Cleveland to Invest in Software for New Employee Lifestyle Spending Program
The City of Cleveland is taking steps to modernize employee benefits by developing a new Lifestyle Spending Account Program. To launch this initiative, City Council passed emergency ordinance 706-2026, which authorizes the Director of Human Resources to hire professional consultants, software developers, or vendors to build or acquire the necessary software solutions and licenses to run the program.
What's in the file
The ordinance authorizes the Department of Human Resources to enter into professional service contracts for a period of one year, with two optional one-year renewals. According to the Request for Legislation, the program is designed as an employer-funded, post-tax benefit to support the well-being of the city's workforce.
The program aims to allow employees to tailor investments toward five specific dimensions of well-being:
- Physical Well-Being: Such as fitness memberships and nutrition services.
- Financial Well-Being: Such as financial counseling and retirement planning.
- Emotional Well-Being: Such as mental health services and stress management.
- Intellectual Well-Being: Such as professional development and educational courses.
- Environmental Well-Being: Such as ergonomic equipment and sustainable commuting supports.
The stated rationale for the program is to assist in the recruitment and retention of talent while providing employees with greater autonomy over their well-being decisions.
Who may be affected
- Department of Human Resources: This department will manage the program and oversee the contracted software vendors.
- City of Cleveland Workforce: Employees will have access to the new flexible, employer-funded benefit.
Status and timeline
- May 18, 2026: The Department of Human Resources submitted the Request for Legislation.
- May 29, 2026: The emergency ordinance was introduced to City Council.
- July 15, 2026: The ordinance officially passed.
Residents can verify these details by reviewing the official record for File No. 706-2026 through the Cleveland City Council website.
Key facts
- Initial term
- one year
- Renewal options
- two one-year options
Source record
- File
- 706-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- May 28, 2026
Official documents
- 706-2026 Prof Serv to develop and implement Lifestyle Spending Accounts
- 706-2026 RFL - Lifestyle Spending Account Program - 05-18-26
- 706-2026-PL-Lifestyle Spending Account Program
- FINAL VERSION City Record July 24, 2026 - Page 25