The New Nonprofit Management of the West Side Market

The City Club of Cleveland Podcast

In November 2023, Cleveland\'s West Side Market named Rosemary Mudry it\'s first Executive Director of the Market\'s new nonprofit arm, the Cleveland Public Market Corporation.\r\n\r\nHome to more than 60 small, local business owners, and boasting 800,000 visitors annually--the West Side Market serves as a neighborhood anchor and economic hub. Yet, it continued to struggle to live up to its full potential. A 2023 master plan by the Bibb administration suggested - as many have over the decades - that the Market transition to a nonprofit management style to improve vendor and visitor experience. The switch would align with nationwide best practices for public markets. In April 2024, Mudry officially took the helm.\r\n\r\nPreviously, Mudry served as Executive Director of West Park Kamm's Neighborhood Development; was Director of Neighborhood Development at Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation; and started her community development career working for Ohio City Inc. during the heyday of the Market\'s Centennial Celebrations. In addition to her leadership in community development and urban planning, Mudry is a small business owner, serving as Midnight Owl Brewing Co co-owner with her husband Joel Warger.\r\n\r\nTo kick off our 2024 Outdoor Summer Series, join us as Ideastream Public Media\'s Mike McIntyre talks with Rosemary Mudry about her new role and vision as the first Executive Director of the Cleveland Public Market Corporation.