What is the Neighborhood Revitalization Inititaive?

WCA has recently partnered with the Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio to launch a Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative on the Westside. On a national level, Habitat has implemented NRIs in communities across the country, supporting residents in organizing around shared priorities, advancing equitable policy changes, and leading community-driven projects. WCA is the first partner with our local Habitat to work on an NRI.

This is a long-term effort (expected to span at least five years), and we are currently in the early stages. Right now, the focus has been on mapping the Westside — both geographically and in terms of community assets (such as local businesses, organizations, and existing resources).

A core principle of the NRI is that it is community-led. That means the direction of this work will be shaped by Westside residents themselves. As the initiative develops, WCA will be creating more opportunities for neighbors to share input on what would make the Westside a better, safer, and more connected place to live, work, and spend time.

We’re planning to begin broader community engagement later this year, both in-person and online. 

Over the coming months, we’ll use what we hear from neighbors to shape a plan that reflects our shared priorities. This will be a long-term effort spanning several years, but we’re hopeful that, together, it will lead to meaningful and lasting change on the Westside.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee for the NRI is made up of Westside residents who regularly attend the WCA meetings. At each meeting, updates about the NRI are shared out by committee members. Ongoing updates are also shared via our newsletter.

To catch up on the updates that have been shared so far, check out the general WCA meeting minutes starting in December 2025.