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