Neighbors came together again and again through Thirsty Thursdays, general meetings, book clubs, game nights, and other gatherings that strengthened relationships and kept civic life vibrant. Signature events brought the neighborhood to life—from the music-filled porches of Cooper-Young Porchfest to parties, swaps, contests, and celebrations that welcomed longtime residents and newcomers alike. A standout highlight was our first-ever Cooper-Young Cat Walk, which drew more than 300 attendees and delivered pure joy, laughter, and community fun.
Our large-scale events continued to anchor the year and showcase the heart of Cooper-Young. The Cooper-Young 4-Miler brought out 1,596 runners and countless supporters, complemented by training sessions, neighborhood decorations, and a festive race-day atmosphere. Beerfest welcomed 700 attendees, while Wine & Walk, the Yard Sale, holiday events, food drives, and volunteer celebrations rounded out a full calendar powered by neighbors showing up for one another. Each event reflected the same spirit: inclusive, homegrown, and deeply connected to the place we call home.
Beyond events, 2025 marked meaningful investment in our neighborhood’s shared spaces, with the Sidewalk Program standing out as a major achievement. Using $18,450 in city and county funds, sidewalks were replaced at 19 homes, improving safety, accessibility, and everyday walkability. We also maintained the beloved Trestle Art, supported the Cooper-Young Arboretum, and launched the Cooper-Young Brighter Blocks adoption program—practical, visible improvements that reflect long-term care for our neighborhood.
We also celebrated 25 years of the iconic Cooper-Young Trestle Art—a landmark built by our small nonprofit in 2000 to honor the creativity and spirit of our neighborhood. The trestle remains a vibrant symbol of the art, history, and heart of Cooper-Young.
As we look ahead, the momentum continues. In 2026, we’ll once again host our major events—Porchfest, the 4-Miler, Beerfest, and the return of the Cat Walk—and we want the community’s voice guiding what comes next. We invite neighbors to share feedback (just email us at info@cooperyoung.org) and ideas through this survey as we plan for the future. Together, we’ll keep Cooper-Young vibrant, welcoming, and rooted in the people who make it home.
2025 Financial Snapshot
