About Us

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Union Miles Development Corporation (UMDC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization and was organized in 1981 to serve the Union Miles community, through planning and facilitating the development of a range of community development projects and revitalization initiatives that will restore the neighborhood as an economically stable and culturally vibrant community.

UMDC is located inside the historic old Carnegie Library on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio on the historic Miles Park Square. UMDC is govern by a   Board of Trustees  along with a great  staff  that keeps UMDC running smoothly and efficient in it's day to day operations.

To implement its mission, UMDC targets the redevelopment of vacant or underutilized commercial and residential property. Its goal in this regard is to attract new businesses, retain and grow existing businesses, provide access to homeownership opportunities and create employment opportunities for Upper Manhattan residents.

Mission To improve the quality of life in Union-Miles through community organizing, housing and economic development.

In the spring of 2002, the Union-Miles Development Corporation was engaged in a comprehensive planning process to prepare a three year strategic plan. Our vision for the year 2006 as result of the work outlined in the plan is as follows:

The Union-Miles community has made many positive strides over the past three years, several of which were spearheaded by the Union-Miles Development Corporation. Over 60 market rate and tax credit homes have been built, and record numbers of residents are participating in housing repair, paint and weatherization programs. An overwhelming majority of streets in the community have active block clubs that work fervently to improve the quality of life in the area. Adding to the community’s progress and momentum is the recent influx of new retail shopping centers and stores that offer much needed products and services to the neighborhood. Several local businesses have expanded their facilities, adding jobs as well as a growing customer base for the retailers in the community. A new school is under construction at the John Adams site, with plans for an adjacent housing development underway.

Union-Miles Development Corporation has significantly increased its capacity, with additional staff assisting with marketing and fundraising. As a result, UMDC has effectively promoted its programs and services to targeted audiences in NE Ohio and has met or exceeded all of its fundraising goals. The board and staff of UMDC have participated regularly in external training and development opportunities, and succession planning and cross training are customary business practices. The newly formed Community Advisory Board (CAB) of UMDC is very active with community associations and businesses in the area, and has strengthened UMDC relationship with the community at-large. CAB has also identified several potential board candidates. UMDC has worked diligently with elected officials to connect the needs and wants of community residents with the resources of City, County and State government. Residents and elected officials alike have been very pleased with the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by the Union Miles Development Corporation.

All stakeholders in the Union-Miles community have a clear understanding of the role of UMDC and seek the organization out regularly for opportunities to collaborate. UMDC has become a city-wide model for connecting community organizing, housing and economic development to rebuild a community. Union-Miles has become the fastest growing neighborhood in the City of Cleveland.

Our Core Values