Honoring Our Legacy

Two long-time board members Mike Cappel and Matt Bourgeois rolled off the HomeBase Board this year.

Mike and Matt’s leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on this organization. In recognition of your service, they were presented with a special Lifetime Achievement Award.

This young professional juggles multiple jobs and projects while performing at an above-average status. They can effectively communicate, execute, and develop projects. Shows potential for their future in community development

Winner: Reese Stangelo 

Reese joined the LISC Greater Cincinnati team as a Co-Op in May of 2024. Reese is a huge asset to our team and provides support and assistance to multiple programs and initiatives, including Place Matters, home repair, Housing our Future, and lending. Reese is curious, insightful, and thorough.

The Most Outstanding Community Volunteer is reliable and consistent. They spend their additional free time supporting their neighborhood through dedicated project work, and positive spirits and are fully submersed in their volunteer time.

Winner: John Eby

John Eby John has dedicated the majority of his life to community development. As one of the founding members of Westwood Works, he played a major role in the transformation Westwood has seen over the last 20 years. Over the years, John worked diligently to fight racism in Westwood, to use the concepts of asset-based community development to bring neighbors together, and to bring the Arts to Westwood

The most outstanding government staffer is a considerate and consistent representative of the City who helps grow their community, supports local projects and communicates effectively with CDCs.

Winner: Jesse Urbancsik

Jesse has been so helpful and supportive, always willing to go the extra mile, whether it was during the creation of the neighborhood plan or as we are navigating grants or projects.  Jesse Urbancsik, Senior City Planner, from the City’s Department of City Planning and Engagement. Jesse helps guide applicants through complex City rules and processes to promote community development throughout the City. He has worked behind the scenes and in public with community members, CDCs, developers, City staff, and others on neighborhood plans, City Planning Commission items, and Connected Communities.

Outstanding Lenders take the extra mile through timeliness and providing clear communication of their expectations from their partners.

Winner: Warsaw Federal

Warsaw Federal - Cincinnati's only Minority Depository Institution is responsive to community needs, focused on meeting needs of underserved consumers. Serving as lender for LISC's Revive + Thrive home repair loan program in Hamilton County and they also serve as a safe space for community members to come and seek support even if it is not necessarily banking related. Warsaw Federal fills many roles in the community.

Outstanding partner or consultant that supports the vision of the neighborhoods while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in their projects. They share clear goals and are consistent in project management

Winner: Kaiker Development and Construction

Since 2022, Kaiker Development and Construction has been an indispensable partner in the revitalization of College Hill, playing a transformative role in strengthening our business district and enhancing the community. Kaiker Development doesn’t just build structures, they help build community. For their exceptional contributions, vision, and steadfast support, we strongly recommend Kaiker Development for Most Outstanding Collaborative Local Partner.

As projects develop and community work evolves, there comes a point in a project for collaboration. The most outstanding Collaborating Neighborhood exemplifies what it means to be a neighbor and work to achieve a common goal with other organizations. These collaborations show how great it can be to work together on projects while still keeping their vision for their neighborhood. 

Winner: Westwood Works/West CURC

Over the past couple years- these two organizations have worked diligently to split areas and projects in Westwood, co-sponsoring NBDIP projects, meeting regularly to discuss where they can collaborate and not step on toes. Recently they hosted a joint ribbon cutting for the new community mural (Works) and pocket park (WestCURC) on Harrison Avenue. Congratulations Westwood Works and West CURC!

Cincinnati neighborhoods are rapidly growing and as they grow, new organizations develop. The most outstanding Emerging CDC is working hard to start new projects and engage their neighbors in community development. This CDC has a vision for its future and is on track to execute that vision.

Winner: Mt. Washington CDC

"Helping Mount Washington Thrive" is the motto that compels the volunteer based Mt Washington CDC to push forward with bold ideas that both beautify and strengthen their community. Under the executive director and the boards leadership Mount Washington has been resourceful about their financial pursuits.  Quick Strike Grant to acquire property for affordable senior housing and Mt Washingtons first co-developed real estate project. Used NBDIP funds to build a free parking lot behind the neighborhood business district for patrons' use, etc.

An outstanding CDC member exemplifies what it means to love where they live. They are problem solvers and are empathetic towards their neighbors. They won't back down at the sight of adversity and are resilient to roadblocks.

Winner: Patty Lee- Community Matters

Patty started as an AmeriCorps member looking to make a difference in the Lower Price Hill community. She has served in various roles over the years from AmeriCorps volunteer to Program Director to now Chief Advancement Officer. She helped launch, and now oversees, the Washing Well Laundromat-the first ever social enterprise laundromat in Cincinnati. She leads fundraising for Community Matters— Patty is a humble leader who has given so much to our community. Outside of work, she is a birder, mom to two great kids, and collector of all things mid-century modern.

The CDC Executive Director demonstrates outstanding qualities of collaboration among community members and neighborhood organizations to catalyze development. That empowers their team to dream big and be community development experts. This person should be a resilient leader, a mentor to peer organizations, and a role model to young leaders. They serve the larger Cincinnati community through organizations outside of their neighborhood.

Winner: Matt Bourgeois

Matt is always positive and excited to work with other CDCs, the City, and HomeBase. He’s lead the transformation of Clifton Heights from an area only focused on UC students to a vibrant neighborhood that has amenities for everyone. He is also the funniest and funniest CDC person you will ever meet. He is not necessarily one for the spot light, but he absolutely deserves recognition for the community focused work he has led.

Outstanding community project that exceeds the expectations of stakeholders. Involves the community and is a benefit to its residents

Winner: The Glenway and Iliff Project- Price Hill Will and 8K

A partnership between Price Hill Will and 8K, The Glenway and Iliff Project is a two-phase, community-led, mixed-use development of four buildings at 4024-26 Glenway Avenue. Phase 1 involves relocating two businesses (Custom Cuts Barbershop and Los 3 Amigos Tienda) into the preservation/renovation of West Price Hill’s Rosemont Bank building. Phase 2 involves opening the remaining commercial spaces for a family-friendly restaurant and beer garden. This project has been intentionally impacting the Cincinnati community development ecosystem by helping to retain two existing businesses owned by residents. As a mixed-use development, the project is bringing much needed housing and business storefronts to the Price Hill neighborhood, as many have shut down permanently over the years.