Advocacy
Vision
A city that is a progressive force beyond its boundaries, working with other cities on policy change at the regional, state, and federal levels.
Questions
Only 53% of Cleveland voters participated the 2020 presidential election. How can we increase turnout so Cleveland is a stronger political force?
Urban sprawl has sucked population, tax base, and investment out of Cleveland, leaving concentrated poverty behind. How can the city lead efforts for regional solutions?
How can Cleveland more effectively participate in statewide coalitions of cities, such as the Ohio Mayors Alliance? (Progress! Mayor Bibb has joined.)
How can the city work with HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and other officials in the Biden administration to obtain more federal aid?
Recommendations
Here are some of the regional, state, and federal issues affecting Cleveland’s future.
Regional issues
Advocate at NOACA for regional transportation planning that promotes the redevelopment of existing communities rather than more sprawl. Proposals for new highway interchanges are serious threats. Also work with NOACA to promote transportation alternatives and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation system.
Support Vibrant NEO’s efforts to promote compact, cost-effective, sustainable development patterns in the region.
Support the Go Green Energy Fund, a nonprofit green bank designed to help finance renewable energy projects in Cuyahoga County.
Advocate for a fair distribution of affordable housing in all communities of Cuyahoga County, with source of income protection to prevent discrimination against renters with housing vouchers.
State issues
Ohio ranks at the bottom of states for transit funding. Advocate for much greater state support.
Support the Icebreaker Project to test the feasibility of wind turbines on Lake Erie and develop an off-shore wind industry in Ohio.
Support a state minimum wage of $15.
Keep fighting the state law which prevents the city from requiring a portion of contracts go to city residents (the Fannie Lewis law).
Advocate for state reform of school funding and against vouchers which siphon funds from public schools.
Call for dedicated Clean Ohio funding for brownfield cleanups.
Advocate for increased funding of the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, which helps develop safe, decent housing for the most vulnerable Ohioans.
Advocate for a statewide database that would prevent bad cops from moving from one jurisdiction to another.
Federal issues
Support the Biden administration’s Build Back Better plan to tackle the interrelated crises of climate change and economic inequality.
Support raising the minimum wage to $15 and the enactment of a federal job guarantee.
Support Medicare for All and make health care a right.
Advocate for continued Great Lakes Restoration funding and for strict enforcement of the Great Lakes Compact to prevent water diversions from the lakes.
Advocate for funding of high-speed rail connections between Midwest cities.
Advocate for sensible gun safety.
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