How do I engage my city council member?
Working with your elected Councilmember is a critical avenue towards gaining support, funding, and other resources for parks and greenspace projects in your neighborhood.
As described in our post on funding sources for city park improvements, Cleveland City Councilmembers often have discretionary funds that can fund park improvements outside of the normal city bond cycle (which plans three years ahead). Additionally, city councilmembers can influence the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects (MOCAP) when they’re deciding what parks to make large improvements to in the three-year funding cycle.
Here some steps to help you contact your city councilmember:
Confirm who your councilmember is!
You can find your ward and councilmember by entering your address at this link on the Cleveland City Council website. Make sure to double-check, ward lines change after each U.S. Census.
Find your councilmember (and their assistant’s) contact info based on your ward number.
You can use our contact list compiled here.
Send an email, or make a phone call, to both your councilmember and their assistant
Describe your needs, and be sure to engage thoughtfully. Developing a relationship with your councilmember’s staff will be very helpful when engaging with your councilmember.
If you’re having trouble reaching your councilmember or their assistant, contact your local Community Development Corporation (CDC), responsible for community and economic development in your neighborhood. CDCs often have close relationships with city officials and councilmembers, and can help point you in the right direction.
Additionally, CDCs often play a big role in park and greenspace development for your neighborhood, so will be a great partner for your desired outcome.
Additional Information:
Explore the Cleveland City Council website: www.clevelandcitycouncil.org.
Updated map of active and planned City park improvements: click here.
Sign up for the Cleveland City Council newsletter.
Helpful Contacts:
Community Development Corporations (CDC) can help connect you to neighborhood resources and opportunities.
Explore all Cleveland City Council staff (beyond councilmembers) here.
