Delete WardFeb 13, 2026
As is tradition following Presidents’ Day, Cleveland City Council will begin the important work of shaping our city’s future when Cleveland’s Annual Budget Hearings kick off on February 17, 2026.
The City’s general fund budget of $805.7 million directly affects residents, visitors, and businesses, and the budget hearings are your chance to see how your tax dollars are allocated.
As mandated by Cleveland’s City Charter, the Mayor's 2026 Budget Estimate was delivered to City Council before February 1, allowing City Council to schedule and hold hearings to review it.
Budget Hearings will begin each weekday at 9:00 a.m. and are scheduled from February 17 through at least February 24, 2026. Council Members will examine the operations and proposed budgets for every city department and division. While the Mayor proposes the annual budget, Council has the authority to refine and revise it to ensure it reflects our community's priorities.
The tentative schedule of the departments and divisions that Council will review on each hearing day can be found here: daily agenda (subject to change). View the budget book.
City Council Wants to Hear from You!
Concerned about funding for parks? Have ideas to improve public safety? Tell us about it! Your input is vital. Council urges residents to engage in the budget process in any of four ways:
Attend the Hearings: Cleveland City Council’s Budget Hearings are open meetings, and anyone may attend. Hearing will be held at Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Avenue, in the Mercedes Cotner Council Committee Room 217, and will begin each day at 9:00 a.m.
Tune In Live: Watch the hearings unfold on TV20, www.tv20cleveland.com, or stream them live or later on Council's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/clevelandcitycouncil.
Share Your Thoughts: Let your voice be heard! Contact City Council directly by calling or texting (216) 714-3006, visiting www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/resources/public-comment, or emailing webmaster@clevelandcitycouncil.org.
Get Feedback: City Council staff will share residents’ questions, concerns, and input with Council Members daily, and your input may be included in budget hearings. Council will also share it in response to specific questions on Council’s social media channels.
The Budget Timeline
The budget process is designed for transparency and accountability. After the hearings, the budget must go through three readings. While changes can be made after the first reading, no alterations are permitted after the second. A seven-day "layover" period after publication in the City Record ensures ample time for public review.
By law, Council must approve the final budget, incorporating any changes, in March, so it's finalized by April 1st.
Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of shaping Cleveland's future! Attend the hearings, share your feedback, and make a difference!