Who is my City Council representative?

Find your ward and representative here.

How can I find out about the City Council activities?

City Council's Committee and Community Calendars can be found on the City Council website.

What is a City Ordinance?

Ordinance is another word for "law". The City Ordinances are the laws of the City. The Codified Ordinances of the City of Cleveland, also known as "The Code".

Where can I see Cleveland's City Ordinances?

You may review the Codified Ordinances online or at any Cleveland Public Library. You may purchase a copy of the Codified Ordinances at the Office of the Council, Room 216, City Hall.

Where can I find more City Council information?

Check out the City Council Services FAQs or call 216.664.2840.

My child has been in contact with an online predator. What should I do?

If anyone in your house receives child pornography via the Internet, or if your child has been sexually solicited, you should immediately contact the police at 216.621.1234, the FBI at 216.522.1400, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Cyber Tipline at 1.800.843.5678. Keep the computer turned off in order to preserve evidence for law enforcement use. Unless directed to do so by the police or FBI, you should not attempt to copy any of the images and/or text found on the computer.

Should I just forbid my child from going on-line?

There are dangers in every part of our society. By educating your children and taking steps to protect them, they can benefit from the wealth of information now available on-line. Further information on protecting your child on-line may be found in the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Cyber Tipline at 1-800-843-5678, www.cybertipline.com.

How can I register to receive the Mayor's Newletters and Press Releases?

Simply fill out the City News Sign up form here and you will begin receiving the information via email.

Does the Mayor have a Public Safety strategy?

Yes, please refer to the Mayor's Future of Public Safety Initiative here.

How do I request a condolence from the Mayor?

Please contact David Gallagher in the Mayor's Office of Communications at 216.420.7606.

Who is the spokesperson for the City of Cleveland?

The spokesperson for the City of Cleveland is the Press Secretary. Additional information can be found here.

Can I get a copy of the Mayor's speeches?

They can be found online here.

Where can I get a copy of the Mayor's Annual Report?

Click here to view the Mayor's Annual report online.

I would like to invite the Mayor to attend or participate in a meeting or event. How do I do that?

Please visit the Meeting/Event Requests page here.

Are the City's Press Releases available on line?

Yes, you can view them here

Does the City offer scholarships to prospective college students?

The Mayor Frank G. Jackson Scholarship Program was developed for that purpose. For more information on this program click here.

How can a resident file a complaint about a City service?

By contacting the Mayor's Action Center at 216.664.2900 or via email. You can also file a complaint online here.

Is information available on the Mayor's Staff?

Mayor's staff information can be found here.

Where can I find general information regarding assistance from agencies such as the Red Cross or Children's Services?

Several programs and links to many services are listed in the City's website under the Community Tab here

My mother doesn't speak English. If she needs to call the City, who does she call?

The Mayor's Office of Communications at 216.664.2220.

I have a problem with the Cleveland Board of Education and can't resolve it with them. Who do I speak with in the Mayor's Office?

Please contact the Chief of Education at 216.664.2222.

How do I register to vote?

There are several ways to register, and you can get the full details- including a registration card- from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections website here.

What are the hours of operation for City Hall?

Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Where do I find a list of Cleveland events?

The city's calendar of events can be found here.

Is there a fee for a proclamation?

There is no fee charged for proclamations. To review the Proclamation Guidelines, click here.

Where can I find the Mayor's biography?

Mayor Frank G. Jackson's biography can be found here.

Who is in charge if the Mayor is unavailable?

The Chief of Staff is in charge of the Mayor's Office when the mayor is unavailable, and you can find more information here.

What has the Mayor done to save money for the City of Cleveland?

Please read this letter from Mayor Frank G. Jackson regarding the cost saving measures taken by the City of Cleveland.

Who answers questions about education in the Mayor's Office?

Questions about education can be answered by the Chief of Education, who can be reached by phone at 216.664.2222. You can find additional information here.

Can I get a copy of a photograph that was taken of me with the Mayor, or that I have seen on the City's website?

Please contact the City of Cleveland's Photograhic Bureau at 216.664.2547.

Can I get a photograph of the Mayor?

Please contact the Mayor's Office of Communications at 216.664.2220 to obtain a photograph of the Mayor.

Where can I find information about where the Mayor will be making appearances?

The Mayor's public calendar can be found here

My friends and I would like to have a group tour of City Hall. Is that possible?

Yes. Please call the Mayor's Office of Communications at 216.664.2220 to make arrangements.

How do I contact the Mayor's Action Center?

Email or call the Mayor’s Action Center at 216-664-2900 with general questions, comments or service requests.

If I call the Action Center with a complaint, what happens from there?

The Mayor’s Action Center informs the City Department of your complaint so they can work to resolve your issue. You receive a written notice informing you of the outcome

How can I let City Hall know about what a good job one of its employees is doing for me?

Email or call the Mayor’s Action Center at 216-664-2900

I have a question about a news advisory that was issued by the Mayor. Who can I speak with?

Email or call the Mayor’s Office of Communications at 216-664-2220 regarding News Releases or Advisories.

What is a proclamation?

Proclamations are ceremonial documents signed by the Mayor and issued for public awareness, charitable fundraising campaigns, arts and cultural celebrations, and special honors by recommendation of the Mayor. Proclamations are not issued for matters of political controversy, ideological or religious beliefs, or individual conviction; events or organizations with no direct relationship to the City of Cleveland; or campaigns or events contrary to City policies.

How many proclamations can my organization request?

An organization may request only one proclamation annually

I don’t think we meet the criteria. What if our request gets turned down?

A Certificate of Recognition or Congratulatory letter is an alternative

Who can make a proclamation request?

The request must be made by a City of Cleveland resident.

Can a proclamation be made up for an individual?

Proclamations are reserved for organizations, events or for an issue that affects a group of people. To receive recognition for an individual, you may request a certificate or letter appropriate to the event or circumstances.

How should a proclamation request be made?

Requests must be made in writing and can be mailed (Attn: Dave Gallagher, Mayor’s Office of Communications, City Hall Room 227, 601 Lakeside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114 Direct requests via email to dgallagher@city.cleveland.oh.us or facsimile to 216-420-8758. If you have questions or need to verify receipt of request (via mail or fax) please contact Dave Gallagher at 216-420-7606. If mailed or faxed, please call to make sure it has been received.

How far in advance should I send my proclamation request?

test Requests should be made at least ten business days in advance of the date it is needed. The exception to this rule is condolence requests- these should be made as soon as possible after a person’s passing

What must the proclamation request include?

• The contact person's first and last name, address, and telephone number.
• A brief summary and/or background of the event or organization.
• The name and date (s) of the day, week, month or event to be proclaimed.
• Draft text for the proclamation, including 4-6 "whereas" clauses.
• An indication of whether the proclamation should be mailed or will be picked up and the date.
• A date when the proclamation is needed.

How long does the City hold on to its records?

The City of Cleveland record retention schedule can be found here.

What is the City of Cleveland's Public Record Policy and what types of records are included in this policy?

Click here to read the Policy. Any records (on paper or electronically, including emails) which have been created or received by a public servant or office in charge of documenting information. Routine requests include police incident reports and building and violation notices and permits.

Do I have to fill out the request form for a public request?

The form is available to help you make your request, but it is not required. You do not have to put your request in writing, provide your identity, or provide the intended use of the requested public record. However, you may be asked for your identity or your intended use of information, for example, so that your request may be delivered to you or so that the records custodian can best assist you. In addition, public records are generally available for inspection during the normal operating hours of the City department, division, or office.

Is there a fee for copies of the records?

The City may charge for the actual cost of making copies of records. The City’s current costs are as follows: 5 cents per page of paper copy $2.50 per video tape $1.00 per diskette $1.00 per 5x7 photograph $2.50 per compact disc $2.00 per 8x10 photograph $2.00 per audio tape If an outside duplication service is requested, all charges from the service are passed on to the requestor.

Can my request be denied?

Yes. Your request will be denied if the records you ask for are exempt from disclosure according to the Ohio Revised Code. Your request may also be denied if the City feels your request is too vague or broad-based. In the event your request is denied, you will receive an explanation and the opportunity to revise and resubmit your request.

What is the purpose of Mayor Jackson's Operations Efficiency Task Force?

The Operations Efficiency Task Force is seeking to create a new model for the way city government operates.

Why is there a need for an Operations Efficiency Task Force?

Because of the City's current economy, government must find new and better ways of providing the best possible services to the citizens of Cleveland. Mayor Jackson's goals for the Operations Efficiency Task Force are to:

• Achieve and maintain financial stability
• Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of key city services
• Develop a "Customer Service Focus"

What will be the focus of the Operations Efficiency Task Force?

The project will focus on improving services across the entire City in stages. Stage One will target four departments that provide direct services. These departments are Public Service, Parks, Recreation and Properties, Public Health and Building and Housing and they are the first being targeted because:

• They have already started to look at "how work gets done" in and between their departments
• They represent services with significant cost savings potential
• They work directly with the public on a daily basis
• They are already looking at how to save costs

During Stage One, the Task Force will examine how to save money by examining four core processes:

• Information Technology, or the City's computers
• Purchasing of services and products
• Human Resources and Personnel
• Customer Service

What Are the Intended Outcomes of the Task Force?

The group intends to achieve the following:

• Reduce Operating Costs by at Least 3% by December 2006
• Enhance City Services by Establishing Performance Indicators and Targets;
• Increase Employee Productivity with Better Use of Technology; and
• Improve Customer Service to our External and Internal Customers.

How Will the Task Force be Structured?

Oversight of this initiative will occur through the creation of an Operations Efficiency Council (Task Force), which will be chaired by Darnell Brown, Chief Operating Officer. The various subject related work groups will be established and will consist of employees, community leaders and subject matter experts. The work of the Task Force will be facilitated by the creation of a Program Management Office (PMO). The PMO will be responsible for the day to day operations of the project and will develop and implement all standard operating procedures and processes to ensure the initiative is effectively managed.

How Long Will the Task Force Process Last?

The Operations Efficiency Task Force will operate throughout 2006 (Stage 1) and 2007 (Stage 2) to achieve sustained cost reductions beginning in January 2007. The 2007, the operating budgets for all departments are expected to reflect a 3% continuous cost savings. The cost savings will be obtained as a result of implementing projected operational efficiencies wherever and whenever feasible.

What Level of Participation is Expected from City Departments?

Each department is expected to:

• With the assistance provided by the Operations Efficiency Task Force, identify opportunities to improve efficiencies and work practices.
• With the help of skilled and knowledgeable employees, participate with members of the Operations Task Force to recommend changes to the methods in which work is performed and will result in effective and efficient work practices we believe will result in improved customer service and operational savings
• Adhere to the standardized project management, policies and procedures implemented through the Program Management Office (PMO)
• Quantify performance improvement measures and targets so there can be an effective determination of the quality of the job performance and a clear accountability for results.

Why is the Operations Efficiency Task Force process important?

This process will enable city government to establish a culture that is "Customer Service Focused", which will:

• Improve Customer Satisfaction.
• Challenge the "Status Quo" by developing new and effective work practices
• Constantly strengthen internal work processes
• Increase Customer Service (Both internal and external customers)
• Achieve and maintain Financial Stability

How Will Collective Bargaining Units be Engaged?

Collective bargaining units directly affected by the Stage 1 core process evaluations have already been invited to meet with Chief Operating Officer Darnell Brown. As the remaining CBU's become directly impacted by the evaluative process, they will also be given the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns with Chief Brown.

Is Outsourcing Being Considered as an Option?

The Task Force will examine all possible efficiency opportunities. This may, in some instances, mean evaluating whether the City should provide a certain service, or contract with an agency to do so. It also may include an evaluation to determine whether the City could more efficiently perform services that it currently contracts to private agencies.

Will There be a Training Component to the OETF Project?

Yes, employee training will be included in the OETF project. The key to the success of the OETF is in the sustainability of its improvements. Without training, sustainability is not possible.

Where can I get a Marriage License?

Marriage licenses are handled by the Cuyahoga County Probate Court's Marriage License Department, more information can be found here.

Where can I find information on parking and photo driving violations?

The Clerk of Municipal Courts has additional information

Can I pay my tickets on-line?

Unless the vehicle was towed, you can pay on-line.
Where can I find further information on paying tickets?
The Clerk of Municipal Courts has additional information.

What number should I call for information about a parking ticket?

Call 216.664.4744 Monday though Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm.