Matthew Schmidt

Matthew Schmidt, Director of Modernization and Development of CMHA, oversees the long-term planning, development and implementation of strategic real estate and housing initiatives that include the authority’s public housing portfolio, mixed-finance transactions and projects associated with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Rental Assistance Demonstration and Choice Neighborhood programs.

In addition to oversite and coordination of construction financing for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization initiatives, Schmidt oversees the CMHA Capital Fund Program. Prior to serving as Director, Schmidt was the Senior Real Estate and Planning Administrator where he is responsible for overseeing the master planning processes that set long-term goals for new construction and major rehabilitation efforts, as well as positioning the authority’s properties within the context of surrounding municipal and neighborhood revitalization goals.

Schmidt received a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Architecture degree with a focus in Urban Design from Kent State University. Prior to joining CMHA, Schmidt began his career as an urban designer and city planner at a local architecture firm where he grew to become an Associate overseeing initiatives that included city master plans, neighborhood development plans, multi-modal infrastructure projects and streetscape designs. This work included an array of CMHA redevelopments. Schmidt also served as the Program Director for a national non-profit organization focused on land conservation and equity in park creation. He is active in the American Planning Association, where he serves on the Cleveland Section and Ohio Chapter boards, and was honored as a Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 recipient. Schmidt obtained his planning certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners