Lakewood’s Division of Community Development administers programs to help residents and businesses maintain property values and improve the appearance of our community funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Several of the programs and processes are highlighted below.
Financial Assistance Programs
The Division of Community Development offers financial assistance for both commercial and residential properties. Click on the links below to explore available financial assistance.
Commercial Property Revitalization
Housing Financial Assistance
Federal Funding
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program provides funding to: (1) engage homeless individuals and families living on the street; (2) improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families; (3) help operate these shelters; (4) provide essential services to shelter residents, (5) rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families, and (6) prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.
The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is charged with making recommendations to Lakewood City Council regarding the annual allocation the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), ESG funds the city receives directly from HUD and HOME funds received through the Cuyahoga County Housing Consortium.
Section 106 Review
The City of Lakewood coordinates with the Ohio Historic Preservation Office as part of the environmental review process for all projects using federal funds.
Fair Housing
The City of Lakewood is deeply committed to promoting non-discrimination; affirmatively furthering fair housing choice; enforcing local, state, and federal fair housing law; identifying and eliminating barriers to fair housing choice; disseminating information regarding fair housing rights and obligations; and ensuring residents and those seeking accommodations in Lakewood enjoy equal access to decent, safe, affordable housing. Click here for more resources.
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Affordable Housing Strategy+-
In 2019 the City of Lakewood developed an Affordable Housing Strategy to address the needs of Lakewood’s low and middle income residents. This Strategy is a dynamic plan that will be updated as new initiatives addressing current and future housing market conditions are implemented.
Click here to view the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy.
Click here to view information about Step 8 of the Affordable Housing Strategy which expanded the existing citywide CRA #1 to promote in the development of new affordable rental housing with at least 100 units.
Affordable Housing Scenario Planning Action Report
More recently, the City of Lakewood, in partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the Greater Ohio Policy Center, piloted the Lincoln Institute LegacySP toolkit to further address the City’s desire to ensure affordable housing for all now and in the future. In addition Lakewood’s pilot use of this exploratory scenario planning toolkit helped to develop a national model for legacy cities, like Lakewood, that are working to address issues impacting their communities, such as market pressures pushing housing prices higher and raising concerns for affordability. The result of this work is the Affordable Housing Scenario Planning Action Report that was completed in May 2023.
Click here to view the Affordable Housing Scenario Planning Action Report.
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DCD Contact Us+-
City of Lakewood
Division of Community Development216-529-4663
dcd@lakewoodoh.net.12650 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107The Division of Community Development is housed in the Planning Department at City Hall. Office is on the bottom floor of City Hall past the Building Department. Office hours are 8:00-4:30 Monday – Friday.
