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Approved legislation to provide access to free legal representation to low-income tenants with children who are facing evictions.

The legislation notes that 60 percent of the approximately 9,000 eviction cases filed each year in the city include households with children.

The ordinance reads in part: “. . . due to a lack of resources and an inability to obtain legal representation, Cleveland’s most vulnerable residents are frequently evicted by landlords represented by competent council.”

In sponsoring the legislation, Council President Kevin Kelley said, “Without knowing their legal rights as tenants and without knowing how to navigate the legal system, many low-income families are forced out of their homes. This leads to family turmoil and disruption of the children’s education.”

A study by Case Western Reserve University shows that an average of just $1,200 in rental support would have prevented a family’s eviction, a fraction of the cost of a family’s stay in an emergency shelter.

The legislation, known as “The Right to Counsel,” is a proven model that has saved millions of dollars in U.S. cities, including New York City. Ord. No. 1001-2019.

*Approved a resolution to form a working committee to study programs that give victims of domestic violence job-protected time off from work.

Victims may need time off from their jobs to seek medical and psychological help, make safety plans or seek legal assistance and attend court dates.

The resolution calls for studying such programs in other cities, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Minneapolis and St. Paul. It also calls for considering a domestic violence leave program for Cleveland’s city workers and possibly private employers in the city.

Studies show that domestic violence victims miss an average of 137 hours of work a year as a result of abuse and as many as 60 percent of victims lose their jobs due to reasons associated with abuse.

The working committee is made up of public and private entities. Councilman Matt Zone, a sponsor of the resolution, is hoping to introduce an ordinance soon. The committee’s next meeting is October 8. Res. No. 1158–2019.

*Adopted an ordinance granting $965,000 to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District for recreational, cultural and extracurricular programs. The one-year grant will go towards a variety of programs, including arts, sports, and academic enrichment. The grant will also fund science field trips and sports uniforms for Glenville High School. Ord No. 1000-2019.

*Approved legislation granting the Urban League of Greater Cleveland a $100,000 grant to provide loans and services to small businesses. Since 2015, the Urban League has assisted in the creation of 237 new businesses, resulting in the creation of 1,300 jobs. The Urban League is planning to increase its micro loan program by 30 percent by the end of 2020. Ord. No. 1078-2019.