New Process Proposed for Energy Improvement Projects
Cleveland City Council is considering a new way for local property owners to access specialized financing for energy-efficient upgrades through the Northeast Ohio Advanced Energy District. Introduced by Council Members Santana and Griffin, Emergency Ordinance No. 947-2026 seeks to add new sections to the city's permanent code to streamline how energy projects join this special improvement district (ESID).
What's in the file
The proposed legislation would add new Sections 144A.01 through 144A.05 to the Codified Ordinances of Cleveland to manage Northeast Ohio Advanced Energy District Projects. The ordinance aims to create a more efficient process for eligible projects to join the District and utilize available financing for "special energy improvement projects" as defined by the Ohio Revised Code.
According to the official documents, the following provisions would be established:
- Petition Process: The Director of Development may approve petitions from real property owners to add their property to the District territory for the purpose of approving energy improvement projects and levying special assessments to finance them.
- Review Requirements: To be approved, projects must reduce energy usage, support renewable energy, further city sustainability goals, and provide positive economic benefits to Cleveland 947-2026-Enact new Sections144A.01-144A.05 NEOAED projects.
- Inter-Departmental Review: Once a petition is submitted, the Director will distribute materials to the Mayor, the relevant Ward Council Member, the Department of Law, the Department of Finance, and the Division of Assessments and Licenses for comments and recommendations.
- Standing Assignment Agreement: The ordinance approves a "Standing Assignment Agreement" which allows the City to assign and transfer Special Assessments received from the County Treasurer to third parties to repay the costs of energy improvement projects.
- Financial Protections: The agreement specifies that any obligations of the City or the ESID are not general obligations or a pledge of the City's general credit, but are payable solely from the Special Assessments actually received.
Who may be affected
- Property owners within the City of Cleveland: May petition to join the District to finance energy improvement projects.
- Director of Development and Department of Development: Responsible for coordinating reviews and making final determinations on petitions.
- City Departments: The Mayor, Department of Law, Department of Finance, and Division of Assessments and Licenses will participate in the review process.
- Ward Council Members: The Council Member in whose ward the subject property is located will receive petition materials and may provide consent or reasons for their determination.
Status and timeline
- August 14, 2026: The emergency ordinance was introduced.
- August 19, 2026: The ordinance reached its first reading.
Residents can verify the details of this proposal by reviewing the official record for File No. 947-2026 through the Cleveland City Council website.
Source record
- File
- 947-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- First Reading
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- August 13, 2026