The 119th Council Takes Shape

Jan 05, 2026

Council President Blaine A. Griffin recently released his appointments of committee leadership and membership for the 119th Session of Cleveland City Council for the term of 2026 through 2029. (See Attached)

“We can’t predict the kinds of legislation we will consider in the upcoming four years,” Council President Griffin said. “Instead, we try to organize ourselves to handle any issue or concern that comes our way. I believe this roster of committee leaders and members will allow us to thoroughly and fairly consider legislation that may come before us.”

In 2022, Cleveland City Council adjusted its committee structure and expanded the scope of several committees. Council will retain this structure into the new term.

Cleveland City Council has eight standing committees:

• Development, Planning, and Sustainability
• Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Health, Human Services, and the Arts
• Municipal Services and Properties
• Utilities
• Workforce Education, Training, and Youth Development
• Transportation and Mobility

The Finance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee has nine members, and it reviews nearly every piece of legislation before the full Council considers it for a vote. Because of its critical role in the legislative process, the Finance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee has nine members. All other standing committees of Cleveland City Council have seven members.

Cleveland City Council also has three ad hoc committees that consider matters pertaining to Council’s roles and operations:

• Mayor’s Appointments
• Operations
• Rules

Each committee has five members and meets at the call of its Chair.

Members of Cleveland City Council sit on at least four and no more than six committees. Standing Committees have a Chair and Vice Chair; Ad hoc committees only have a Chair.

Council President Griffin added, “Cleveland City Council has deep expertise and first-hand knowledge about many of the issues we are asked to consider. The depth and breadth of our members’ collective knowledge, lived experiences, and community connections are critical to making Cleveland a better place to live, work, and raise a family.” 

City Council’s swearing-in ceremony will take place Monday, January 5, 2026 at 7:00 pm in Cleveland City Hall Council Chambers. The ceremony can also be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/clevelandcitycouncil.