Cleveland Seeks New Community Development Director After $3.3M Lead Grant Loss

City Hall aims to stabilize long-troubled department with new leadership after senior staff departures.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Cleveland is in the final stages of hiring a new Community Development director to lead the department after it lost $3.3 million in state lead remediation grants due to slow spending and self-imposed program restrictions. The department has seen significant turnover, with the former director, assistant director, and the city's previous Integrated Development chief all departing in recent months. An internal audit is also underway to assess the department's operations so the new director can 'hit the ground running' on rebuilding the staff and programs.

Why it matters

Cleveland has a long history of struggling to effectively utilize grant funding for lead abatement, resulting in the loss of millions in state and federal dollars over multiple mayoral administrations. The Community Development department plays a critical role in stabilizing neighborhoods and addressing public health issues like lead poisoning, making the leadership transition a key priority for the new Bibb administration.

The details

Cleveland lost $3.3 million in state lead remediation grants after the Community Development department self-imposed restrictive program guidelines that limited spending to window and door replacements at a $15,000 cap per home. The state's guidelines actually allowed for more flexible use of funds up to $50,000 per project. The department has also seen significant turnover, with the former director, assistant director, and the city's previous Integrated Development chief all departing in recent months. An internal audit is underway to evaluate the department's operations so a new director can 'hit the ground running' on rebuilding the staff and programs.

  • In November 2025, former Community Development director Alyssa Hernandez resigned.
  • In July 2025, assistant director Tony Scott left for a position with Cuyahoga County.
  • In September 2025, Tom McNair was promoted to his current role as Chief of Integrated Development.

The players

Tom McNair

Chief of Integrated Development for the City of Cleveland, overseeing the search for a new Community Development director.

Catherine Tkachyk

Former chief innovation officer for Cuyahoga County, hired by the city to conduct an internal audit of the Community Development department.

Alyssa Hernandez

Former director of the Community Development department, who resigned in November 2025.

Tony Scott

Former assistant director of the Community Development department, who left for a position with Cuyahoga County in July 2025.

Justin Bibb

The current mayor of Cleveland, who has acknowledged the city is not getting lead-repair dollars out the door quickly enough.

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What they’re saying

“There is critically important work that takes place in the department of community development. ... I am committed to working to help that department be as successful as humanly possible.”

— Tom McNair, Chief of Integrated Development (cleveland.com)

“I am not happy with what we've done as a city under my tenure as mayor. I take full responsibility for that.”

— Justin Bibb (cleveland.com)

“I am at the point where I am questioning the seaworthiness of the ship.”

— Charles Slife, City Council member (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.