Cleveland Seeks Support for Summer Sprout Community Gardening Program
The Cleveland Department of Public Health is seeking to support the city's "Summer Sprout Community Gardening program" 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 to help manage and expand the gardening initiative.
What's in the file
The ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Health to enter into one or more contracts with agencies to support the Summer Sprout program for a one-year term running from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027. The Director 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 program relies on partnerships to provide specific services:
- The Ohio State University will provide essential materials, services, and education to gardeners.
- East 66th Street Services Inc. will support the program through gardener gatherings and events.
The total budget for the program is $250,000, sourced from the 2026 General Fund. The budget breakdown is as follows:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Who may be affected
The record names the following entities and groups:
- The Cleveland Department of Public Health, which would administer the program.
- The Ohio State University and East 66th Street Services Inc., which would act as contract partners.
- Community gardeners, who would receive materials, education, and event support.
Status and timeline
September 24, 2026: The emergency ordinance was introduced and received its first reading before 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
Official documents
- 1166-2026-Ag w Ohio State University and E 66 St Services for Summer Sprout Program
- 1166-2026-Legislative Summary-Summer Sprout Summary R_09.17.26
- 1166-2026 PRESENTATION
- FINAL VERSION City Record October 16, 2026 Page 89