This past year marked the launch of the Cuyahoga Land Bank Neighborhood Initiative Greening Program. Created in the spirit of ReImagining Cleveland, the program focuses on bring vacant land back to productive use. The program helps beautify streets, adds value to our homes and improves our environment. Funding from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s Neighborhood Initiative Program allows the Cuyahoga Land Bank to invest up to six thousand dollars per property to green eligible lots after demolition. In 2015, forty-three properties were transformed from vacant lots into vibrant greenspaces. Qualified neighbors can work with the Cuyahoga Land Bank staff to design side yards complete with fencing, trees, native plants and decorative landscaping. In addition to residents, several non-profits and faith-based organizations participated in the program and transformed nearby vacant lots into beautiful community spaces. In 2016, the Cuyahoga Land Bank will continue to offer the NIP greening program on select lots throughout the county.