About FutureHeights
FutureHeights seeks to inspire and facilitate collaboration and empowerment across our communities to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for Cleveland Heights and University Heights.
Since its grassroots inception in 2000, FutureHeights’ board of directors, staff and members share a set of beliefs that guide the organization in making thoughtful, sound, and appropriate decisions. Using this shared set of beliefs for strategic decision-making guides the organization to identify priorities, set goals, and implement programs. By acting on these values, the shared vision then becomes a reality.
We value:
- Diverse, inclusive, active and informed citizen participation in community decision making
- Appreciation for the time, talent and various forms of support offered to our organization
- Innovative ideas in addressing the challenges in our communities
- Open and effective communication and partnerships among nonprofits, schools, local business, city government and citizens
- Thriving local business community
- Preservation of historic neighborhoods and commercial districts
- High quality sustainability in design and architecture
- Regional approach to innovation, planning and development
FutureHeights History
2000
Concerned citizens host a public forum to discuss Giant Eagle’s plans to build a 50,000 square foot grocery store in the Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood. The meeting, attended by over 350 people, became a catalyst for FutureHeights. Volunteers published a quarterly citizen planning newsletter, hosted neighborhood design charettes, and promoted the importance of engaging citizens in planning their neighborhoods to strengthen community.
2002
Seeking to broaden our ability to work in all neighborhoods and to create an organization with lasting impact, the FutureHeights volunteers vote to incorporate as a nonprofit community-based organization. Seed funding from the Raymond John Wean Foundation and the Cleveland Foundation allowed the hiring of founding director Julie Langan, who spearheaded the creation of core programs of resident support of local businesses and our historic commercial districts, promotion of historic preservation and sustainability principles, and resident engagement in building a better community.
2007 – 2008
FutureHeights completes a strategic plan and embarks on a mission to promote civic engagement and innovative ideas. Deanna Bremer Fisher becomes executive director and begins the Heights Observer hyper-local community newspaper, a volunteer media project, providing access to information for people who live and work in Cleveland Heights and University Heights, Ohio.
2009 – 2012
FutureHeights continues to expand the Heights Observer, developing partnerships with community groups and providing training for new volunteer writers and editors. The organization also renews its focus on building community through community forums, neighborhood tours and special events aimed at helping to build community capacity and boost grassroots efforts to improve the quality of life in the Heights.
Today FutureHeights remains committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, sustainable future for Cleveland Heights and University Heights through community and economic development that meaningfully engages residents, business owners, stakeholders, and institutions.
Awards and Recognition
- Cedar-Fairmount Merchant’s Association Certificate of Appreciation
- City of Cleveland Heights Community Improvement Award
- Heritage Ohio and Downtown, Ohio Inc “Best Website” Award of Merit
- Heights Community Congress Community Vision Award
