Cleveland City Council, Mayor Reach Budget Deal

Funding secured for blight remediation, parks, and street repairs

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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After weeks of negotiations, Cleveland City Council and Mayor Justin Bibb have reached a budget agreement for 2026 that includes additional funding for fighting blight, maintaining parks, and resurfacing streets. The deal also provides more resources for council members' offices and neighborhood equity funds, though some council members expressed concerns over what was not funded.

Why it matters

This budget compromise represents an important collaboration between the legislative and executive branches of Cleveland's government, addressing key infrastructure and quality of life issues for residents. However, the tradeoffs and unmet priorities highlighted by some council members suggest ongoing tensions and competing visions for the city's spending priorities.

The details

The budget deal includes $800,000 more for the law department to pursue receivership of blighted properties, 10 new park maintenance workers, 5 additional arborists, and $8 million more for street resurfacing. Council members will also be able to hire two executive assistants each and receive $300,000 in neighborhood equity funds per ward, down from $600,000 previously. Other additions include funding for facility maintenance software, community gardening, youth summer jobs, and expanded legal aid services.

  • The budget will go through a second reading on Monday and a third reading later this month.
  • Budget negotiations were wrapped up last week after eight days of hearings where council members scrutinized the city's planned spending.

The players

Justin Bibb

The mayor of Cleveland who reached the budget compromise with City Council.

Blaine Griffin

The Cleveland City Council President who stated that the budget deal represents a fair compromise, even if no one got everything they wanted.

Richard Starr

A Cleveland City Council member who wanted more funding to address food deserts and questioned the reduction in neighborhood equity funds.

Mike Polensek

A Cleveland City Council member who advocated for funding to fix damaged brick streets.

Kevin Conwell

A Cleveland City Council member who took issue with the $800,000 subsidy for the West Side Market while East Side neighborhoods lack grocery stores.

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What they’re saying

“We don't have to solve all of the world's problems with this initial budget.”

— Blaine Griffin, Cleveland City Council President (cleveland.com)

“Every budget had compromises, and I point to the $900,000 subsidy for Highland Park Golf Course, which I don't support because many West Side residents do not know about or use it.”

— Kris Harsh, Cleveland City Council Member (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The budget will go through a third and final reading later this month before being officially adopted.

The takeaway

This budget deal represents a pragmatic compromise between Cleveland's mayor and City Council, addressing some key priorities around blight, parks, and infrastructure while also providing more resources for council members and their constituents. However, the ongoing tensions and unmet needs highlighted by some council members suggest the budget process is far from settled, with more battles likely to come over the city's spending priorities.