Cuyahoga County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cuyahoga County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
ARPA community grants to local nonprofits
Council introduced a batch of neighborhood grants from District 7, 8 and 10 ARPA funds — from a community farm and field house upgrades to a senior resources hub and a Freedom Summer 2026 project — plus adopted a $12,500 youth voting summit award.
Residential TIF district objections
The county is formally objecting to residential TIF incentive districts created by Orange and Middleburg Heights, which divert property tax growth away from schools and other taxing bodies.
Mid-year budget amendments
Council adopted two budget amendments adding appropriations for housing assistance, the HOME program, the MetroHealth quarterly subsidy, and $170,000 for Medical Examiner needs.
Grant management ordinance
A new ordinance (O2026-0012) would write into county code the legal level of budget control and new reporting rules for federal, state and local grants — a transparency measure now in committee.
2026 Budget Amendments
Council passed two budget amendments adding millions for foster care, broadband at CMHA housing, juvenile court programs, and road maintenance. The foster care money is mostly HHS levy and state funds — not new county tax dollars.
ARPA community grant awards
Several neighborhood grants got bigger before their final October votes — including more money for the animal shelter, a domestic violence shelter, and a food-as-medicine program.
Charter amendment on campaign finance and public comment
The same resident asked Council to restore the three-minute public comment period, saying two minutes is too short to make a full point.
County parking garage rate increases
Starting September 1, county employees — including forensic scientists at the Medical Examiner's Office — will pay to park in county garages. Workers pushed back hard, and council sent the ordinance to the full Committee of the Whole for a July 21 hearing.
Charter amendment clarifying Prosecuting Attorney and Director of Law duties
A charter amendment dividing powers between the County Prosecutor and the Law Director failed 5–6 after law department attorneys publicly warned the draft left their jobs exposed. Council will keep negotiating and may call a special meeting to try again.
Health and human services levy renewal with 2.5-mill increase
Council agreed to ask voters in November to renew and increase the levy that funds child protection, senior services, homelessness programs and more. Several members worried about affordability, but supporters warned that without new money, service cuts and layoffs are likely.
Health and human services levy renewal with increase
The county is asking voters to renew its 4.70-mill HHS levy and add 2.5 mills for ten years to protect services like senior meals, homeless services, and child support programs. The executive says federal and state cuts have left the county as the last safety net.
County parking rate increases
A new ordinance would charge county employees to park at county garages starting September 1, with monthly rates ranging from $40 to $125 and phased increases at the Samuel Gerber building. Crime lab and IT employees testified it's a pay cut that will force them onto public transit or walking in a high-crime area. It was referred to committee — nothing final yet.
Developmental disabilities 2.25-mill levy
The Board of Developmental Disabilities wants a brand-new 2.25-mill levy — roughly $95 million a year — on the ballot for services and facilities. Council held it a week to wait for the fiscal officer's certification.
Gateway sports facilities repair funding gap
The Gateway Board identified $52 million in needed repairs to Progressive Field and Rocket Arena, with only $7.7 million covered. Council President Miller called it urgent since the county and city own the facilities under their leases.
2027 Alternative Tax Budget
The county's 2027 tax budget — the framework for next year's property tax levies — was introduced and sent to the Finance & Budgeting Committee.
Metzenbaum Center sublease to state youth services
The state will lease the county's Metzenbaum Center for a youth facility with 32 beds and a home-like, restorative approach — bringing in nearly $29.7 million. Construction starts this fall and finishes in fall 2028.
Capital Improvement Notes, Series 2026
Council authorized selling up to $25.69 million in notes to pay off the county's 2025 capital facilities notes when they mature in June.
Property tax elimination concerns
County Executive Ronayne highlighted a public forum on the risks of eliminating property taxes in Ohio, warning it would hit schools, libraries, parks and county services.
County property appraisal system upgrade
A $17 million, ten-year contract with Manatron to modernize the county's property appraisal software was adopted — the system behind your property valuations.
Tax lien certificate sale
A two-year agreement to sell tax lien certificates to NAR Ohio entities, up to $40 million per year, advanced to final reading April 28.