Austin Davis launches city council campaign on near west side

• Current Councilman Kerry McCormack announced he would not seek re-election there last month.

Catch up quick: Davis, 35, was born in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood, attended St. Ignatius High School and worked at the law firm BakerHostetler before joining the Bibb administration in 2022.

• Davis lost both of his legs at age 20 in a train accident and has maintained a career with two full prosthetic legs.

Zoom in: As a policy advisor, Davis helped conceive and author major pieces of legislation, including the city's Residents First housing policy meant to hold predatory landlords accountable and a paid parental leave policy for city employees.

• He says he's most proud of helping Cleveland secure federal resources for a Crime Gun Intelligence Center to track illegal firearms and get them off the streets.

What they're saying: "I know that resident-centered, progressive solutions can create real opportunity," Davis said in a press release.

• "From safer streets, to more housing options, to a stronger local economy that supports more family-sustaining jobs."

What's next: Davis will host a campaign kickoff event Friday at 6pm at Tremont's Polish Veterans Alliance.