Making an In-Person Public Comment at An Upcoming Council Meeting
Council welcomes public comments at each regularly scheduled Monday evening Council meeting.
If you are interested in speaking at a Cleveland City Council, please read the revised rules and procedures for public comments and fill out the online form below.
Submitting a Registration to Speak
Anyone who is interested in addressing Cleveland City Council at a public meeting must register with City Council prior to that meeting.
Registrations may be submitted:
- By using the online form below
- In person at Cleveland City Hall, Room 220, 601 Lakeside Avenue NE. Paper forms are available to register.
- By downloading this form, filling it out, and emailing it to publiccomment@clevelandcitycouncil.gov or dropping it off at Council offices.
Registration Periods
Registrations will ONLY be accepted between Noon on Wednesday and 2:00 pm on the same day as a regularly scheduled Monday evening Council Meeting.
Council allows no more than 10 people to comment at its regularly scheduled Monday night meetings. Registration will close as soon as the first 10 people sign up. Each registrant will be allotted 3 minutes to speak.
Registrations will only be accepted for making comments at the next regular meeting; registrations for any future meeting will not be accepted until the Wednesday before the meeting. Early, incomplete, or false registrations will be rejected.
Notice of Registration
If your registration is successful, you will be notified by email or phone.
Accommodations
If you need assistance due to a language barrier or disability, please let us know at least three (3) days in advance by going here to make a request.
Attending Council Meetings
Cleveland City Council meetings are held in the Council Chamber on the second floor of Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Avenue, East.
Visitors may park for free at the upper lot behind City Hall after 5:00 pm on days when Council is meeting.
Public Record
Please remember that all registration information and public comments are public records and can be subject to public record requests.
Decorum
Cleveland City Council must maintain orderly, efficient, and productive meetings to ensure the important business of city government is completed. Council has developed a set of rules and procedures that allow the public to be heard in a fair and orderly manner. These rules and procedures apply to all speakers, and Council does not discriminate based on the speaker's identity or viewpoint or the content of the speech. Please read Council's revised rules and procedures for public comments before you register and before you appear before City Council.
Please note: Anyone attending a Cleveland City Council meeting is prohibited from engaging in any action or behavior that substantially interrupts, delays, or disturbs the due conduct of the proceedings of the Council; such conduct includes but is not limited to: handclapping, stomping of feet, whistling, making other loud noises, yelling, or similar demonstrations. Any person who violates any of the above may be immediately removed from the Council Chamber.
Rules for Speakers
- Speakers may not yield their time to other speakers.
- Speakers shall only address the topic they registered to speak about.
- Speakers' comments shall not be frivolous or repetitive.
- Speakers shall not use language that is obscene or likely to produce imminent unlawful action.
- Speakers shall address all comments to the presiding officer.
Prohibited Items
- Signs, posters, banners, placards, or similar items
- Food and drink
Make a Comment In Person at a Council Meeting
To sign up to speak during the registration period (Noon Wednesday through 2:00 pm Monday before Council Meetings) click this button.
You will be notified by email or phone if you are one of the ten people who will speak.
Make a Comment Online
If you would rather submit your comments in writing, please fill out the form below.
Written public comments will be published on this page and delivered to all Councilmembers before the next full Council Meeting after they have been submitted.
Public Comments
Filter By
Bus lanes on W25th between Jay and Lorain
As you may be aware, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority is proposing bus lanes along W25th street between Detroit and Lorain Avenue in Ohio City. As such, I want to write in support of maintaining bus lanes as part of the proposed bus improvements along W25th street, especially between Jay and Lorain. I regularly use the 51 MetroHealth which runs along this street, and the combination of traffic and parked cars can significantly delay buses. The problem has become so severe that I need to catch an earlier bus to avoid running late to work, adding up to 30 minutes to my commute at times. 24/7 bus lanes and signal priority are critical, defining features of this proposed project that will drastically improve my commute and the commute of others on this important corridor.
A handful of businesses along W25th expressed opposition to bus lanes, with one of the reasons being the need for street parking for businesses. Although I can’t speak for everyone, as a resident of Westlake who patronizes many of these businesses, I usually don’t consider parking on the street as the traffic conditions there are too stressful. Moreover, there is plentiful surface parking on the same block. Businesses have also claimed that bus lanes reduce pedestrian safety. However, removing bus lanes from the proposal in favor of street parking is arguably more dangerous for pedestrian safety. 24/7 bus lanes permanently narrow the road, reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety. On the other hand, although parked cars can have a similar effect, cars are not regularly parked on W25th street all the time. Moreover, when I’m crossing the street, I find that parked cars can block myself from the view of other drivers, increasing the chances of a driver hitting me.
Cleveland desperately needs improvements to transit such as bus lanes and signal priority as our transit system, although not the worst, suffers from unreliable schedules and long travel times that make it difficult for me and other transit riders to get to work, buy groceries, or simply live our life. I have seen the RTA and local government attempt to address these problems with improvements such as transit priority measures including bus lanes. However, too often do I see these projects whittled down and compromised, and I can’t help but feel that the removal of bus lanes will create yet another example of a transit project that was compromised due to the complaints of a few individuals over the hundreds of transit riders who use this corridor.
Although I understand the concerns that a few businesses may have about bus lanes, many of the concerns can be addressed using other solutions that do not compromise this project and the mobility of our transit riders- whether it be emphasizing nearby surface parking or more street trees and other traffic calming devices that do not impede on bus lanes. It doesn’t make sense to remove bus lanes which carry some of the busiest bus routes in the city in favor of a handful of parking spaces when alternatives exist to both address parking space and pedestrian safety. I hope the city considers placing the equitable mobility of Clevelanders first by maintaining bus lanes in the proposed project instead of compromising the project with private vehicle parking.
A handful of businesses along W25th expressed opposition to bus lanes, with one of the reasons being the need for street parking for businesses. Although I can’t speak for everyone, as a resident of Westlake who patronizes many of these businesses, I usually don’t consider parking on the street as the traffic conditions there are too stressful. Moreover, there is plentiful surface parking on the same block. Businesses have also claimed that bus lanes reduce pedestrian safety. However, removing bus lanes from the proposal in favor of street parking is arguably more dangerous for pedestrian safety. 24/7 bus lanes permanently narrow the road, reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety. On the other hand, although parked cars can have a similar effect, cars are not regularly parked on W25th street all the time. Moreover, when I’m crossing the street, I find that parked cars can block myself from the view of other drivers, increasing the chances of a driver hitting me.
Cleveland desperately needs improvements to transit such as bus lanes and signal priority as our transit system, although not the worst, suffers from unreliable schedules and long travel times that make it difficult for me and other transit riders to get to work, buy groceries, or simply live our life. I have seen the RTA and local government attempt to address these problems with improvements such as transit priority measures including bus lanes. However, too often do I see these projects whittled down and compromised, and I can’t help but feel that the removal of bus lanes will create yet another example of a transit project that was compromised due to the complaints of a few individuals over the hundreds of transit riders who use this corridor.
Although I understand the concerns that a few businesses may have about bus lanes, many of the concerns can be addressed using other solutions that do not compromise this project and the mobility of our transit riders- whether it be emphasizing nearby surface parking or more street trees and other traffic calming devices that do not impede on bus lanes. It doesn’t make sense to remove bus lanes which carry some of the busiest bus routes in the city in favor of a handful of parking spaces when alternatives exist to both address parking space and pedestrian safety. I hope the city considers placing the equitable mobility of Clevelanders first by maintaining bus lanes in the proposed project instead of compromising the project with private vehicle parking.
Jason Zhang
#JUSTICEFORMARKANDKELLY
My fiancé and I have faced severe stalking, gun violence, and a hate crime orchestrated by Steven M. Rogers and his family, including Marco Periandri and his wife, who have been planning this for years. Their actions stem from our interracial relationship, and the system has repeatedly tried to cover this up. They have relatives working in the clerk's office who are deliberately concealing past legal violations. It's crucial for the FBI to look into the situation at the justice center and in Cleveland. Both the county and city prosecutors should be removed from their positions and prosecuted. We are victims of a hate crime from our neighbors and the city of Cleveland, along with Cuyahoga County. Steven Roger's oldest son is in prison for murder and rape, yet the justice center and the mayor have managed to avoid holding this family accountable for their numerous violent attacks on ordinary citizens.
Mark
Hire more paramedics.
The budget for 911 has already increased for the 2025 year. Cleveland is a great city. I’m there all the time. I have many friends and relatives that live there. And I support many businesses. My husband and I grew up on the west side. 911 is critical to both the community and everyone that comes into Cleveland, Ohio. Use the money in the 2025 budget for hiring. Thanks
Judy Chambers
Community Gardens in Cleveland
Hello,
My name is Nicole Phelps; I cultivate a space in the community garden on West 47th Street. This garden has been in our neighborhood for nearly 20 years and is a staple in our community. My husband and I were fortunate enough join the neighborhood in October of 2023 and are active participants in the community. Our first summer was an amazing experience; we built connections with our neighbors by working a plot and attending activities held in the garden as a third space. Green spaces like our garden are a vital place of reprieve in our dense Cleveland neighborhoods and are just as important as public parks, serving a specific need for space we can share and utilize.
Recently, our community learned that a private real estate developer is exploring development of our garden for housing, and we have serious concerns. By converting free, public spaces into private housing, we enrich some at the expense of many. Moreover, as federal funds for initiatives like our community garden disappear, we must carefully protect such public amenities.
I have two requests of the Council and City:
1) Please help our neighborhood retain our treasured community garden, and
2) Please protect other community green spaces throughout Cleveland.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
My name is Nicole Phelps; I cultivate a space in the community garden on West 47th Street. This garden has been in our neighborhood for nearly 20 years and is a staple in our community. My husband and I were fortunate enough join the neighborhood in October of 2023 and are active participants in the community. Our first summer was an amazing experience; we built connections with our neighbors by working a plot and attending activities held in the garden as a third space. Green spaces like our garden are a vital place of reprieve in our dense Cleveland neighborhoods and are just as important as public parks, serving a specific need for space we can share and utilize.
Recently, our community learned that a private real estate developer is exploring development of our garden for housing, and we have serious concerns. By converting free, public spaces into private housing, we enrich some at the expense of many. Moreover, as federal funds for initiatives like our community garden disappear, we must carefully protect such public amenities.
I have two requests of the Council and City:
1) Please help our neighborhood retain our treasured community garden, and
2) Please protect other community green spaces throughout Cleveland.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Nicole Phelps
Cleveland's eventual separation from the United States
Good evening, my fellow future Canadians. As I look across the beautiful lake each day, an overwhelming feeling of hope and anxiety fills my mind. Cleveland, a 21st century city with significant potential for growth and prosperity, is currently attached like a cinder block to a 19th century country, with potential only for economic destruction and chaos. I would like to encourage our local leaders to breach discussions with the sovereign nation of Canada to willingly and peacefully extend their borders to include the city of Cleveland, beginning what I hope to be a complete encircling of the Great Lakes by our neighbors to the north and affording greater prosperity and freedom to each and every Clevelander.
I understand this is a difficult request and a long process. However, failing to take this step is a missed opportunity to secure the future of a once-great city, particularly after planned investments to our infrastructure and economy were pulled due to the petulant tantrums from what remains of the United States government.
It is often said that the captain goes down with the ship. I am no captain, and I propose we sprint at full speed toward the lifeboat on the other side of our lovely lake.
I understand this is a difficult request and a long process. However, failing to take this step is a missed opportunity to secure the future of a once-great city, particularly after planned investments to our infrastructure and economy were pulled due to the petulant tantrums from what remains of the United States government.
It is often said that the captain goes down with the ship. I am no captain, and I propose we sprint at full speed toward the lifeboat on the other side of our lovely lake.
Carlyle Addy
Cleveland Browns Stadium
I am writing to advocate for the annexation of the proposed stadium site in Brook Park into the City of Cleveland. This strategic move would not only retain the Cleveland Browns within our city’s jurisdiction but also foster significant economic growth and community development.
Economic Benefits
The construction of a new, state-of-the-art domed stadium, along with an adjacent mixed-use development, is projected to cost $2.4 billion. This investment promises to transform the area into a vibrant hub for sports, entertainment, and commerce. By annexing the stadium site, Cleveland would directly benefit from the increased tax revenues generated by this development, including property taxes, sales taxes, and income taxes from new job creation. These funds could be reinvested into essential city services, infrastructure improvements, and community programs, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
Preservation of the City’s Identity
The Cleveland Browns are an integral part of our city’s heritage and identity. Their presence within city limits reinforces community pride and cohesion. Allowing the stadium to be built outside of Cleveland’s jurisdiction could dilute this connection and potentially lead to a loss of cultural significance. Annexation ensures that the team’s home remains synonymous with the city it represents, preserving our rich sports legacy.
Legal and Logistical Considerations
The current lease for Huntington Bank Field is set to expire after the 2028 season. The Browns’ owners have expressed intentions to relocate to Brook Park, citing better fan access and parking opportunities. However, the City of Cleveland has invoked the “Modell Law,” which requires teams using tax-supported facilities to seek city authorization before relocating. By annexing the proposed site, we can resolve potential legal disputes, retain the team’s location within our jurisdiction, and ensure that the economic benefits of the new development accrue to Cleveland.
Historical Precedent
Cleveland has a history of strategic annexations to promote growth and development. For instance, in 1947, Cleveland annexed over 1,000 acres, including the airport, from Brook Park, which facilitated the expansion of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. This move proved beneficial for the city’s economic development and infrastructure. Similarly, annexing the stadium site would align with our city’s tradition of proactive growth strategies.
Conclusion
Annexing the proposed stadium site in Brook Park into the City of Cleveland presents a unique opportunity to secure economic growth, preserve our cultural identity, and uphold our legal interests. I urge the City Council to consider this strategic move to ensure that the benefits of the new stadium and its associated developments are fully realized within our city’s boundaries.
Economic Benefits
The construction of a new, state-of-the-art domed stadium, along with an adjacent mixed-use development, is projected to cost $2.4 billion. This investment promises to transform the area into a vibrant hub for sports, entertainment, and commerce. By annexing the stadium site, Cleveland would directly benefit from the increased tax revenues generated by this development, including property taxes, sales taxes, and income taxes from new job creation. These funds could be reinvested into essential city services, infrastructure improvements, and community programs, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
Preservation of the City’s Identity
The Cleveland Browns are an integral part of our city’s heritage and identity. Their presence within city limits reinforces community pride and cohesion. Allowing the stadium to be built outside of Cleveland’s jurisdiction could dilute this connection and potentially lead to a loss of cultural significance. Annexation ensures that the team’s home remains synonymous with the city it represents, preserving our rich sports legacy.
Legal and Logistical Considerations
The current lease for Huntington Bank Field is set to expire after the 2028 season. The Browns’ owners have expressed intentions to relocate to Brook Park, citing better fan access and parking opportunities. However, the City of Cleveland has invoked the “Modell Law,” which requires teams using tax-supported facilities to seek city authorization before relocating. By annexing the proposed site, we can resolve potential legal disputes, retain the team’s location within our jurisdiction, and ensure that the economic benefits of the new development accrue to Cleveland.
Historical Precedent
Cleveland has a history of strategic annexations to promote growth and development. For instance, in 1947, Cleveland annexed over 1,000 acres, including the airport, from Brook Park, which facilitated the expansion of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. This move proved beneficial for the city’s economic development and infrastructure. Similarly, annexing the stadium site would align with our city’s tradition of proactive growth strategies.
Conclusion
Annexing the proposed stadium site in Brook Park into the City of Cleveland presents a unique opportunity to secure economic growth, preserve our cultural identity, and uphold our legal interests. I urge the City Council to consider this strategic move to ensure that the benefits of the new stadium and its associated developments are fully realized within our city’s boundaries.
John Painter
Public transparency and timeliness
Firstly, it is only 2.5 hours since your in person comment slots should have been open yet it is not available.
I want to address council’s utter lack of immediate transparency regarding new wards. If we have new wards that are not easily found on this site, how do we know who is running for primaries? Letting us know directly before primaries strips us of our rights to spend time researching, meeting with, campaigning for, or generally reviewing our potential new council members. Council has slowly been showing disrespect for their own constituents- revive this by making this information open and clear and do it as soon as possible.
I want to address council’s utter lack of immediate transparency regarding new wards. If we have new wards that are not easily found on this site, how do we know who is running for primaries? Letting us know directly before primaries strips us of our rights to spend time researching, meeting with, campaigning for, or generally reviewing our potential new council members. Council has slowly been showing disrespect for their own constituents- revive this by making this information open and clear and do it as soon as possible.
Emilee Callahan
Charges against chairman Fahiem
Hey, My name is Makyah Styles and As a sophomore in high school, I feel compelled to speak out about an alarming issue that affects our community. Recently, a friend of mine faced false charges, which highlights the urgent need for real police accountability in our city. It’s disheartening to see law enforcement not living up to the trust we place in them, especially when we pay taxes for their services.
Moreover, it's frustrating that our city council often overlooks the concerns of young people like us. We are speaking up about these issues, yet it feels like our voices are not being heard. We need to work together for a safer community and ensure that those in power are listening to us. It’s time for change, and we must advocate for a system that truly serves and protects everyone. Thank you for your attention.
Moreover, it's frustrating that our city council often overlooks the concerns of young people like us. We are speaking up about these issues, yet it feels like our voices are not being heard. We need to work together for a safer community and ensure that those in power are listening to us. It’s time for change, and we must advocate for a system that truly serves and protects everyone. Thank you for your attention.
Makyah Styles
The sale of foie gras in Cleveland
I would like to speak with the Cleveland city council about banning the sale of foie gras in Cleveland. There are 3 petitions to get it banned in the state of Ohio, one is for Cleveland. It has been banned in several other cities, states, and countries and it should get banned here for many reasons. Please contact me (216)509-9237
Leslie Fox
Littering and Balloons
I've seen so many balloon release events on people's Facebook stories and Facebook live broadcasts, it's clear the ordinance prohibiting balloon releases is not enforced when repeat offenders have public videos and events reported on channel 5 and channel 19 And do not get cited for illegal dumping. Please charge NeeNee Doingthingdifferent and ART Mckoy for their egregious, large balloon littering events, thats a major thing they do on weekends. They have blocked me from watching their stories. MYSELF AND SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE asked them to stop.
Jeremy Koosed
Submissions are accepted up to 5 hours before a hearing if time slots are available