing affordable housing in Cincinnati through a resident-centered approach that prioritizes preserving affordability, preventing displacement, and fostering strong community partnerships.

This award was presented at OCDCA’s 41st Annual Conference in September and honors a CDC that has demonstrated outstanding work and impact in community development. Congratulations OTRCH!

Ohioans take on DC! Last week, the Ohio CDC Association and nine staff members from our member organizations had the privilege of attending the People and Places Conference, co-hosted by Community Opportunity Alliance. We connected with community developers from across the country, shared ideas, and learned from peers.

After a full day of programming, our team joined the People and Places Capitol Hill Day to meet with Ohio’s federal senators, representatives, and their staff to advocate for community development.

Huge thanks to the People and Places Collaborative and to all our members who joined us for this incredible experience!

Thank you for joining us: Historic South Initiative, LakewoodAlive, Ottawa Residential Services, Northwest Neighborhoods, Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development, Intentional Development Group, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, St Clair Superior Development, and Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet)

What an incredible three days in Dayton! Last week, our Annual Conference participants got to attend inspiring sessions, explore Dayton through our neighborhood tours, discuss nighttime and creativity communities/economies at our night salons, and network with peers.

Thanks again to all our attendees, sponsors, volunteers, session presenters, and hosts for helping to make this event possible.

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us; we can’t wait to see you next year!