Solar Power Projects Coming to Two Cleveland Landfills
Cleveland is moving forward with plans to construct solar power generation facilities at two local landfill sites to expand the city's renewable energy capabilities. Through the passage of emergency ordinance 620-2026, the city will utilize federal funding and tax credits to implement these renewable energy projects, which will also include nature-based improvements such as small parks and pollinator habitats.
What's in the file
The ordinance authorizes the City of Cleveland to develop solar power facilities at two specific locations: the W. 11th and Spring Road Landfill (formerly the Bradbury Landfill) and the Kolthoff Road Landfill. The project is designed to utilize a design-build approach to coordinate professional design and construction under a single entity.
According to the 620-2026-A File & Legislative Summary, the scope of work includes:
- Constructing solar arrays at the W. 11th and Spring Road site, which will include a small park area and an educational kiosk at the entrance.
- Constructing solar arrays at the Kolthoff Road site to help offset operational power costs for the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
- Implementing nature-based improvements, including the planting of native pollinator habitats.
- Utilizing funds for personnel salary and benefits, as well as outside legal counsel fees to support grant-related work.
The project's anticipated funding and scale are detailed below:
| Funding/Credit Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| US EPA Grant Funds | $15,000,000 |
| Anticipated IRA Tax Credits | $9,000,000 |
| US EPA Grant Amount (per official text) | $14,882,505.00 |
Who may be affected
- Ward 4: Location of the W. 11th and Spring Road Landfill site.
- Ward 15: Location of the Kolthoff Road Landfill site.
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: Will benefit from offset operational power costs at the Kolthoff Road site.
- Department of Finance, Public Utilities (Cleveland Public Power), and Port Control: Responsible for the development and management of the respective facilities.
- Residents/Customers of Cleveland Public Power: Assets at the Bradbury Landfill site will be owned by CPP customers.
Status and timeline
The ordinance has officially passed.
2026-05-08: Ordinance 620-2026 was introduced to City Council.
Residents can verify all details regarding this legislation by visiting the official Cleveland City Council website.
Source record
- File
- 620-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- May 7, 2026
Official documents
- 620-2026 Design build and other Ks for solar arrays at two landfill locations
- 620-2026-A File & Legislative Summary - Design build and other Ks for solar arrays at two landfill locations
- 620-2026_SolarOnLandfills_Summary+Sites
- 620-2026 Amend 620-2026
- 620-2026-as amended-desk copy-Final
- 620-2026 FINAL VERSION-CITY RECORD JUNE 12, 2026 PG. 33