Politics

Sam Allard
May 26, 2023 - Politics

Grassroots coalition taking participatory budgeting to the ballot

A painted banner reading "People's Budget"

Members of the grassroots coalition PB Cle, holding a banner outside City Hall in January. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios

The grassroots activist coalition formerly known as PB Cle is relaunching this afternoon as "People's Budget Cleveland," as organizers sprint to get a participatory budgeting initiative on the November ballot.

The big picture: The proposal would require the city to allow residents to decide how to allocate 2% of the general fund every year.

Sam Allard
May 22, 2023 - Politics

Shaker Heights mayor opposes police reform ballot initiative

Teen organizer Ethan Khorana speaks at a microphone on a winter day, with crowd behind him

Teen organizer Ethan Khorana speaks at the Shaker Citizens for Fair Ticketing launch event. Photo: Courtesy of Sam Klein

The mayor of Shaker Heights has been arguing against a proposed ballot initiative that would make significant changes to the suburb's police department.

Catch up quick: Teen organizers behind Shaker Citizens for Fair Ticketing want to amend the city's charter to enhance the presence of nonviolent mental health professionals, establish a civilian oversight board and create a digital public records repository.

Sam Allard
May 16, 2023 - Politics

Teen tandem pushing for Shaker Heights police reform

A young man speaks outdoors with a microphone, as people hold signs saying "Shaker Citizens for Fair Ticketing"

Ethan Khorana, 17, speaks at the Shaker Citizens for Fair Ticketing launch event. Photo: Courtesy of Sam Klein

Teenage activists are leading the charge for police reform in Shaker Heights.

Driving the news: Ethan Khorana, 17, and Sam Klein, 19, both alums of local political campaigns and racial justice movements, are coordinating an effort — Shaker Citizens for Fair Ticketing — to get a charter amendment on the November ballot to improve police transparency and accountability.

Sam Allard
May 16, 2023 - Politics

Cleveland will offer 12 weeks' paid parental leave to city employees

Photo illustration of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb with lines radiating from him.

Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Sarah Rice for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Mayor Justin Bibb proposed legislation yesterday that will provide 12 weeks of 100% paid parental leave to city employees after the birth or adoption of a child.

Why it matters: With about 7,000 employees, the City of Cleveland is one of the region's largest employers.

Sam Allard
May 8, 2023 - Politics

Sherrod Brown to Norfolk Southern: Stop ignoring us

Sen. Sherrod Brown in a gray suit, seated behind his nameplate during Senate testimony

That's the look Sherrod Brown gives you when he's had enough of your BS. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

The deteriorating condition of Norfolk Southern's rail properties in Cleveland spurred Sen. Sherrod Brown to pen a letter to Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw last week.

Driving the news: Brown noted that 16 of the rail company's 20 bridges and overpasses in Cleveland are showing signs of disrepair, including the Lake Avenue Bridge in the Edgewater neighborhood.

Troy Smith
May 4, 2023 - Politics

Akron on the verge of history in mayoral race

Shammas for mayor. Photo: Courtesy of the Shammas Malik campaign

Akron made local history Tuesday night when Ward 8 Councilman Shammas Malik won the city's Democratic nomination for mayor.

Why it matters: With no Republican or independent candidates running, Malik is expected to become Akron's 63rd mayor when Mayor Dan Horrigan’s term ends Dec. 31.

Sam Allard
Apr 26, 2023 - Politics

Bibb, City Council split on West Side Market spending

Mayor Justin Bibb and Councilman Kerry McCormack, at a press event outside the West Side Market

Mayor Justin Bibb and councilman Kerry McCormack outside the West Side Market in 2021. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios

Mayor Justin Bibb has proposed spending $15 million from the city's final tranche of American Rescue Plan Act dollars on long-needed infrastructure improvements at Cleveland's West Side Market.

  • The proposed spending plan would also transform the Market's current produce arcade into a prepared-food hall.
Sam Allard
Apr 25, 2023 - Politics

Cleveland, feds will erase nearly $190M in medical debt

Members of Cleveland City Council at a press conference at city hall. A gray-suited Kris Harsh speaks at a lectern.

Councilman Kris Harsh, surrounded by his colleagues, says the U.S. should treat health care as a human right. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios

Upward of 50,000 vulnerable Cleveland households could soon have their medical debt wiped away.

Driving the news: Cleveland City Council yesterday allocated $1.9 million in federal pandemic recovery money to the nonprofit RIP Medical Debt, which estimates it can use those funds to erase roughly $190 million in debt for Cleveland residents.

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