Cleveland to Hire Consultants for Healthcare and Benefits Analysis

August 2, 2026

The City of Cleveland is preparing to bring in outside expertise to review its healthcare systems and employee benefits. Through Emergency Ordinance 603-2026, the Director of Human Resources is authorized to hire one or more consulting firms to analyze healthcare providers, benefits, and claims, as well as to evaluate proposals for benefit management services.

What's in the file

According to a May 13, 2026, memorandum from Human Resources Director Matthew Cole, this emergency ordinance authorizes the procurement of professional services to conduct a detailed analysis of the city's healthcare landscape. The authorization includes:

An initial service term of one year.
Three consecutive one-year options to renew, which may be exercised by the Director of Human Resources.

The proposed service timeline for these consultants is intended to run from April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2028, with renewal options potentially extending the contract through March 31, 2030.

Who may be affected

Department of Human Resources: The department will oversee the consultants and use their findings to manage city benefits.
City employees: The analysis concerns the providers, benefits, and claims processes that impact city staff.

Status and timeline

May 7, 2026: The ordinance was introduced to City Council.
May 13, 2026: Director of Human Resources Matthew Cole submitted the formal request for legislation.
June 12, 2026: The ordinance was included in the City Record and has passed.

Residents can verify these details by reviewing the official record for File No. 603-2026 via the City of Cleveland City Council website.

Key facts

Initial term: one year
Renewal options: three one-year options

Source record

File: 603-2026
Type: Emergency Ordinance
Status: Passed
Committee: City Council
Introduced: May 6, 2026

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