Delete WardMar 23, 2025
Opinion Published by Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer
Cleveland City Council has unanimously approved the 2025 budget, prioritizing direct neighborhood investments to address the urgent needs of all 37 Cleveland neighborhoods, from Buckeye to Kamm’s Corners, from Central to Collinwood, and all points in between.
In response to recent criticisms and editorial content, I reiterate that our focus remains on serving the residents of Cleveland.
Council members dedicate significant time to engaging with community members in various settings, understanding their needs, and advocating for improvements. The approved budget allocates funds for essential projects such as park enhancements, recreation center upgrades, playground improvements, public safety measures, including safety cameras and traffic calming, and economic development initiatives. These allocations adhere to established Council vetting processes and legal compliance, recently confirmed through an independent legal review.
More importantly, our members hear these needs and wants daily from constituents in hot church basements, grocery stores, and our neighborhoods.
Characterizing these neighborhood investments as disingenuous or improper is inaccurate and misleading. Council’s record demonstrates fiscal responsibility and a commitment to addressing community needs. There was little, if any, public outcry when this body approved $22.5 million for the West Side Market, $20 million for Gateway, and substantial investments in economic development through tax incentives and grants.
Cleveland’s historic Woodland-Larchmere neighborhood is part of Blaine Griffin’s Ward 6. The neighborhood received Historic District designation in 2015. (Thomas Jewell, Special to Sun News)
Blaine Griffin represents Cleveland's Larchmere neighborhood among other parts of Cleveland's Ward 6. (Thomas Jewell, Special to Sun News)Thomas Jewell, Special to Sun News
This body was not called irresponsible when we passed legislation to put $67 million in the Rainy Day fund, which is almost at its maximum allowable. There was no mention of being irresponsible when, because of unfilled positions and other factors, the city was able to carry over to next year $61 million, which is $15 million more than what we carried over last year. There is an unprecedented $202 million in our savings account. Yet, somehow, Council members are being portrayed as irresponsible because we’re advocating for the needs and wants of our neighborhoods - and not waiting for the mayor’s approval. I frankly find that notion laughable.
We recognize that these are uncertain times, and we have taken steps to give the administration the tools they need to succeed. But we’ve also made sure to make direct investments in our neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for our community.
Blaine A. Griffin has been president of Cleveland City Council since 2022 and has served as the Ward 6 member on Council since 2017, having been re-elected in 2021. Griffin represents one of Cleveland’s most diverse wards, encompassing the East Side neighborhoods of Fairfax, Larchmere, Little Italy, Woodland Hills, and parts of Buckeye-Shaker, University Circle, North Broadway, Slavic Village and Union-Miles.