Ward 6

About Blaine A. Griffin

Council President Blaine A. Griffin proudly represents Ward 6, one of Cleveland’s most diverse and vibrant districts, encompassing neighborhoods such as Fairfax, Larchmere, Little Italy, Woodland Hills, and parts of Buckeye-Shaker, University Circle, North Broadway, Slavic Village, and Union-Miles.

Leadership on the Local Stage: As President of Cleveland City Council, Blaine A. Griffin plays a pivotal role in shaping policy and advancing legislation that directly impacts the daily lives of Clevelanders. He leads Council with a commitment to equity, transparency, and collaborative governance, ensuring that residents from all neighborhoods have a voice in City Hall. 

Council President Griffin works closely with fellow Councilmembers, the Mayor’s administration, community leaders, and advocacy groups to drive investment, improve public safety, expand affordable housing, and promote inclusive economic growth. He is known for his hands-on leadership style, ability to navigate complex issues, and dedication to uplifting historically underserved communities while also working diligently to advance and improve Ward 6 neighborhoods.

Under his leadership, the Council has prioritized investments in infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, and violence prevention. He also champions initiatives that promote fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and community-based solutions, reflecting his deep belief that local government must be both efficient and responsive to the people it serves.

Leadership on the National Stage: In addition to his local service, Council President Griffin holds prominent national roles. He was recently reappointed Chair of the National League of Cities (NLC) Finance, Administration, and Intergovernmental Affairs (FAIR) Federal Advocacy Committee. He continues to serve on the NLC Board of Directors and has also been appointed to the organization’s Legislative Action Committee and Large Cities Council, where he advocates for urban policy priorities at the federal level.

A Proven Track Record in Community Relations: Before joining Cleveland City Council in 2017, Councilman Griffin spent 11 years as Executive Director of the City’s Community Relations Board, where he led initiatives to strengthen cross-cultural understanding, improve police-community relations, and support youth engagement. His leadership helped shape policies and programs aimed at building safer, more inclusive neighborhoods.

Focus on Justice, Equity & Community Support: Earlier in his career, Councilman Griffin served as a Program Officer with the Cuyahoga County Department of Justice Affairs, managing community reentry programs for individuals transitioning from correctional facilities. He also served as Program Director for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, overseeing a $2.7 million budget and coordinating 800+ volunteers at 160 emergency food distribution sites throughout the county. 

His grassroots experience began with the Harvard Community Services Center and the East End Neighborhood House, where he organized residents and stakeholders to address critical public health issues, including infant mortality, through the Healthy Family/Healthy Start initiative.

He is a graduate of the Cleveland State University Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs Leadership Academy, Leadership Cleveland (Class of 2014), and is a German Marshall Memorial Fellow, recognizing his commitment to transatlantic public service. 

Family & Background: Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Councilman Griffin moved to Cleveland in 1993. He and his wife Jeanette, married for 29 years, are proud parents of three sons and reside in the Larchmere neighborhood of Ward 6. 

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Malone College in Canton, Ohio, and was reelected to Cleveland City Council in November 2021, having first been appointed to represent Ward 6 in May 2017.