Where Am I: City Council Looks Out for Everyday Clevelanders with Proposed Amendments to Bibb Administration’s Paid On-Street Parking Plan

City Council Looks Out for Everyday Clevelanders with Proposed Amendments to Bibb Administration’s Paid On-Street Parking Plan

May 28, 2026

CLEVELAND, OHIO—At today’s meeting of Cleveland City Council’s Municipal Services and Properties Committee, its chair, Councilman Kevin Bishop, outlined his concerns about the Bibb administration’s recent expansion, raised rates, and extended hours of paid on-street parking in Cleveland's downtown and the Ohio City neighborhood.

“I understand the city needs revenue, but not so much that it keeps Clevelanders from enjoying their downtown,” Councilman Bishop said. “Someone has to look out for everyday Clevelanders.”

Bishop’s objections focused on concerns raised by residents, business owners, and employees about the impact of the Bibb administration’s plan.

“Cleveland is a city with significant low-income populations, and this plan risks making downtown exclusive only to people who can afford parking,” Bishop added. “Our residents shouldn’t face costly barriers to park on roads they already pay taxes to build and maintain.”

Bishop detailed priorities he felt should be incorporated into the Bibb administration's plan:

  • New on-street parking fees must be affordable to Clevelanders. 
  • Information about where, when, and how much people will be charged to park on the street must be clear, reliable, and easy to find.
  • New fees or new paid parking zones can't be sprung on people.
  • People who can’t pay electronically must be able to pay in cash or coins at a station near any paid on-street parking.


These priorities were reflected in amendments Bishop introduced to Ordinance No. 522-2026, which would change sections of Cleveland's Municipal Code governing paid on-street parking. These amendments will:

  • Create Special Event Zones for paid parking near Gateway and the Lakefront.
  • Lower downtown parking rates to $1 to 3 per hour and up to $8.00 per hour in Special Event Zones during special events.
  • Streamline the days and times payment will be required in the Downtown Parking Area to 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays only during special events.
  • Require that Council approve new parking meter districts.
  • Require that cash and coin payment methods be available within 600 feet of each street parking space.


Council President Blaine Griffin offered his support for the proposed amendments. “Trying to wring more parking fees out of people who can’t afford it, like downtown employees and students, isn’t just unfair. It’s counterproductive,” Griffin said. “We can’t let high parking rates become another reason Clevelanders don’t visit downtown."

“When gas is $5-6 per gallon, charging people steep on-street parking rates just adds insult to injury,” Bishop said.

City Council’s Committee of the Whole will review Ordinance No. 522-2026 on Monday, June 1, 2026. Should it pass out of Committee of the Whole, Ordinance No. 522-2026 will be considered at the full City Council Meeting scheduled for later the same day.