Cleveland’s Community Development Director Departs
Cleveland’s Director of Community Development, Alyssa Hernandez, has stepped down from her role, effective November 14. The city has announced her departure and is now actively searching for a replacement, with an interim leader taking the helm.
Key Leadership Change at City Hall
Alyssa Hernandez’s departure from her role as Cleveland’s community development director was confirmed by a City Hall spokesman. While city officials, including Mayor Justin Bibb’s chief of staff, Bradford Davy, expressed gratitude for her service, they did not specify the reasons behind her immediate resignation.
In an email to department chiefs and senior staff, Davy stated, “Our administration is grateful for Alyssa’s service and her leadership in advancing the city’s housing and neighborhood development priorities.” News 5 has sought comment from Hernandez regarding her departure.
Interim Leadership and the Search for a New Director
Taking over the critical role on an interim basis is Joy Anderson, a long-time city employee. The city of Cleveland has already begun the search for a permanent director, posting the job with a competitive salary range of $140,000 to $150,000.
The Vital Role of Community Development
The Community Development Department is a cornerstone of neighborhood revitalization and support in Cleveland. It plays a crucial role in managing federal grants and collaborating with various nonprofit organizations. Their work encompasses a wide range of essential services for residents, from facilitating home repairs to leading initiatives aimed at combating lead poisoning in children.
Beyond these immediate impacts, the department is also responsible for critical programs focused on building affordable housing, addressing homelessness, and providing housing solutions for individuals living with HIV and AIDS.
Departmental Challenges and Funding Context
The department has faced staffing challenges, operating at approximately 70% of its budgeted full-time employees. In early November, it had 78 full-time employees. The department experienced staff reductions and a temporary pause in hiring earlier this year, primarily due to uncertainty surrounding key federal funding programs, such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Despite these uncertainties, the city recently received good news regarding its federal allocations. In May—later than typical—Cleveland learned it would receive nearly $19.5 million in annual block grant funding. Additionally, almost $8.4 million was secured from other federal programs dedicated to affordable housing, homelessness, and housing for people with HIV and AIDS. The Cleveland City Council has since approved the spending plan for these vital funds.
Hernandez’s Tenure in Cleveland
Alyssa Hernandez joined the Bibb administration in early 2022 as part of the initial wave of department heads and cabinet officials. A Chicago native, she brought experience from Florida, where she worked for that state’s department of economic opportunity, before moving to Cleveland.
Department Staffing Overview
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Full-time Employees (early Nov) | 78 |
| Percentage of Budgeted Staffing | Approx. 70% |
| Estimated Budgeted Staffing | ~111 employees |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who recently stepped down from a key role in Cleveland?
Alyssa Hernandez, Cleveland’s Director of Community Development. - When did she leave her position?
She left on November 14, effective immediately. - Who is currently leading the Community Development Department?
Joy Anderson, a long-time city employee, is serving as the interim director. - What are the main responsibilities of the Community Development Department?
The department manages federal grants and partners with nonprofits to support home repair, combat lead poisoning, build affordable housing, and address homelessness. - What is the advertised salary for the new director?
The position is posted with a salary range of $140,000 to $150,000.
As the city searches for a permanent director, the Community Development Department remains crucial for Cleveland’s neighborhoods, and residents can follow updates on how new leadership and continued funding will impact local housing and development initiatives.
Cleveland Community Development Director Departs
