Sara Sheets Email & Phone Number

Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Cincinnati Area, Ky

Provide development services, originate, and underwrite loans. Underwrite a variety of real estate development projects, including affordable and market-rate housing, mixed-use, and nonprofit facilities.

Cincinnati, Ohio Area

Served as MCURC's first Executive Director in the organization's 37-year history after leading a successful 15-month, grassroots community planning process. As the neighborhood's nonprofit community development corporation, we lead and convene a variety of community development efforts. Our primary focus is on economic and housing development and community engagement, but we also work across disciplines in workforce development, arts and culture, education and youth and health and wellness to improve the quality-of-life for all in Madisonville.In addition to raising our $500,000 annual operating budget through grant writing, special events, and developer fees and managing staff and interns, I served as primary grant writer for operations and special projects. I also convened a variety of resident and civic groups to advance Madisonville's goals and strategies.Some of our accomplishments include:*Finalized the acquisition of 7.5 acres of property in the heart of the neighborhood and partnered with the Ackermann Group to start Phase 1 of a $30M mixed-use development project, bringing 104 units of mixed-income housing and new retail space to the neighborhood. Project included the renovation and expansion of a federally qualified health center.*Completed a $640,000 renovation of a historic Bank Building, with two apartments and first floor retail space (brewery) and the $500,000 renovation of the historic Metz House.*Built 4 new homes on a vacant lots and sold to LMI homebuyers.*Initiated community events like the Madisonville 5k, Cincinnati Jazz & BBQ Festival, Music on Madison, Housing Forum.*Received federal grant to hire Kolar Design to work with the community on branding the commercial corridor, completed in 2016.

Cincinnati, Oh

I worked with neighborhoods and organizations across the City to plan and create vibrant places to live, work, and play. I provided community planning, economic development, affordable housing, grant writing, and civic engagement services. Some clients included Cincinnati Housing Partners, the Community Building Institute, the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, Roselawn Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, the Madisonville Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, and the Westwood Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. My work leading the Madisonville Quality-of-Life Planning process in 2012 led to the organization opening an office and hiring staff for the first time in their 37-year history.

Cincinnati, Ohio Area

Lead development activities for the rehabilitation of single-family and multi-family historic buildings in Cincinnati's West End.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Working for Mayor Roxanne Qualls, I covered issues related to planning, housing, and community development. I also managed the Mayor's City Hall and Congressional campaign schedules.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Managed the City of Santa Monica's TORCA program. Assisted with state tax credit applications and the development of special needs affordable housing development.

Los Angeles, Ca

Taught 1st and 2nd grades in a bilingual classroom in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Earned my elementary teaching credential through the LA Unified School District.

M.A., Urban Planning

K-6 Certification

Ba, Urban Studies, Sociology, Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: Student Organization for Alumni Relations, Founder Wesleyan Council on Student Affairs, Secretary Delta Gamma.