Committee recommends approval for grocery store incentive program
The Health, Human Services and the Arts Committee recommended for approval an emergency ordinance to create a Good Food Retailer Certification Program on 2026-10-19. This move advances File No. 1230-2026, which aims to help local grocery stores and cooperatives remain operational through economic incentives.
What changed
Since we reported on this initiative as earlier coverage on 2026-10-03, the proposal has moved from its introduction phase to receiving a formal recommendation from a city committee. As outlined in the official ordinance, the legislation seeks to establish a certification process managed by the Director of Public Health.
Once certified, qualifying retailers could become eligible for a Job Retention Income Tax Credit Incentive Program. The ordinance states this program is intended to combat grocery store closures and address food access barriers by providing annual tax credits to businesses that meet specific criteria, such as:
- Offering a minimum percentage of fresh and frozen produce, meats, dairy, and other nutritious foods;
- Accepting SNAP and WIC benefits;
- Employing Cleveland residents at wages above the minimum wage;
- Donating excess edible food to local food pantries or mutual aid organizations.
Status and timeline
- 2026-10-01: Introduced
- 2026-10-19: Health, Human Services and the Arts Committee recommended for approval
Residents can verify these details and view the full text of the proposed certification requirements by visiting the official Legistar record.
Source record
- File
- 1230-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- In Committee
- Committee
- Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee
- Introduced
- September 30, 2026