Economic Development Department

Key Responsibilities

The Economic Development Department is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and business-friendly community. Our work spans planning, business support, redevelopment, and partnerships that strengthen the city’s economic future.

Strategic Planning & development

  • Lead short- and long-term planning efforts for land use, zoning, and community growth.
  • Coordinate land development projects and public infrastructure improvements.
  • Support sustainable community development by collaborating with residents, business owners, and civic leadership.

Business Retention, Attraction & Expansion

  • Grow the city’s industrial, commercial, and retail tax base.
  • Support job creation by working directly with local businesses, brokers, and key stakeholders.
  • Provide guidance and resources to help businesses expand and thrive.

Financial Resources & Incentives

  • Connect businesses with financial programs, incentives, and workforce development resources.
  • Design and manage tax incentive tools, including:
    • Enterprise Zones
    • Community Reinvestment Areas (CRA) – for both business and residential development
      Examples include Jennings Center for Older Adults and Holy Spirit Church
    • Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

Land Management & Redevelopment

  • Oversee real estate transactions and zoning processes.
  • Manage the Garfield Heights Land Reutilization Program (Land Bank):
    • Acquire and consolidate property for redevelopment.
    • Administer the Residential Side Lot Program to help homeowners expand their yards.

Property Listing & Site Selection

  • Maintain an updated inventory of available commercial, industrial, and retail properties, including vacant land and warehouse space.
  • Direct users to the Zoom Prospector platform, where listings are regularly updated.

Grant Writing & Project Funding

  • Pursue and secure grant funding for redevelopment and revitalization projects.
    Example: Secured a $1,046,000 grant for the demolition of vacant, blighted properties.

Partnerships & Collaborations

The department builds and maintains strong relationships across public, private, and community sectors to leverage resources and support economic success.

Local Partners

  • Garfield Heights City School District
  • Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
  • Local churches and resident groups
  • Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce (Garfield Heights Chapter)

Public Sector Partners

  • Cuyahoga County & Department of Development
  • Cuyahoga County Planning Commission
  • Ohio state agencies
  • U.S. Small Business Administration
  • First Suburbs Development Council
  • NOACA, NEORSD, Soil & Water Conservation District
  • Cleveland Metroparks
  • Housing agencies and neighboring municipalities

Private Sector Partners

  • Marymount Hospital / Cleveland Clinic
  • Greater Cleveland Partnership
  • Team NEO
  • Commercial and residential real estate organizations
  • Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation
  • Business associations

City Representation

Serve on multiple boards, commissions, and regional economic development organizations to advance the city’s interests.

Financial Assistance Programs

Local 

County

State 

Federal