Meet the 2026-2027 Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship Host Sites

Launched in 2016, the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship immerses talented, emerging leaders from across the country in Cleveland’s public sector, providing them an opportunity to develop their skills, enhance their networks and jumpstart a career in public service.

2026-2027 public service fellows will be placed at: 

Assembly for the Arts: Assembly for the Arts is a nonprofit organization serving as a unifying voice and advocacy organization for Greater Cleveland’s arts and culture sector. Founded in 2021, the organization works to expand equity, resources, and policy support for artists, cultural organizations, and creative businesses across the region. Assembly leads regional initiatives that strengthen cultural funding, advance inclusive arts policy, and support long-term cultural planning. Through collaboration with government, educational institutions, and community partners, the organization connects arts and culture to economic and community development. The Public Service Fellow will contribute to regional cultural planning and workforce initiatives that strengthen Cleveland’s creative ecosystem.

City of Cleveland: The City of Cleveland operates as the municipal government serving residents through public services, policy development, and community investment initiatives. Led by the Mayor’s Office, the City oversees departments responsible for economic development, housing, sustainability, public safety, and neighborhood services. City leadership works to advance priorities related to economic opportunity, climate action, and neighborhood revitalization. Collaboration across departments and community stakeholders is central to implementing policies that improve quality of life for residents. Public Service Fellows will be placed within City departments or priority initiatives and will support projects aligned with mayoral leadership goals.

Cleveland Public Market Corporation: Cleveland Public Market Corporation (CPMC) is the nonprofit organization responsible for managing and advancing West Side Market, one of Cleveland’s most historic and iconic public institutions. The organization works to strengthen the local food system while preserving the Market’s cultural and economic significance. CPMC is leading a community-driven masterplan focused on modernization, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of the Market. Through partnerships with merchants, residents, and regional stakeholders, the organization supports entrepreneurship, food access, and neighborhood vitality. The Public Service Fellow will support fundraising, partnership development, and program initiatives connected to the Market’s transformation.

Cleveland Tree Coalition (Western Reserve Land Conservancy): The Cleveland Tree Coalition is a collaborative initiative supported by Western Reserve Land Conservancy that works to restore and expand Cleveland’s urban tree canopy. The Coalition brings together public agencies, nonprofits, and community partners to address environmental equity, neighborhood health, and climate resilience through urban forestry. Its work focuses particularly on neighborhoods historically impacted by disinvestment and limited green infrastructure. By coordinating education, policy, workforce development, and implementation strategies, the Coalition advances citywide environmental goals through collective action. The Public Service Fellow will support coalition initiatives that strengthen community engagement and urban forestry programs across Cleveland.

Cuyahoga County: Cuyahoga County provides essential public services to more than one million residents across Cleveland and surrounding municipalities. Governed by an elected County Executive and Council, the County oversees systems related to health and human services, justice and safety, economic development, and sustainability. County leadership works to modernize government operations while advancing equitable growth and regional collaboration. The organization operates at a systems level, coordinating programs and partnerships that impact residents across multiple jurisdictions. Public Service Fellows will work within the County Executive’s administration supporting strategic initiatives and cross-departmental priorities.

Cuyahoga Land Bank: Cuyahoga Land Bank works to return vacant and underutilized properties to productive community use across Cuyahoga County. Established in response to the foreclosure crisis, the organization acquires, rehabilitates, and redevelops properties to reduce blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Its work supports affordable housing development, environmental remediation, and economic revitalization. Through partnerships with municipalities, developers, and community organizations, the Land Bank advances long-term neighborhood recovery strategies. The Public Service Fellow will support strategic planning and redevelopment initiatives that contribute to community reinvestment efforts.

Greater Cleveland Works: Greater Cleveland Works is the workforce development board for Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, focused on connecting people with quality jobs and employers to talent. The organization collaborates with employers, training providers, and community partners to bring resources into our local ecosystem and expand access to wraparound services for individuals. Its work emphasizes equity, access, and data-driven strategies. Greater Cleveland Works plays a key role in strengthening the region’s talent pipeline. The Public Service Fellow will support employer engagement, strategic initiatives, and resource development efforts that strengthen workforce access.

Open Doors Academy: Open Doors Academy is a nonprofit organization providing year-round academic enrichment, social-emotional support, and college and career readiness programming for students across Greater Cleveland. Founded in 1992, the organization partners with schools and families to support long-term student success from kindergarten through postsecondary pathways. Programs emphasize strong mentoring relationships, academic achievement, and workforce preparation. Open Doors Academy also supports families by providing consistent programming that enables caregivers to maintain stable employment. The Public Service Fellow will contribute to operational and partnership initiatives that strengthen program delivery and organizational systems.

Starting Point: Starting Point is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening early childhood systems by connecting families, childcare providers, and communities to high-quality early learning resources. Serving approximately 24,000 children, families, and providers annually, the organization is a leading expert in childcare, early education, and out-of-school time services in Northeast Ohio. Starting Point works to build the capacity of childcare professionals while advocating for systems change that improves early childhood outcomes. Through partnerships across the region, the organization supports both family stability and workforce participation by expanding access to reliable childcare. The Public Service Fellow will support operational initiatives that strengthen internal systems and improve organizational effectiveness.

Trust for Public Land: Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit working to connect everyone to the outdoors. TPL focuses on land conservation, park creation, and environmental equity. TPL's work supports health, climate resilience, and neighborhood vitality. TPL also supports resident leadership and advocacy through collaborative initiatives such as the Cleveland Parks and Greenspace Coalition. The Public Service Fellow will support community engagement and coalition initiatives that advance equitable greenspace planning and development across Cleveland.

Zygote Press: Zygote Press is an internationally recognized nonprofit printmaking studio that provides affordable access to professional artistic resources and education. Founded in 1996, the organization supports artists through studio access, exhibitions, residencies, and community programming. As Ohio’s largest green printmaking studio, Zygote emphasizes accessibility, sustainability, and creative collaboration. The organization is currently expanding into a new multidisciplinary arts facility that will broaden community engagement and artistic opportunity. The Public Service Fellow will support development and operational initiatives connected to organizational growth and capital campaign efforts.