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.
March 20, 2023: Cleveland City Council
Public commenters spoke in support of a ban on flavored tobacco products and urged action on a stalled city commission.
March 6, 2023: Cleveland City Council
Public commenters criticized City Council’s decision to cut $224,000 from the proposed 2023 budget for the Community Police Commission.
Participatory budgeting supporters pack first Cleveland public comment period of 2023
At the first public comment session of 2023, supporters of Participatory Budgeting Cleveland stepped up to the microphone in City Council chambers to support a process that would give residents a say in city spending on some community projects.
January 17, 2023: Cleveland City Council Development Committee
Public comment returned when Cleveland City Council met Jan. 9 after a four-week holiday break.
January 9, 2023: Cleveland City Council
Public comment returned when Cleveland City Council met Jan. 9 after a four-week holiday break.
January 9, 2023: Cleveland City Council caucus meeting
Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin said the city is behind in issuing contracts related to American Rescue Plan Act funds.
More memorable 2022 public comments from Cleveland City Council meetings
Clevelanders came to City Council to speak about quality-of-life issue and the community impact of institutions shuttering vital services.
Memorable public comments from Cleveland City Council meetings in 2022
Residents made public comments at 30 City Council meetings in 2022. Here’s some that stuck with Cleveland Documenters and Signal Cleveland team members.
A ‘people’s budget,’ live music on the waterfront and gratitude for paid safe leave: Cleveland City Council public comment
Cleveland City Council’s weekly public comment session included continued calls participatory budgeting and more live music at the waterfront.
Rent help and housing vouchers on the minds of Cleveland public commenters
Cleveland City Council’s weekly public comment session included continued calls for additional rental assistance and protection from discrimination for renters who use housing vouchers.