City Bulletin: Budget Hearings, Infrastructure Updates, and Major Policy Shifts

Public Notice: Cleveland City Council 2026 Budget Hearings

Cleveland City Council continues its intensive review of the Mayor’s 2026 estimate budget today, Friday, February 20, 2026. These annual public hearings serve as a cornerstone of the city’s fiscal accountability, allowing residents to witness the detailed dissection of departmental spending and community priorities. Today’s session is particularly significant as it addresses departments that directly impact the city's growth and the health of its citizens.

• Schedule: Friday, February 20, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
• Location: Cleveland City Hall, Room 217 (Mercedes Cotner Committee Room).
• Agencies Under Review: The Cleveland Airport System, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Building and Housing.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the legislative process by streaming the hearings live on TV20 or through the City Council’s official YouTube channel. Public input is a vital component of these proceedings; citizens may submit comments or questions via phone or text at 216-714-3006, or by using the public comment portal available on the council’s official website.

Traffic Advisory: Enbridge Gas Infrastructure Project in Ward 8

The City of Cleveland is notifying residents and commuters that a major pipeline infrastructure replacement project remains active in Ward 8. This work, which began earlier this week, is part of a broader effort to enhance utility safety and reliability across the city. The project involves replacing aging steel mainlines with modern plastic mainlines within the roadway and sidewalk areas.

Construction is currently focused on the following locations:

• East 91st Street: Work is active on the east side of the street from St. Clair Avenue to 763 East 91st Street.
• East 92nd Street: Work is active on the west side of the street from St. Clair Avenue to Hillcock Avenue.

Project hours are scheduled for Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. While two-way traffic is being maintained with the assistance of traffic control personnel, travelers are urged to use caution and expect minor delays. Access to residential driveways and local businesses will be maintained throughout the construction duration, which is expected to conclude in April 2026.

Official Announcement: Motion to Terminate Federal Consent Decree

In a major update regarding municipal governance, the City of Cleveland and the United States Department of Justice have filed a joint motion to terminate the federal Consent Decree that has been in place since 2015. This follows a decade of sustained reform within the Cleveland Division of Police. Official assessments indicate that the city has reached substantial compliance in critical areas such as use-of-force policies, search and seizure protocols, and crisis intervention. While this motion seeks to end federal oversight, the city administration has emphasized that local accountability and transparent policing practices will remain a permanent fixture of Cleveland's public safety strategy.