Proposed Creation of Office of Sustainability and Climate Justice
Cleveland city officials are moving to formally establish a new dedicated department focused on environmental policy and climate resilience. Under emergency ordinance 807-2025, the city would create the Office of Sustainability and Climate Justice by adding a new section to the Codified Ordinances and updating existing rules regarding which city offices are classified as departments.
What's in the file
The legislation proposes the following changes to the city's structure:
- The enactment of a new Section 123.11 to officially establish the Office of Sustainability and Climate Justice.
- An amendment to Section 121.01 to ensure the new office is recognized as a city department.
The Office of Sustainability and Climate Justice is involved in regional environmental efforts, such as the Regional Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which aims to coordinate climate responses across the Cleveland-Elyria Metropolitan Statistical Area. This office also works on managing climate transitions, which involve shifting city activities from high greenhouse gas emissions to low or zero emissions.
Who may be affected
- City Departments: The legislation changes the classification of certain offices to recognize the new office as a formal department.
- Utilities Committee: This committee is responsible for reviewing the ordinance.
Status and timeline
- July 7, 2025: The emergency ordinance was introduced.
- Current Status: The ordinance is currently tabled in the Utilities Committee.
Residents can verify the details of this proposal by reviewing the official record for File No. 807-2025 through the Cleveland City Clerk's office.
Source record
- File
- 807-2025
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Tabled
- Committee
- Utilities Committee
- Introduced
- July 6, 2025
Official documents
- 807-2025-Enact Co 123.11 - Establish Office of Sustainability
- FINAL VERSION City Record Octboer 9, Page 49