Cleveland Seeks Support for Summer Sprout Community Gardening Program

The Cleveland Department of Public Health is looking to expand support for the city's community gardeners through a new emergency ordinance, File No. 1166-2026. This legislation would allow the Director of Public Health to enter into agreements with several partners, including The Ohio State University and East 66th Street Services Inc., to help manage the "Summer Sprout Community Gardening program."

What's in the file

The ordinance proposes a $250,000 budget funded by the 2026 General Fund to support the program from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027. The Director of Public Health would also have the option to renew these agreements for one additional year. According to the Legislative Summary-Summer Sprout Summary R_09.17.26, the funding is allocated as follows:

* Gardening Materials & Services: $98,000
* Personnel: $78,000
* Soil Testing & Education: $30,000
* Gatherings & Events: $19,000
* Branding & Merchandise: $13,000
* Communications: $9,000
* Mileage: $3,000

The partnership with The Ohio State University is intended to provide gardeners with essential materials, services, and education, while East 66th Street Services Inc. will assist with community gatherings and events. As the program moves into 2027, it aims to implement changes to improve land licensing and water permitting, and it will explore ways to compensate members who provide food to their neighbors Black Girl in CLE.

Who may be affected

The record specifically names the following entities and groups:
* The Cleveland Department of Public Health
* The Ohio State University
* East 66th Street Services Inc.
* Community gardeners participating in the Summer Sprout program

Status and timeline

The ordinance was introduced on September 24, 2026, and has received its first reading. It is currently before the City Council.

Residents can verify the details of this legislation by reviewing the official record for File No. 1166-2026 through the Cleveland City Council website.

Source record

File
1166-2026
Type
Emergency Ordinance
Status
First Reading
Committee
City Council
Introduced
September 23, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar

Official documents

Sources