Health, Human Services and the Arts Committee- October 5, 2026

The Cleveland City Council Health, Human Services and the Arts Committee met on October 5, 2026. The committee approved Ordinance 1166-2026, authorizing the Director of Public Health to enter one-year agreements, with an option to renew for a year, with Ohio State University, East 66th Street Services Inc., and other entities for the Summer Sprout Community Gardening Program. The program is moving from CDBG support to the General Fund to avoid delays and administrative burdens; the presentation identified $250,000 in 2026 funding, intended to support the 2027 growing season. OSU Extension will provide supplies, training, education, and technical assistance; East 66th Street Services will convene gardeners and gather input. The city is also taking on more program administration, and staff reported more than 50 renewal applications so far, compared with a historical peak of about 190 gardens. The Water Department MOU for discounted hydrant permits remains under review.

The committee also discussed, without a vote, a proposed update to Cleveland’s air pollution control code. Provisions include cumulative-impact and health assessments, stronger local enforcement, indoor-air-quality work, and an emission mitigation and reduction fund expected to generate about $330,000 annually for grants and administration; the proposed fee increases and grant structure will require further discussion and stakeholder work. For the Home for Every Neighbor program, staff reported an annual General Fund allocation of $1.9 million, 27 participating property-management firms, and roughly 200 units made available, with average rents of $1,100 for a one-bedroom and $1,300 for a two-bedroom. Staff agreed to provide follow-up information requested by council members, including program and air-quality data; no new housing contracts or spending actions were approved in that discussion.