Cleveland City Council is the legislative governing body of the city. The 17 members are elected to four-year terms, unless appointed to fill a mid-term vacancy. Each Council member represents about 25,000 people. Council members serve two roles in their duties: to draft and enact legislation for the city of Cleveland and act as ombudspersons for their constituents.

Signal Cleveland reporters and Cleveland Documenters report on and explain what is happening. From our meeting briefs to a closer look at issues before Council, we inform Greater Clevelanders about information that is important to them and their neighbors.

Most Recent News

Council members argue over staff issues, contract delays

Committee Chair and Council President Blaine Griffin opened the meeting with remarks from Cleveland Director of Finance Paul Barrett. 

by Cleveland Documenters February 25, 2026February 25, 2026

More Cleveland City Council news

Cleveland Clerk of Courts Earle B. Turner said his parking ticket ‘workaround’ didn’t harm drivers

Testifying during a budget hearing, Turner said his office changed some drivers’ credit card payments to enforce the law – but that it never prevented drivers from restoring their registrations.

by Mark Naymik February 19, 2026February 20, 2026

Cleveland landlords who have ‘done the right thing’ would face fewer rules under potential city lead law updates

Under a city proposal, landords could get lead safe certificates that last five years instead of two years. The city would only approve those for properties that have received lead safe certificates three times in a row.

by Celia Hack February 17, 2026February 23, 2026

Cleveland loses $3.3 million in lead paint grant money after spending it too slowly

City officials said state grant requirements hampered their ability to fix up homes fast enough.

by Nick Castele February 9, 2026February 23, 2026

‘Vulnerable for gentrification’: Cleveland housing the talk of council meeting

Cleveland City Council Caucus meeting, Jan. 28, 2026. Documented by Maria Shuckahosee.

by Cleveland Documenters February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

The 216 explained:

Free IRS tax filing help available for Cuyahoga County families

by Emma Sedlak February 19, 2026

More news

Cleveland City Council doubles members’ expense account limits

Members can now pay themselves back with taxpayer dollars for up to $2,500 in work expenses each month.

by Nick Castele February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

‘Your mother is not forgotten’: Tanisha’s Law changes future of city response to mental health crisis calls

The process of bringing Tanisha’s Law to council and working through compromises with City Hall to get it passed took years.

by Frank W. Lewis February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

As air pollution rules sit idle, pressure grows on Cleveland City Council

Mayor Justin Bibb’s administration proposed a new set of air pollution rules last spring. One year later, advocates are frustrated that they haven’t been heard by City Council.

by Celia Hack February 3, 2026

Raises, repairs and ‘leaner times’: A first look at Cleveland’s $2.3 billion budget

City Hall is expecting a ‘tight year’ amid a ‘time of broad uncertainty’ after posting higher-than-expected revenue in 2025.

by Nick Castele February 2, 2026February 3, 2026

City Hall: Cleveland community development corporations at ‘weakest point in a generation’

Weekly Chatter: The city wants a new approach for the neighborhood nonprofits that spend money on home repairs and small business aid.

by Nick Castele February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

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