Cleveland City Council Meeting - April 20, 2026

The Cleveland City Council met on Monday, April 20, 2026, at approximately 22:57 UTC. The meeting included public comments on a wide range of issues, passage of numerous emergency ordinances, presentations recognizing community organizations and individuals, and extensive discussion among council members regarding the proposed closure of 18 CMSD schools, particularly on the east side.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Daryl Houston (Bedford Heights, not a resident) spoke about a recall effort against the mayor. He clarified he was born and raised in Cleveland and supported the recall but not having Mark Griffin become mayor. He stated that if the petition fails, he intends to move back to the city, unseat the current council member in whichever ward he moves into, and consider running for mayor.
• Angela Henderson (Cleveland Heights, representing Neighborhood Leadership Institute class 42) provided a historical perspective on the NLI's location at 5246 Broadway Avenue, which has served the community for 150 years.
• Matthew Strazinski (Ward 2) addressed the mayor's chair complaint, suggesting the mayor simply pay the $2,500 and move on. He also urged the city to retain Burke Lakefront Airport, citing emerging urban air mobility and drone laws in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.
• Bridget Smith Jackson (East Cleveland) highlighted the upcoming 10-month anniversary of the explosion at Rainbow Terrace Apartments, which killed one resident, burned two children, and displaced 44 families. She argued the incident reflects systemic failures in housing oversight and called on the City Council to hold hearings, coordinate departments, and advance enforceable tenant protections.
• Stephanie Thomas (Ward 12) spoke against the carceral system, criticizing rhetoric that equates low-income youth with terrorists. She reported that the nightly cost per bed at the current jail is $150 and will rise to $192 at the proposed new jail, urging that taxpayers not fund oppression.
• Lauren Lawler (Cleveland) proposed using criminals to clean up trash in the community, citing trash dumping and unclean bus stops. She praised Councilman Michael Polensek.
• Fauzi Bador (Ward 11) presented a petition for Ohio voters to decide on the hyperscale data center issue. He asked council to reject or delay the data center for further study, noting Ohio is the second-largest state for data centers after Virginia.
• Justin Streeko (Ward 12) discussed the future of Louisa May Alcott school. He thanked the administration for engagement and shared a neighborhood survey showing 70% of respondents expressed concern about the building remaining vacant or about housing affordability. He warned that tax subsidies for market-rate housing create market distortions that raise property taxes.
• Dantez Taylor (Ward 2) asked about illegal dumping on properties and requested a meeting with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) to improve transit reliability, particularly for wheelchair users.
• James Bentley (Mayfield Village) formally reported a hostile work environment and retaliation. He described being assaulted by a supervisor in October 2024, the supervisor's arrest and dismissal, and subsequent rehire in December 2025. Bentley stated he received a five-day and later a ten-day suspension, which he believes is retaliatory, and requested an investigation.

Presentations

• National Library Workers Day: Councilwoman Nikki Hudson presented a proclamation recognizing April 21, 2026, as National Library Workers Day. Union representative Terry Metter thanked council and noted the union is in contract negotiations with the library system.
• Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI): Council President Griffin recognized NLI's more than 1,500 grassroots leaders. Dorcas Johnson, a current class member graduating in May, thanked council for hosting.
• Raven Walker and Living for Epilepsy Initiative: Councilman Conwell presented a proclamation to Raven Walker for founding the Living for Epilepsy Initiative. Walker shared her personal experience with epilepsy, noting she is one of 3.5 million Americans living with the condition and that over 6,000 Americans die from epilepsy annually. She emphasized the need for community unity and support.
• African American Cultural Garden: Councilman Conwell and representatives from the African American Cultural Garden announced a groundbreaking after 61 years of work. They noted an eagle's nest on the property is pending approval from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources before construction can begin. They invited all to Juneteenth celebrations.

Legislation & Votes

The council passed a large number of emergency ordinances on first and second reading, many by departmental request. Notable legislation included:

• Ordinance 231-2026: Authorizing improvements to Erie Street Cemetery and Highland Park Cemetery Mausoleum. Vote: 13 yeas, 1 nay (Councilman Casey voted no).
• All other ordinances passed unanimously with 14 yeas (including ordinance 231-2026 after reconsideration? The transcript shows a count of 14 yeas on the roll for second reading ordinances, then Councilman Casey asked to be marked no on 231, resulting in 13 yeas, 1 nay).
• A motion to suspend rules was passed unanimously for several groups of ordinances.
• Resolutions of condolence and congratulatory resolutions were adopted.
• Appointments to the Community Relations Board (Brandon Ingo, Reverend Anthony Small, Stephanie Morrison Herbick, Yasir Hamdala, Peter Witt, Jay Westbrook, Luce Payot) were received.

Discussion Items

• Councilman Michael Polensek delivered an extended speech criticizing CMSD's Building Bright Futures plan, which proposes closing 18 schools (16 on the east side) and laying off 410 teachers. He argued that families are leaving the district for charter schools and suburbs, that the closures will lead to voter suppression by eliminating precincts, and that the Mayor appoints the school board and CEO and will bear responsibility. He claimed the administration had been misled by CMSD CEO Dr. Morgan.
• Councilman Richard Starr responded by acknowledging the frustration but noted that CMSD received an F grade in 2001 and that past leaders failed to act. He defended the need for tough decisions and expressed willingness to work with the administration to improve education.
• Councilman Joseph Jones paid tribute to former council member Bill Patman, who created the first neighborhood equity fund in 2001 and secured concrete paving for Kinsman Avenue.
• Councilman Kevin Conwell requested a bus tour for council members and administration officials to view blight and poverty in the Collinwood and Glenville areas, including Quake Playground which has never been renovated.

Key Outcomes

• All emergency ordinances on first and second reading were passed with the exception of one dissenting vote on Ordinance 231-2026.
• The council received appointments to the Community Relations Board and various reports.
• Presentations and proclamations were made for National Library Workers Day, Neighborhood Leadership Institute, Raven Walker's epilepsy initiative, and the African American Cultural Garden.
• Council members committed to continued advocacy and oversight on school closures and housing system failures.