Cleveland, OH (August 16^th, 2023) – After 13 years of service to the Ohio City Neighborhood, Tom McNair, the Executive Director of Ohio City Incorporated, has been tapped by Mayor Bibb to join the administration as the new Director of Economic Development.

Under McNair’s leadership, the Ohio City neighborhood and Ohio City Incorporated have seen unprecedented growth through not only vibrant commercial corridors and increased population density, but through integral programming that extend beyond the Ohio City neighborhood. These programs include the formation of one of the largest youth sports leagues in the region in Near West Recreation, improved collaboration with our partner institutions around the neighborhood including the creating of Near West Partners, created a growing neighborhood land trust, Near West Land Trust, to preserve and build affordable housing, and established and extended the Ohio City Special Improvement District to create a welcoming and clean commercial corridor.

Additionally, McNair, along with other community partners, spearheaded the visioning, planning, and fundraising for what will become the 23 acre Irishtown Bend Park on the hillside of the Cuyahoga River.

McNair said, “It has been a privilege to spend the last 13 years working in one of the country’s best neighborhoods. I am proud of everything that we have accomplished together and grateful for the relationships created along the way. I’m grateful to the organization and our Board of Trustees for the opportunity to be a part of some of the most meaningful work one could ever be a part of. This neighborhood is special because of the residents and I am thankful for their support”.

McNair is working with the Board of Trustees to plan the transition and updates will be shared as they are available before his departure in mid-September.

Ohio City Incorporated (OCI) is the community development corporation responsible for preserving, promoting and developing the Ohio City neighborhood. OCI serves the community by providing assistance to both neighborhood residents as well as businesses and institutions through the vehicles of advocacy and engagement, community building, marketing, special events, neighborhood planning and housing assistance. Furthermore, OCI is engaged in tenant attraction and retention. The work of OCI is aimed at making Ohio City a vibrant and livable community.

For more information, contact:                               

Katy Baumbach

Director of Marketing

Ohio City Incorporated

Cell: 814-450-7948

Email: kbaumbach@ohiocity.org

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