Community Development Conversation

July 7, 2026
Community Development Conversation

–
July 28, 2026

WHAT:

  • A community development corporation is a non-profit organizaation focussed on improving the quality of life in a community through strategic development. Such as:
    • Building affordable and workfoce housing
    • Redeveloping vacant properties
    • Supporting local businesses
    • Strengthening neighborhoods
    • Aligning public and private resources to create lasting, community-driven impact

WHEN:

  • Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 4:30pm - ?
  • Doors open at 4:00pm
  • Sandusky Intermediate School
    2020 Hayes Avenue (Route 4)
    Sandusky 44870
    NOTE: Just north of Sandusky High School

WHY:

  • The conversation started when E.J. Brinson, ExecDirector/United Way of Erie County, and Janice Warner, ExecDirector/Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties, met to discuss the growing barriers families living under a certain threshold often referred to as "ALICE".
    • ALICE stands for Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Emplooyed. These are individuals and families who earn too much to qualify for many traditional assistance programs, but still struggle to afford the basic cost of living.

WHO IS ATTENDING:

  • Cheryl Stephens, ExecDirector of the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, will share insights from one of Ohio's most successful community development corporations
  • Krista Nightengale, ExecDirector of the Better Block Foundation, will discuss how communities can re-imagine and activate public spacces through placemaking, tactical urbanism and resident-driven design to create stronger, healthier and more connected neighborhoods.

AFTER THE SPEAKERS, THEN WHAT:

  • After the speakers, attendees will participate in a cafe-style community conversation where residents, business leaders, non-profit organizations educations, developers, financial institutions, local governments, public officials will have the opportunity to share their ideas, experiences, concerns and vision for what a future Erie County Community Development Corporation could become.
  • In addition, participants will be invidted to contribute to a community vision canvas where they can write, draw or illustrate their hopes, priorities and ideas for the future of Erie County.
    • The canvas will serve as a visual representation of the community's collective vision and reinforce that every voice has a place in shaping the future of a potential Erie County Community Development Corporation.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • This is not a meeting to present a completed plan.
  • It is to listen.
  • United Way believes the fest solutions are bult when the community has a seat at the table.

WHO IS INVOLVED:

  • The advisory group includes:
    • E.J. Brinson - ExecDirector/United Way of Erie County
    • Janice Warner - ExecDirector/Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties
    • Barbara Clark - President/NAACP Sandusky Chapter
    • Sue Daugherty - ExecDirector/Serving Our Seniors
    • Diane Taylor - ExecDirector/Alcohol, Drug Addition and Mental Health Services Board of Erie County
    • Allia Carter - Dean/BGSU Firelands University
    • Luvada Wilson - Commission/City of Sandusky
  • Community Partners include:
    • Sandusky Schools
    • United Way of Erie County agency partners
    • Civista Bank
    • The Greater Sandusky Partnership,
    • The City of Sanduskyk
    • Erie County Commissioner Steve Shoffner

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Sandusky Intermediate School
2020 Hayes Avenue/Route 4
Sandusky, OH 44870
View Location
Map Sandusky Intermediate School

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