After weeks of hearings on Mayor Justin Bibb's proposed 2026 budget, Cleveland City Council has put together its wish list for reconciliation with the mayor's office.
At the top of that list: city streets.
Bibb allocated $12 million for roads and resurfacing, but council president Blaine Griffin said that's not enough, with a request to boost that fund to $20 million.
Every year, council members gripe about insufficient funds to pave city streets. Many cite potholes as a top complaint from residents.
So far this year, nearly 800 pothole repair requests have been made to , .
Griffin said he and other members of council leadership will meet with the finance director Tuesday to present their list of requests and begin the reconciliation process.
Council also wants more money for the following:
- $4-6 million for the "Neighborhood Investment Fund" to be spread across the city wards. Last year, council passed a budget with additional funds for neighborhood improvements despite the mayor's objections. Griffin said several council members did not allocate that money to public projects, so he "cannot guarantee" the mayor will agree to that funding request.
- Five new arborist jobs in the Division of Urban Forestry. At an average salary of $53,000 with benefits, that is an additional $350,000 request.
- $250,000 from the general fund to support the
- An additional $10,000 per police district (totaling $50,000) for special events
- 10 staff members for park maintenance for a permanent, year-round crew
- $1 million in receivership funds to assist in housing from negligent landlords. The city wants to increase legal action against absent property owners, like in the case of these Shaker Square apartments.
- $25,000 more for the city's contract with Cuyahoga County Vacant and Abandoned Property Action Council (currently budgeted at $25,000)
Council is also Monday night to establish a fund to divert a portion of on-street parking revenue to street safety measures. This comes shortly after the mayor鈥檚 office rolled out new parking rates and enforcement hours.
The city budget must be passed by April 1.
