Andre Dodson’s approach to leadership is fundamentally rooted in collaboration, accountability, and community-driven progress. While other candidates may focus on traditional political strategies, I bring a fresh perspective by championing the power of collective action. Through initiatives like community-owned grocery stores, the revitalization of Forest Hill Park, and enhancing public safety with security cameras, my
approach emphasizes tangible, long-term solutions that put East Cleveland's
residents at the forefront of decision-making. Eden Community shares this
vision, as we believe in empowering citizens through investment opportunities that will directly impact the city's future.

Public safety is a top priority for me. I will implement a comprehensive plan that includes the installation of security cameras in key areas of East Cleveland, providing residents with greater safety and accountability. These cameras will not only deter criminal activity but will enhance the ability of law enforcement to respond quickly and effectively. In addition to these measures, I will work to improve relationships between the police and the community to ensure that safety is a shared responsibility and that all voices are heard in the process. Eden Community supports these efforts by working to create safer neighborhoods through collective investment in local
security infrastructure.

Policing must be community-centered, with an emphasis on building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the people they serve. I will work towards instituting community policing strategies, where officers become familiar faces in the neighborhoods they patrol, helping to build relationships, foster trust, and reduce crime. Additionally, with the support of Eden Community, we will invest in programs that provide both youth outreach and education on legal rights, empowering residents to take part in crime prevention. We’ll also push for training that focuses on de-escalation techniques and cultural sensitivity to improve interactions with residents.

I am committed to transparent, responsible financial management that ensures East Cleveland’s resources are allocated in ways that directly benefit the community. I will prioritize investments in public safety, economic development, and infrastructure, while also ensuring that we invest in the long-term sustainability of the city. Working with Eden Community’s investment platform, I will explore ways to pool community and investment funds to support local projects. By partnering with citizens and businesses in East Cleveland, we can expand revenue-generating initiatives and create a more resilient financial foundation for the city.

Community engagement and transparency are fundamental principles of my leadership approach. I am committed to creating a strong and consistent connection with residents through regular town hall meetings, digital forums, and neighborhood consultations. These interactions will keep residents informed, while also providing them with an opportunity to voice their concerns and ideas. To ensure transparency, I will partner with Eden Community to create a quarterly “State of East Cleveland” report, detailing the financial health of the city, progress on key initiatives, and upcoming priorities. This report will be publicly accessible and provide clear insights into how public funds are being spent, as well as the status of projects that directly impact residents. Additionally, Eden Community’s model of citizen investment will offer residents a direct role in decision-making, giving them a stake in the city’s growth. Through initiatives like these, we will foster trust, encourage active participation, and ensure that all community members have a meaningful voice in shaping East Cleveland’s future.

East Cleveland’s economic revitalization will be centered on creating opportunities for local residents through sustainable job creation and business development. My plan includes launching a community-owned grocery store that provides healthy, affordable food while stimulating local economic growth by partnering with local farmers. Additionally, we will focus on creating job training programs in emerging sectors like green energy and technology. Through initiatives such as these, Eden Community's investment model will help create jobs by channeling collective resources into key economic sectors, ensuring that every dollar invested brings measurable benefits to the community.

Immediately after taking office, I will assess the available funds in the city budget and work with public works to prioritize and address the most critical pothole repairs. My focus will be on implementing a long-term infrastructure plan to ensure ongoing maintenance and prevent future issues. Eden Community’s investment model will help fund these efforts, and I will explore creating a dedicated infrastructure fund to ensure consistent, sustainable improvements.

Revitalizing blighted properties is an essential part of my plan to restore pride and value to East Cleveland. We will focus on acquiring vacant properties, cleaning up the land, and developing affordable housing or community spaces. Working with Eden Community’s investment structure, we will pool funds to restore these properties, creating new
opportunities for residents and businesses alike. This initiative will also provide jobs and improve the overall aesthetics of the city, creating a stronger sense of community pride.

Crowdfunding is a method of raising funds from a large number of people, typically
through online platforms. It allows individuals, startups, or businesses to
secure financial backing for projects, products, or causes without relying on traditional funding sources like banks or venture capital.

Reward-Based Crowdfunding – Backers contribute money in exchange for a product, service, or perk (e.g., Kickstarter, Indiegogo).

Equity Crowdfunding – Investors receive shares or ownership stakes in a company in return for their contributions (e.g., StartEngine, Wefunder, Eden Community).

Donation-Based Crowdfunding – Supporters give money without expecting anything in return, often for charitable or personal causes (e.g., GoFundMe).

Debt-Based Crowdfunding
(Peer-to-Peer Lending) – Contributors lend money with the expectation of being repaid with
interest (e.g., LendingClub, Prosper).

Crowdfunding is the financial revolution that’s democratizing access to capital. Instead of relying on banks or traditional investors, businesses, and individuals can raise money from thousands of backers online. Platforms like MicroVentures, LocalStake, and Yieldstreet specialize in connecting startups and projects with investors. However, they often favor well-connected founders and accredited investors.

Eden Community disrupts this model by prioritizing inclusive wealth-building, allowing working-class investors to own a piece of transformative community projects with structured returns and long-term impact.

A community investment partner is someone who actively participates in shaping the future of East Cleveland by pooling their resources alongside other community members and investors to fund city improvement projects. Through Eden Community, these partners contribute financially to initiatives that improve public safety, economic growth, and local infrastructure, while benefiting from a stake in the community’s development. These partnerships ensure that the growth of East Cleveland is driven by those who care most about its future.

As an investment partner, you’ll see direct financial benefits from the growth and revitalization of East Cleveland. For example, in three years, if Eden Community has 3,000 investment partners and is generating over $250,000 in monthly profits, you could receive a capital disbursement of $50 per month. This is just the beginning—over time, as Eden Community continues to grow, your returns will increase. By supporting initiatives like the community-owned grocery store, you’re not only helping to bring affordable, healthy food to the area, but also contributing to local job creation and economic development. The value of your investment will grow alongside the city, providing your family with financial returns and long-term security, while also contributing to a thriving and unified community.

Being an investment partner allows you to leave a generational legacy in East Cleveland. Your investment not only helps create a thriving, safe community with access to healthy food and quality education, but it can also be willed to an heir of your choosing who meets membership criteria. This ensures your impact continues for future generations, contributing to lasting economic growth, community pride, and sustainable development, and making East Cleveland a place of opportunity for years to come.