2022 Budget Hearings

Feb 22, 2022

Cleveland's annual budget hearings have commenced. 

They begin Feb. 22nd, the day after Presidents’ Day, as has been the custom. The first order of business is the Mayor's Letter of Transmittal, with a question and answer period after with the Mayor. Traditionally, on the first day the Finance Director follows the Mayor.   

During the hearings, which could take up to two weeks or longer, council members will hear from every city department and division. Council has the power to make changes large and small to the spending plan.

By law, council must approve the budget – including any changes – in March so that it is finalized as required under state law by April 1st. Passage of the budget requires three readings, but cannot be changed after the second reading. The budget must “sit” or “layover” for seven days after publication in the City Record. View the budget here: www.clevelandohio.gov/sites/default/files/forms_publications/2022MayorsEstimate.

Here is the schedule for the budget. Be aware some departments may take longer, pushing others back or others may move more quickly and thus bring others up earlier. Watch live on www.tv20cleveland.com/watch-now/ or live or later on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/clevelandcitycouncil. Also see below.