CLEVELAND — Cleveland City Club hosted the 2023 State of the County with Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne on Friday afternoon.
The forum at Jacobs Pavillion in the west bank of the Flats came after being postponed earlier this week due to air quality concerns.
The event marked Ronayne’s first State of the County address since assuming office in January after being overwhelmingly elected in the November 2022 election.
During the address, Ronayne discussed the need to move forward with a new jail in Cuyahoga County.
“I often say I don’t wake up every morning wanting to build a jail. But on day one in office, I walked into a decade-long conversation about the Justice Center Facility. I also walked floor by floor through the jail in the first days of my Administration…," said Ronayne. “Those in our custody deserve a better chance for rehabilitation and diversion. Speaking directly to County Council, thank you for your partnership on this most important community endeavor. We know it is time to move forward.”
Just last week, Ronayne introduced legislation for a $38 million land purchase for a new jail in Garfield Heights.
Ronayne’s full State of the County can be viewed below:
Ronayne noted that they will soon announce three pilot locations for county services in the community to help bring government to citizens.
“It’s our time Cuyahoga County. We have built the foundation. With aspiration and intentionality, I believe we will be a healthy Cuyahoga. A region that welcomes the world to the freshwater capital.”
Ronayne also announced that the county will launch the Freshwater Institute, which will focus on education advocacy, research and economic development.
“We must educate all of our children about the value of freshwater and adults. Our children are stewards of the future,” said Ronayne.
Prior to becoming Cuyahoga County Executive, Ronayne served as President of University Circle Inc. for 16 years.
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