Delete WardCity Council has released new ward maps reflecting a reduction from 17 to 15 wards. Use the link below to find out which ward you’ll be part of starting in 2026. Below are answers to questions you may have.
Changes are Coming to Cleveland Wards
According to the 2020 Census, Cleveland’s population was 372,624—falling just 2,376 residents short of the 375,000 needed to maintain a 17-member City Council, though ward redistricting would still have occurred even if that threshold had been met.
Instead, the population shortfall led to a redistricting process to create 15 wards, with each ward redrawn to ensure a roughly equal population.
Notably, the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has updated polling locations to align with the new 15-ward map—even though those changes won’t officially take effect until 2026.
Why did Cleveland reduce the number of wards?
Cleveland City Council was required to reduce the number of wards due to population decline, as mandated by the City Charter. The newly drawn boundaries reduction ensures each ward has a roughly equal population while maintaining fair representation for residents.
When will the new ward boundaries take effect?
The new 15-ward boundaries will take effect in January 2026, but residents will vote for representation in these wards this year. A primary election will be held on September 9, 2025, in any ward with more than two candidates, followed by the municipal general election on November 4, 2025. The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has already updated polling locations to reflect the new ward boundaries.
How were the new ward boundaries decided?
Due to population decline, Cleveland City Council was required by the City Charter to reduce the number of wards. In redrawing the boundaries, Council consulted with residents, members, and hired expert advisors. The reduction ensures each ward has a roughly equal population while preserving fair representation across the city.
Will my council representative change under the new ward map?
Possibly. All Council seats will be up for election in the 2025 General Election. Some members have elected not to run for a new term, but a majority of the current Council members are running for reelection. Voters will decide. The primary election for the wards with more than two candidates running is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2025. The municipal general election is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2025. You can check the new map to see if your ward assignment will change.
How can I find out which ward I will be in under the new map?
Put your address in the above Find My Ward box
How have the ward lines changed over time?
In 1949 there were 33 wards. The number of wards stayed the same in 1963, but the ward boundaries changed. In 1986 the number of wards was 21. And in 1995 through 2008 there continued to be 21 wards but with different boundaries after each census. In 2010 there were 19 wards. Population declines from the 2010 Census led to the elimination of two wards, reducing Council to 17. New boundaries were approved in March 2013 and took effect in January 2014.
What are the demographics of the new wards?
Cleveland ward demographics.
How can I see an overlay of the new and old wards?
View the 15-ward map, overlaid with the current 17-ward boundaries.
On Dec. 10, 2024, Cleveland City Council President Blaine A. Griffin publicly released the redistricting map that Council members voted to approve at the January 6, 2025, City Council meeting.
Watch the news conference on the redistricting.