Ward 5

About Richard A. Starr

Councilman Richard A. Starr is a lifelong Cleveland resident, community advocate, and public servant representing Ward 5 on the Cleveland City Council. He proudly serves the neighborhoods of Central, Kinsman, Midtown, parts of Downtown, North Broadway/Slavic Village, and the Forest City community, bringing a people-first approach rooted in lived experience, accountability, and proven results-oriented.

Born and raised in the King Kennedy public housing estates, Councilman Starr understands firsthand the challenges facing Cleveland families. Rather than allowing adversity to define his future, he found purpose and direction through the King Kennedy Boys & Girls Club. This experience sparked a lifelong commitment to youth development, leadership, and community empowerment. 

Councilman Starr began his professional career with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland in 2008, where he served as a mentor, coach, and leader dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities. His passion for service and youth development led him to rise through the organization, ultimately serving as the Director of Sports and Recreation for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio in 2023.

His commitment to community extends far beyond youth programming. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he organized a Unity Peace March and partnered with community organizations to distribute more than 42,000 pounds of food and 2,800 masks to
residents. He also championed voter education and civic engagement efforts to ensure residents had access to resources and opportunities to make their voices heard. 

Since taking office, Councilman Starr has remained focused on delivering measurable outcomes and securing transformational investments for Ward 5. His leadership reflects a belief that communities deserve more than promises—they deserve results.

Councilman Starr’s leadership has been recognized across Cleveland and beyond. He was named Champion of Central by Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood, received the Shoes and Clothes for Kids Partner of the Year Award, and was recognized as a 2024 Black Professional Association Foundation 40 Under 40 honoree.

A proud graduate of East Technical High School, Councilman Starr earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management and a Master of Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace University. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., carrying forward a legacy of leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and service.

Beyond City Council, he serves on the boards of the Cleveland Community Relations, Campus District, Hunger Network, and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland Young Professionals. He is also Tri-Chair of the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry for the Greater Cleveland Leadership Coalition. In 2018, he was elected Democratic Leader of Ward 5, and in 2024, he was elected to serve as an Ohio Delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Guided by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to community, Councilman Richard A. Starr continues working every day to build safer neighborhoods, expand opportunities, and create meaningful progress for the residents of Ward 5 and the City of Cleveland.

Accomplishments & Impact Delivering Results for Ward 5
Economic Development & Neighborhood Investment 

• Secured over $300 million in development investment for Ward 5 within his first three years in office. 
• Helped facilitate significant commercial and neighborhood investments across Central, Midtown, Kinsman, Downtown, and North Broadway/Slavic Village.
• Led efforts to demolish 100 nuisance properties, preparing neighborhoods for future development and revitalization.
  Infrastructure & Neighborhood Improvements
• Secured over $ 6 million in street resurfacing investments across Ward 5.
• Advanced improvements designed to enhance neighborhood safety, mobility, and quality of life.

Public Safety & Community Advocacy

•  Led efforts to declare Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis in the City of Cleveland. 
• Organized community-led initiatives focused on violence prevention and neighborhood engagement.
• Advocated for stronger public safety investments and resident-centered solutions.

Youth Development & Education

• Secured $550,000 from Major League Baseball for a state-of-the-art Digital Arts Studio. 
• Secured $160,000 in City funding for the Cleveland Muny League youth football program.
• Spearheaded a $200,000 investment for youth basketball skills and training opportunities.
• Recruited and retained 175 youth participants through Boys & Girls Club programming. 
• Established a new Teen Center at East Technical High School, securing $210,000 to bring the initiative to life. 
• Partnered with Benedictine High School to provide tuition-free educational opportunities valued at $150,000 for Ward 5 students.

Resident Assistance & Community Support

• Secured $2,817,615.42 to help 800 residents reduce Cleveland Public Power debt burdens.
• Distributed 42,000+ pounds of food and 2,800 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Leadership Philosophy
“Leadership is not about titles or positions — it is about creating opportunities, delivering results, and ensuring every resident has the chance to succeed. My mission has always been to uplift communities, invest in people, and leave Ward 5 stronger than I found it.”
— Councilman Richard A. Starr