Updating the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls
Cleveland City Council is reviewing an emergency measure to update the structure and membership of the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls. Introduced as File No. 1245-2026, the ordinance seeks to amend the city's codified ordinances to redefine the composition and terms of the commission's members.
What's in the file
The proposed emergency ordinance would amend Section 162.01 of the Codified Ordinances to update the makeup of the Commission. The commission is designed to advocate for and champion programs and legislation that improve life outcomes for Black women, girls, and their families in Cleveland Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls | City of Cleveland Ohio.
According to the 1245-2026 Ord. Amd 162.01 HowseJones document, the commission's composition will include the Mayor (or designee), one Council member (or designee), one city employee, and twelve Cleveland residents. The specific roles for the twelve residents include:
- A representative from the faith community
- A representative from the business community
- A representative from a pre-school, primary, or secondary school
- A representative from a college or university
- A representative from a local grass-roots organization
- A representative who is a union member
- A healthcare professional or doctor of medicine from a local hospital
- A social worker or representative from a social service agency
- Two college students attending a community college, technical school, or one of the four Cleveland-based universities
- Two Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) students between the ages of 11 and 17
- Four community members with a demonstrated passion for the commission's work
The ordinance also establishes specific term lengths for the original appointments:
| Member Category | Term Length |
|---|---|
| Faith, healthcare, grass-roots, and community members | 3 years |
| Business, college/university, union, and social service representatives | 2 years |
| College students | 1 year |
Who may be affected
- Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls members: Affected by changes to appointment authorities and term lengths.
- Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) students: Specifically, those aged 11 to 17 are identified as eligible for appointment.
- Cleveland residents: Specifically those serving in various professional or community capacities.
- City Departments: The Mayor's office and City Council hold specific appointment powers.
Status and timeline
The ordinance is currently in the early stages of the legislative process:
- October 9, 2026: The emergency ordinance was introduced to City Council.
- October 12, 2026: The ordinance received its first reading and was referred to the Directors of Finance and Law, as well as the Committee on Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Residents can verify these details by reviewing the official record for File No. 1245-2026.
| Faith/Healthcare/Grass-roots/Community | 3 years |
|---|---|
| Business/University/Union/Social Service | 2 years |
| College Students | 1 years |
Source record
- File
- 1245-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- First Reading
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- October 8, 2026
Official documents
- 1245-2026 Ord. Amd 162.01 HowseJones
- 1245-2026 Amend 1245-2026
- 1245-2026-as amended-desk copy-Final
- 1245-2026 PRESENTATION
- FINAL VERSION City Record October 30, 2026 Page 105
Sources
- Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls | City of Cleveland Ohio
- Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls Application | City of Cleveland Ohio
- City Hall celebrates historic swearing-in ceremony for the inaugural members of the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls | City of Cleveland Ohio