Cleveland City Bulletin: 2026 Budget Reviews and Public Health Advisories

Official Notice: 2026 City Budget and Consolidated Plan Hearings

The City of Cleveland has officially entered its annual budget review period following the release of Mayor Justin Bibb’s $2.3 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year. This proposal, which includes 3% annual raises for unionized city workers and approximately $92 million earmarked for capital projects such as road resurfacing and recreation center repairs, is now under formal review by City Council. Residents are advised that departmental hearings will continue throughout the month to finalize city spending priorities.

Additionally, the Department of Community Development has issued a public notice regarding the 2026-2030 Five-Year Consolidated Plan. Public hearings are scheduled to gather input on the use of federal funds, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships. While the first formal workshops are set for mid-February at the Fatima Family Center and May Dugan Center, residents can review the draft plans at City Hall, Room 320, beginning this week.

Public Safety: Implementation of Tanisha’s Law

Following a unanimous vote by the Cleveland City Council earlier this week, the city has officially begun the establishment of the Bureau of Crisis Response within the Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This new bureau, created under Tanisha’s Law, is designed to enhance the city’s response to mental health crisis calls by utilizing specialized care response teams. The legislation requires the city to provide yearly public reports and maintain an online dashboard with response data to ensure transparency in public safety outcomes.

Health and Environmental Advisories

The Cleveland Department of Public Health and the Ohio Department of Health have designated February as American Heart Month. Local health officials are encouraging residents to utilize city recreation centers for cardiovascular exercise and to seek out free blood pressure screenings available at various community clinics. In environmental news, residents are reminded to remain vigilant regarding air quality. Recent temperature inversions have led to elevated particulate levels in the region; the health department continues to advocate for the passage of updated air pollution standards to address long-term asthma rates in neighborhood corridors.

Community Service Reminders

• Parking Regulation Updates: As of early 2026, new standardized parking rates of $1.50 per hour are in effect. In Downtown and Ohio City, paid parking hours now extend from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM to improve street turnover and support local businesses.
• Tax Assistance: The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition is currently accepting appointments for free tax preparation services for households earning up to $69,000. Residents can dial 2-1-1 to find the nearest IRS-certified volunteer site.
• School Choice Deadline: Families participating in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s "Building Brighter Futures" program must confirm their school choices by February 27, 2026, to secure seats for the upcoming academic year.