Cleveland City Council Health Committee Meeting: October 5, 2026

The Health, Human Services, and Arts Committee of the Cleveland City Council met on October 5, 2026, to discuss three major items: an ordinance to support the Summer Sprout community gardening program, a comprehensive update to the city's Air Pollution Control Code, and an update on the Home for Every Neighbor homelessness initiative.

Summer Sprout Community Gardening Program (Ordinance 161-66-2026)

• Presenters: Dave Margulis (Director of Public Health) and Zainab Pixler (Food Systems Coordinator).
• Discussion: The ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Health to enter into agreements with the Ohio State University Extension, E66 Street Services, Inc., and other entities to administer the Summer Sprout Community Gardening Program for one year with an option to renew. The program, launched in 1976, was historically funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars and administered by OSU Extension. In 2026, oversight moved to the Department of Public Health, and funding shifted to the general fund ($250,000 allocated) due to challenges with CDBG requirements, particularly environmental reviews and contracting delays. The program was paused for the 2026 growing season. Starting in 2027, the city will manage the program directly, with OSU Extension providing supplies and technical assistance, and E66 Street Services facilitating community engagement. Council members expressed support while raising concerns about general fund reliance, the need for project management and youth involvement, and the importance of expanding food access.
• Positions: Councilwoman Nikki Hudson championed the transition, arguing CDBG stifled the program. Councilman Jones cautioned against moving too many programs from block grant to general fund given fiscal uncertainty. Councilman Conwell emphasized incorporating project management and youth education. Councilman Harsh and Councilman Shaw sought details on funding and administrative improvements. Councilwoman Hudson further highlighted the connection to food sovereignty and youth programs like YOU.
• Outcome: The committee unanimously approved Ordinance 161-66-2026, authorizing the contracts for the 2027 growing season.

Air Pollution Control Code Update (Ordinance 387-2025)

• Presenters: Dave Margulis and Christina Yoka (Chief of Air Pollution Outreach, Division of Air Quality).
• Discussion: The proposal updates the city’s Air Pollution Control Code, last substantially revised in 1977 (nearly 50 years ago). Key elements include cumulative impact assessments (with health impact reports every five years), air permit fee increases to fund an emission mitigation and reduction fund, formal establishment of an indoor air quality program, expanded anti-idling enforcement for commercial properties, a “right to charge” provision for electric vehicles, and new work practice plans for fugitive dust and odors. An amendment was introduced requiring health impact assessment guidelines to be developed through a stakeholder process before taking effect. The presentation highlighted that pediatric asthma rates in some neighborhoods reach 30% (vs. 8-10% national average), costing an estimated $330 million annually in health impacts. Council members discussed enforcement challenges, the need for stronger legal remedies, the role of state vs. local authority, and the disproportionate burden on the East Side. No vote was taken; the committee will hold further hearings and aim to pass legislation before the December recess.
• Positions: Councilman Jones expressed frustration over lack of direct legal action against polluters and called for “teeth” in enforcement. Councilman Davis asked about the history of enforcement and potential for stop-work orders. Councilman Harsh inquired about the lawnmower rebate program (approx. 900 participants) and the distinction between permit fees and fines. Councilwoman Hudson asked about city vs. state responsibility and the impact of federal EPA changes. Councilwoman House Jones and Councilman Conwell requested detailed operational plans and risk analyses.

Home for Every Neighbor Program Update

• Presenters: Liam Haggerty (Program Lead), Connor Merritt (Unit Acquisition Lead), Lonnie Williams (Project Coordinator), and Evan Garcia (Cleveland Foundation Fellow).
• Discussion: The initiative, launched in July 2024, has housed 225 people directly from the street and created pathways for 239 individuals total. The team has closed 77 campsites citywide, housed at least one person from every ward, and reduced the unsheltered population anecdotally and with data. Housed individuals include 75% who were homeless for a year or longer. Intensive supportive services include weekly visits for the first 60 days, assistance with IDs, medical insurance (78% enrolled), and workforce connections (half engaged). Outcomes for 159 graduates: 35% transitioned to permanent supportive housing, 18% to transitional housing, and 10% self-resolved. The program partners with 27 property management firms, with average rents of $1,100 (1-bedroom) and $1,300 (2-bedroom), and no neighborhood concentration above 8-9%. Future efforts include targeting unsheltered youth/young adults and LGBTQ individuals not in encampments, in partnership with The Place for Me and the LGBT Center. Council members discussed barriers (lack of ID, criminal records, landlord restrictions), the distinction between unsheltered and sheltered homelessness, and the need for a collaborative approach with county services.
• Positions: Councilman Jones raised concerns about tenant damage to units and the importance of accountability. Councilman Conwell praised the data-driven approach and suggested an alumni group. Councilman Shaw called for more focus on what hasn’t worked and the need for an ACT team. Councilwoman House Jones asked for data on where participants lived prior to homelessness, suspecting other communities are “dumping” individuals in Cleveland. Councilwoman Gray inquired about squatters and landlord payment procedures. Councilwoman Hudson asked about the capacity to house all unsheltered individuals and the program’s flexibility for household composition.

Key Outcomes

• Summer Sprout Ordinance Approved: Ordinance 161-66-2026 was approved, authorizing 2027 program contracts with $250,000 from the general fund.
• Air Code Discussion Held: No vote; the committee will continue hearings and consider a final vote by the end of 2026.
• Home for Every Neighbor Progress Noted: The program reported significant reductions in unsheltered homelessness, with plans to expand to non-encampment populations. The city will pursue a renewal for years four and five in spring 2027.