Cleveland City Council Convenes for General Fund Budget Retreat Today

Council Preparations Underway for 2026 Fiscal Plan

Cleveland City Council members are gathering today, Friday, February 13, 2026, for a high-stakes General Fund Budget Retreat. The session, scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM at Cleveland City Hall in Room 220, marks a critical step in the city's annual legislative process as lawmakers prepare to dissect Mayor Justin Bibb's proposed $2.3 billion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Today's retreat serves as a focused working session for council members to align on priorities before the official department-by-department public hearings commence next week. Following the President's Day holiday, the Council is slated to begin intensive reviews of individual city departments starting Tuesday, February 17.

Inside the 2026 Budget Proposal

The budget currently under review is the largest in the city's history, though administration officials have signaled that 2026 will be a "tight year" for municipal finances. Key highlights of the proposal include:

• A $920 million General Fund, which covers essential city services such as trash collection, street maintenance, and emergency response.
• A significant $11 million increase for public safety, aimed at addressing police recruitment challenges and fulfilling new contract obligations with city unions.
• An allocation of 46% of the total General Fund specifically for police, fire, and EMS services.
• A projected $91 million carryover surplus from 2025, which the administration plans to use as a buffer for capital projects and potential revenue shortfalls.

Focus on Frugality and Safety

While the city starts the year with a healthy surplus, Mayor Bibb has cautioned against a "spending bonanza," urging the Council to maintain fiscal prudence. Council President Blaine Griffin has echoed these sentiments, noting that the city must remain frugal as it navigates the expiration of federal pandemic-era funding and rising labor costs. Negotiated raises for roughly 85% of the city's unionized workforce, including a 3% annual increase for many departments, have already been factored into the baseline spending.

Today’s session is expected to touch upon the city’s "Shore-to-Core-to-Shore" lakefront development plan and ongoing investments in the RISE safety initiative. Residents interested in the budget process can expect the full schedule of public hearings to be broadcast on TV20 and the City Council’s digital platforms starting next Tuesday.