CLEVELAND — Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb delivered his 2024 State of the City address on Thursday, focusing on what he called a "bright future" for the city.
In front of a sold-out audience at Mimi Ohio Theatre in Playhouse Square, Bibb looked back at the past year and looked ahead to the areas that his administration plans to focus on in the future.
"Together, we have set in motion a wave of renewal. We have created jobs, paved pathways to home ownership, improved our neighborhoods and built a safer, stronger city for every resident," Bibb said in his address. "Together, we are making Cleveland a place in this country where the American dream is still within reach for everyone. The state of our city is strong and we are just getting started."
You can watch Mayor Justin Bibb's full State of the City address below:
Here are some of the areas Bibb focused on during his remarks:
FIXING CRIME
One of the first topics that Bibb addressed during his State of the City address was the issue of crime in Cleveland, highlighted by last year's mass shooting on West 6th Street that injured nine people.
“The Warehouse District shooting last summer was devastating. Another act of senseless gun violence. Despite the state tying our hands, we need to exhaust every option to prevent these tragedies in this city,” said Bibb.
As a response to violent events in Cleveland, Bibb spoke about his RISE initiative, which was created to stop crime before it starts and guarantee an effective response when it occurs.
Bibb noted that during the previous year, law enforcement has made hundreds of felony warrant arrests and has confiscated many illegal guns from the streets of Cleveland.
“The data shows these investments are working. Homicides were down last year for the second year in a row. Since the pandemic, homicides have decreased by 14%,” said Bibb.
In addition, Bibb spoke about Cleveland’s addition of ShotSpotter technology to all five districts, which has saved nearly 40 lives.
“ShotSpotter is a key part of the equation in terms of giving families justice when they lose someone to gun violence,” said Bibb.
Bibb added that the homicide-solved rate in the city of Cleveland is now close to 80%.
“A safer Cleveland needs comprehensive gun reform and tools to crack down on illegal gun trafficking. It’s time for us to put people over politics on this issue once and for all,” said Bibb. “I know we can work together.”
Additionally, Bibb announced that next week the city will launch a new generation of an open data portal to give the public access to more city records.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY
“You have to get the basics right. As a son of a cop, nothing is more fundamental to me than public safety. If we can’t build a Cleveland where every resident feels safe and trusts law enforcement to answer in their hour of need, we can’t achieve much else. Safety comes first. It will always come first,” said Mayor Bibb.
Over the past year, Mayor Bibb said his administration has worked to improve police retention and recruitment. Since launching RISE, the mayor noted that his policies have increased pay up to 25% for current officers, raised the maximum age to become a police officer, and established 12-hour shifts, resulting in more time off for police.
“This dynamic model spreads out staffing and increases police presence on our streets. In fact, we are not far from optimal patrol numbers in our five districts," Bibb said.
As a result of the initiatives, applications for the police force are up by 45%. Additionally, the Cleveland Division of Police has welcomed a new class of 52 cadets to the police academy, larger than the four previous classes combined.
CLEVELAND'S EDUCATION SYSTEM
During his speech, Bibb also addressed the need to provide the next generation with a next-class education system.
“CMSD deserves our full support and partnership to keep it on the right track. We must all invest in the future success of our schools. We can’t continue to operate with an outdated building. Redlining our vision for our schools won’t be easy, but know this: students will be at the front of every policy,” said Bibb.
Bibb mentioned that schools were built when Cleveland’s population was three times what it is now. Instead of keeping up with the renovations for all the schools, Bibb said he would like to fund after-school programs for students and teachers.
“Again, it's the basics, keeping kids safe and healthy and making sure they have mental health support, tools they need in the classroom and internet access to do their homework," he said.
CLEVELAND'S LAKEFRONT
“In the last 100 years, there have been dozens upon dozens of lakefront plans," Bibb said, touching off some laughs from the audience. "I am confident that this is the plan. Here’s why. We founded the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation to carry the plan forward across changing leadership and administration. We put people at the center of every decision."
Mayor Bibb stated that they will use a portion of future property income tax increases to pay for the public infrastructure the ambitious plan requires.
“This is how we stop managing decline and begin to grow once again," said Bibb.
While he did discuss his vision for the future of the lakefront, Mayor Bibb did not address the recent stadium talks surrounding the Browns after team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam confirmed they have narrowed their options to either renovating the current stadium on the lakefront or building a new domed facility away from downtown, most likely in Brook Park.
Bibb, who has previously vowed not to use general fund dollars to finance such a project, released the following statement Wednesday on discussions with the club:
"My administration is committed to creating a best-in-class lakefront for Cleveland and keeping the Browns downtown is a priority. Over the last two years, my administration has been active and engaged with the Haslam Sports Group (HSG) to understand the needs of the team and collectively work toward an agreement.
"We meet regularly with their team to refine shared terms and come to a joint vision and acceptable deal for both parties that improves the experience for residents, sports fans and visitors. HSG has been a great partner and I look forward to continued collaboration and conversation to find the best solution."