In September 2021, we announced that Community Solutions was launching the Greater Cleveland American Rescue Plan Council (GCARPC), a local effort to track and influence federal relief funding flowing into Cleveland and Ohio and to help lead coordinated community effort to address the inequities laid bare by the pandemic.
Kate Warren will be its Director and first hire. “Kate’s deep knowledge of the pressing issues facing our region, the organizations that serve our community, and her commitment to advocating on behalf of our low-income neighbors have equipped her well for this role,” said Community Solutions Executive Director John Corlett.
As Cleveland is receiving this wave of federal recovery funding, it is so important that we really build a long table for community members and stakeholders to have a voice in how these dollars are spent.
“As Cleveland is receiving this wave of federal recovery funding, it is so important that we really build a long table for community members and stakeholders to have a voice in how these dollars are spent. We need to act with urgency and strategy to make sure we don’t squander this once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest the funding in a way that truly uplifts those who have been most hard-hit by the pandemic,” said Kate Warren. The Council will also be tracking ARP spending, educating stakeholders about key programs and initiatives that are being funded by recovery dollars, and equipping grassroots organizations to advocate for and access funding.
Kate’s prior work at Community Solutions
Kate has worked on the research team at Community Solutions for seven years, most recently as a research fellow. In that role, her research on racial disparities, poverty, and social determinants of health has been used by advocates and policymakers throughout the region to work toward improving conditions in the community. She has led large planning processes and managed projects for health and social service agencies across the state, including coordinating the creation of a plan to End the HIV Epidemic in Hamilton County. Kate has developed resources to support local advocacy efforts, including community fact sheets for neighborhoods, legislative districts, cities and counties in Ohio.
Kate’s work outside Community Solutions
In addition, Kate’s civic pursuits have aptly prepared her to lead the Council. In 2021, she took leave from Community Solutions to run for Cleveland City Council, and while her bid for council was not successful, she deepened connections in local government, community organizing, and democracy-building work. She also served on Mayor Justin M. Bibb’s transition team as the Operations Task Force coordinator.
Kate was one of the founding members of the Cleveland Civic Tech Collaborative/Data Days CLE.
Kate was one of the founding members of the Cleveland Civic Tech Collaborative/Data Days CLE, which focuses on using data and technology to advance greater transparency and effectiveness in government. An active member of her neighborhood and community, she served on the Board of Directors of Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation, and was a member of Cleveland’s 2020 Census Complete Count Committee and the City of Cleveland’s Minority Health Advisory Council. Kate holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Religious Studies, from Cleveland State University.