Inside, the Cuyahoga Land Bank staff consists of a diverse group of professionals at all levels. The Cuyahoga Land Bank’s largest operational expenditure is attributed to the cost of demolition and related demolition charges. Of the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s 30 plus demolition contractors, over 40% are a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or a Female Business Enterprise (FBE). Of the contract dollars expended, over 50% of demolition dollars were awarded to MBE/FBE contracto
rs in 2014.
The Cuyahoga Land Bank does not impose hard and fast rules on minority participation. Rather, the Cuyahoga Land Bank bids work out and selects the lowest and best contractors. Many smaller MBE/FBE contractors are able to participate with the Cuyahoga Land Bank because of the clear standards and bidding procedures. If the standards are understood and complied with, the Cuyahoga Land Bank provides a quick turn-around and payment of a contractor’s invoice. This is crucial to smaller enterprises.
Another reason for the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s success is that the Land Bank holds routine training and development seminars to assist contractors in compliance with and understanding of the Land Bank’s paperwork, procurement and quality standards. “When these things are clearly explained and understood, MBE/FBE participation happens naturally,” said Cheryl Stephens, Director of Acquisition, Development and Disposition. “We demand quality work, and we give contractors guidance and training so that they can meet our requirements,” she added.
And, as you might suspect, the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s work with outside partners and agencies throughout the County include all ethnicities, races and geographies.
Another reason for the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s success is that the Land Bank holds routine training and development seminars to assist contractors in compliance with and understanding of the Land Bank’s paperwork, procurement and quality standards. “When these things are clearly explained and understood, MBE/FBE participation happens naturally,” said Cheryl Stephens, Director of Acquisition, Development and Disposition. “We demand quality work, and we give contractors guidance and training so that they can meet our requirements,” she added.
And, as you might suspect, the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s work with outside partners and agencies throughout the County include all ethnicities, races and geographies.