|
|
Highlights from Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s 2024 State of the City
By Rosie Palfy
During his fourth State of the City address, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb delivered a clear message: “Washington is not coming to save us.”
Hosted by The City Club of Cleveland at Cleveland Public Auditorium on April 23, Bibb’s unscripted forum-style conversation with WKYC anchor Russ Mitchell marked the final address of his first term. The mayor reflected on progress, setbacks, and plans, fielding live questions from residents.
Bibb began by thanking family members in attendance—his mother, whom he affectionately called “Momma Bibb,” and his Aunt Deborah. He also acknowledged the invocation by Rev. Dr. R.E. Hedgeman, pastor of his late grandmother, and praised City Council, Council President Blaine Griffin, and City Hall employees.
Midterm Evaluation
Asked to grade himself, Bibb gave his administration a “B.” He credited a drop in homicides, improved officer pay, and increased cadet recruitment under his RISE Initiative (Raising Investment in Safety for Everyone).
In March, Bibb announced a new 3-year contract with the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, which includes historic pay increases. Cadet numbers reached their highest since 2019 with 134 recruits. Police salaries, once among the lowest in the state, now rank in the top third.
Bibb also celebrated modernization wins: “We finally have DocuSign at City Hall,” he joked, along with the city’s first new website in nearly two decades.
Mistakes and Lessons
Reflecting on early challenges, Bibb cited backlash to the 2022 leaf collection changes as a key lesson in communication. “We didn’t talk to City Council or get feedback from residents. We made that decision in a vacuum,” he said. “Sometimes to be effective, you have to slow down.”
Warning on Federal Cuts
Recent months have been difficult. “We have a promising outlook, but there are choppy headwinds,” Bibb warned. Looming federal budget cuts threaten local healthcare, safety programs, and economic aid.
“We must double down and mobilize our residents,” he said. “Since Donald Trump took the White House… Washington is not coming to save us.”
Appointed President of the Democratic Mayors Association, Bibb urged local leaders to be proactive while navigating national challenges.
The Browns and the Lakefront
Asked about the Haslam Sports Group’s proposed stadium in Brook Park, Bibb estimated the odds of keeping the Browns downtown at “50/50.” He noted alignment with County Executive Chris Ronayne, though not with local business leaders.
“We’re going to keep fighting to keep the Browns on our lakefront,” Bibb said, adding that residents care more about jobs, safe streets, and access to healthcare than the stadium debate.
Public Safety and Reform
The mayor touted a 34% increase in police pay and a 90% homicide solve rate attributed to the new Northeast Ohio Crime Gun Intelligence Center launched in partnership with former ATF Director Steve Dettelbach.
He criticized the Cuyahoga County Council’s plan to defund the Downtown Safety Patrol, calling it “the wrong move.” He emphasized regional unity: “So goes the city, so goes the region.”
On the DOJ consent decree, now in its 10th year, Bibb said the city has completed 70 compliance upgrades and spent over $40 million. He urged the DOJ to establish a “clear methodology and end date,” predicting full compliance within two to three years.
CMSD and Tough Choices
Though Cleveland voters passed a school levy in 2024, Bibb warned of a projected $150 million deficit for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD).
He acknowledged the challenge of “too many buildings, not enough students,” and called for a community-backed reimagining of CMSD’s footprint. “We have islands of excellence,” he said. “But not a system of excellence yet.”
Lead Safety Reforms
Bibb pledged renewed collaboration with the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition and City Council, admitting current legislation isn’t working. “Some homes are certified lead safe, but babies are still getting poisoned,” he said. “We need a higher standard.”
Looking Ahead
Asked about reelection, Bibb said he hopes to earn a second term but declined to speculate about challengers. Republican LaVerne Jones Gore is the only declared opponent.
“My assignment ain’t finished yet,” he said. “Being mayor of my hometown will probably be the best job I’ll ever have.”
