Ward 5

About Richard A. Starr

Richard A. Starr serves as a dedicated council representative for Ward 5, which includes the Central, Kinsman, Midtown neighborhoods, as well as parts of Downtown and North Broadway/Slavic Village. A well-known activist, he is deeply committed to creating positive change and uplifting his ward. 

Councilman Starr is more than just a council member; he is a relentless advocate, a voice for the unheard, and a beacon of hope for Cleveland’s Ward 5. Councilman Starr is deeply rooted in the community he serves. A well-known activist and leader, he is driven by an unshakable commitment to uplifting the residents of Cleveland’s Central Community.

A Journey from Adversity to Leadership

Born and raised in the King Kennedy public housing estates, Councilman Starr understands the struggles of poverty and violence firsthand. But instead of becoming a statistic, he became a success story. The King Kennedy Boys & Girls Club became his refuge—a place that nurtured his love for sports, leadership, and service. Those early experiences fueled his passion for youth development and community empowerment, setting him on a path to create real, lasting change.

A Passion for Service & Community Transformation

Councilman Starr’s dedication to serving young people led him to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland in 2008, where he climbed the ranks to become Director of Sports and Recreation for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio in 2023. As a mentor, coach, and role model, he has impacted countless lives, using sports as a powerful tool for empowerment and personal growth.

Beyond the field, Starr has been a fearless advocate for his community. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, he organized a Unity Peace March and partnered with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to distribute over 42,000 pounds of food. He helped distribute 2,800 masks and championed voter education initiatives to ensure that Ward 5's voices were heard at the ballot box.

His leadership extends beyond activism—he’s a master at securing resources for his community. His impact includes:

• Securing and bringing home $300 million worth of Development for Ward 5 in his first 3 years as councilman.
• Securing $550,000 from Major League Baseball to build a state-of-the-art Digital Arts Studio.
• Secured $2,817,615.42 for 800 residents to pay down light bill debt with Cleveland Public Power.
• Raising $50,000 for a brand-new playground, creating a safe and vibrant space for neighborhood children.
• Spearheading a $200,000 donation for a basketball skills and training program, offering young athletes access to premier development opportunities.
• Led efforts to recruit and retain 175 youth in Boys & Girls Club programs, providing mentorship, structure, and guidance.
• Establishing a new Teen Center at East Technical High School, securing $210,000 to bring the vision to life.
• Partnering with Benedictine High School to provide Ward 5 students with a tuition-free education—an initiative valued at $150,000.
• Securing $160,000 from the City Of Cleveland for the Cleveland Muny League youth football league.  
• Led the initiative to demolish 77 nuisance properties in preparation for development.
• Secured over $4.5 million in street resurfacing across all areas of Ward 5!

An Award-Winning Advocate & Respected Leader

Councilman Starr’s impact has not gone unnoticed. He was honored as the 2018 “Champion of Central” by the Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood and received the 2019 Shoes and Clothes for Kids “Partner of the Year" award. Also, a 2024 Black Professional Association Foundation 40 Under 40 recipient. His dedication to the betterment of Cleveland continues to inspire new generations of leaders.

A proud East Technical High School graduate, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management and a Master of Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace University. He is also a proud Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member, carrying forward the fraternity’s legacy of leadership and service.

As an influential community leader, he serves on the Telos Institute, Hunger Network, and Urban League of Greater Cleveland Young Professionals boards. He also holds the esteemed position of Tri-Chairman of the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry for the Greater Cleveland Leadership Coalition. In 2018, his leadership was recognized when he was elected Democratic Leader of Ward 5. In 2024, he was elected to serve as the Ohio Delegate for the 2024 Democratic National Convention

A Relentless Fighter for a Stronger Ward 5

Councilman Starr is not just talking about change—he is making it happen. His journey from adversity to leadership fuels his passion for ensuring that every resident in Ward 5 has access to opportunities, resources, and a brighter future. Whether he’s fighting for youth programs, securing funding for community projects, or standing up against violence, one thing remains clear: Councilman Starr is a leader who never stops working for the people.