Ward 11

About Danny Kelly

Danny Kelly represents Ward 11 on Cleveland City Council, which encompasses portions of the Edgewater, Cudell, West Boulevard, Jefferson, and Bellaire-Puritas neighborhoods.

Councilman Kelly brings to Council a deep understanding of working-class challenges, having spent decades on job sites as a laborer. He was recently appointed as the representative of Cleveland City Council to the Cleveland Fair Employment Wage Board. The board investigates claims of wage theft, ensures workers employed by the city and contractors get paid at least a certain wage, and enforces other laws to ensure workers are treated fairly.

Before joining Council, Councilman Kelly worked as a family and community engagement specialist with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), a position he often referred to as his “passion job.” He took on this role after retiring from a long career with Laborers' Local 310, where he was a proud member for 45 years, knowing firsthand what it is like to put in a hard day of work.

At CMSD, he worked within the Office of School Choice Enrollment, where he guided families in selecting schools that best met their children's needs. His service was marked by distinction, earning him one of the district’s first H.E.A.R.T. Awards—recognizing staff who embody the values of Hear, Empathize, Apologize, Respond, and Thank—for his exemplary support of students, parents, colleagues, and the community.

A lifelong champion of equity and fairness, he has spent his entire adult life standing shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with his fellow champions of working people. As a result, he has strong ties to the labor movement, the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, and the City of Cleveland.

He is a lifelong advocate for equity and fairness and has stood in solidarity with working people throughout his adult life. His commitment to the labor movement is reflected in his roles as a delegate for Laborers' Local 310 and as a former elected trustee for the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor.

Beyond his professional roles, Councilman Kelly has been a dedicated grassroots organizer and community advocate for decades. He previously served on the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County.

A long-time resident of Cleveland’s West Side and a native of Collinwood, Councilman Kelly is a father of four and a proud grandfather. His lifelong commitment to service, labor, and community continues to guide his work on Cleveland City Council. Councilman Kelly was first appointed in early 2023 to replace Brian Mooney, who resigned to take a seat on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and was then elected by the voters to Cleveland City Council.