Northwest Neighborhoods is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors made up of community leaders committed to advancing the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals. Board members play a vital role in shaping the direction of the organization and ensuring that our work continues to strengthen the Cudell, Detroit-Shoreway, and Edgewater neighborhoods.

 

Serving on the Northwest Neighborhoods Board is both a leadership opportunity and a meaningful way to contribute to the future of our community. Board members help guide organizational priorities, steward community resources, and support programs and initiatives that advance affordable housing, neighborhood vitality, and community connection.

 

Northwest Neighborhoods has long been guided by a working board. In addition to fulfilling governance responsibilities, board members actively contribute their time, expertise, and energy in support of the organization’s work.

 

Board members contribute in a variety of ways, including:

• Providing strategic guidance and participating in long-term planning

• Supporting fundraising and grant development efforts

• Advocating for policies and initiatives that strengthen housing stability and neighborhood vitality

• Participating in tenant engagement and community outreach activities

• Volunteering at neighborhood events and organizational programs

• Serving on board committees and working groups

• Representing Northwest Neighborhoods in the broader community

• Occasionally supporting operational needs, such as attending community meetings or assisting with special initiatives

 

Board members are expected to engage actively with the organization’s work and contribute on behalf of the mission, vision, values, and strategic goals of Northwest Neighborhoods. This includes participating in regular board meetings, committee work, and organizational activities that help advance our shared priorities.

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We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and professional skills. Whether you are a long-time resident, a local business owner, a nonprofit professional, or someone deeply invested in the future of our neighborhoods, your leadership can help shape the next chapter of Northwest Neighborhoods.

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Not sure you’re ready for Board service? You can still play an active role in Northwest Neighborhoods. Join a Board committee, volunteer with our programs, support tenant engagement efforts, or participate in other ways to contribute and get to know our work. Reach out to Emily Bischoff at ebischoff@nwneighborhoods.org to learn more about getting involved.

 

Who is eligible to run for the Northwest Neighborhoods CDC Board?

Northwest Neighborhoods CDC invites nominations for Board members who wish to serve in support of NWN’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.

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Anyone who wishes to run for a position on the Board must be a member of Northwest Neighborhoods CDC and must notify the Board President of their intent to run at least 45 days prior to the Annual Meeting.

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Northwest Neighborhoods CDC’s service area is bounded by West 45th Street on the east, West 117th Street on the west, Lake Erie on the north, and Interstate 90 on the south (property on both sides of West 45th Street and the east side of West 117th Street is within the Corporation’s service area).

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The following categories of elected board membership exist:

Residential Members
Residents living within the service area. Residential board members are elected from five geographic zones within the neighborhood.

Institutional Members
Representatives of nonprofit organizations or places of worship located within the service area.

Commercial Members
Representatives of for-profit businesses located within the service area.

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Each year, one Residential board seat is open in each of the five geographic zones, along with one or two Institutional/Commercial seats. All board positions are elected by the public membership of the CDC.

 

How do I run?

Board elections take place at the Northwest Neighborhoods Annual Meeting, where candidates are voted on by the membership of the organization.

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To run for the Board of Directors:

1. Ensure your Northwest Neighborhoods membership is active. Renew your membership here. 

2. Notify the Board President at least 45 days prior to the Annual Meeting of your intent to run.

3. Submit:

   • Your name, residential address (if running for a Residential seat), and organizational/business affiliation (if running for a Commercial or Institutional seat). 

   • A cover letter describing why you wish to join the NWN Board

   • A brief bio or statement of qualifications

 

The upcoming deadline to declare your intent to run for the board is: Thursday, April 30, 2026

 

Please email your materials to:

Anna Perlmutter, Board President
president@nwneighborhoods.org

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After submitting your materials, please await a confirmation message acknowledging receipt.

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Prior to the election, candidates will also submit a final version of their bio and an optional photo to appear on election materials shared with the voting membership of the organization.

 

Campaigning

Candidates may choose to introduce themselves to members of the community through word of mouth, attending neighborhood meetings, and participating in neighborhood events.

 

Expenditures on printed materials or advertising are strongly discouraged, as these activities may create an unfair advantage for candidates with greater financial resources.