For about 90 years, residents had no regular opportunity to comment during Cleveland City Council’s weekly meetings, where members vote on legislation. That changed in 2021 after a coalition of residents from neighborhoods across the city organized to demand space to speak their minds. Council changed its rules creating 30-minute public comment period during where residents can sign up to talk for three minutes.
Opposition to ‘home rule,’ a no-driving challenge and microphones cut: Cleveland public comments
Commenters urged council members and city leaders to defend home rule and urged residents to ride public transportation for a week.
Purchase of land for new county jail in Garfield Heights approved
Cuyahoga County Council members voted to approve the purchase of about 72 acres in Garfield Heights for the new county jail site.
Public commenters cut off at the mic
Cleveland City Council cut two public commenters’ mics Monday. One of them for homophobic & antisemitic remarks.
Residents support flavored tobacco ban, worry about suburban police pursuits: Cleveland public comments
Residents giving public comment ask legislators to remove tobacco products from local stores, and share concerns about suburban police chases entering Cleveland.
Veterans advocate Walter Collins on ‘invisible’ war wounds and rallying community support: Beyond the Comment
Walter Collins has pushed for more community coordination and response to veterans in crisis.
Community members sound off about tree loss in Cudell (Podcast)
Community members spoke to the Board of Education about plans to remove trees from Cudell Park to make way for the new Marion Seltzer school.
Downtown resident Lady Palmer’s comments on stolen Kia give ‘peace of mind’: Beyond the Comment
Public commenters don’t often show up at City Council meetings just to thank public officials for their support. But for Downtown Cleveland resident Lady Palmer, singing the praises of those who’ve helped her is how she shows her appreciation. Palmer first spoke to Cleveland City Council last year about safety and parking issues at her building.…
Frequent public commenter Loh on committing to direct democracy: Beyond the Comment
Loh is a frequent public commenter and activist well known for attending public government meetings and asking for better city services.
Revisiting the year in public comment at Cleveland City Council (Podcast)
A look back at some highlights of the many public comments residents made at Cleveland City Council so far this year.
The year (so far) in public comments at Cleveland City Council (Podcast)
At Cleveland City Council residents speak to about issues that matter most to them. Here a few highlights from this year.