Cleveland Heights Faces Big Government Decision—Here’s What’s Changing

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH – Local residents are taking a closer look at how their city government operates as they explore the differences between the ‘mayor-council’ and ‘council-manager’ forms of government. The discussions are heating up as community forums, town halls, and educational campaigns help citizens understand the real implications of these structures.

This debate is not just academic—it reflects deeper questions about transparency, accountability, leadership, and efficiency in how the city serves its people. Understanding both models is essential for voters and stakeholders who care about how power is distributed and decisions are made in their community.

For a basic guide to the two systems, see this National League of Cities overview.

What Is a ‘Mayor-Council’ Government?

In a mayor-council system, the mayor is directly elected by the people and serves as the executive branch. They often appoint department heads, prepare the budget, and carry out administrative functions. The city council acts as the legislative body, passing laws and overseeing the budget.

This model gives citizens the power to choose their executive leader through direct elections. It can foster strong leadership but may also result in political clashes if the mayor and council do not agree.

Cleveland Heights transitioned to a mayor-council system in 2021 after a public vote. It was the city’s first directly elected mayor since its incorporation in 1921. For nearly a century, the city had operated under the council-manager model, so the shift was significant and required residents to adapt to a new political dynamic.

More information on how mayor-council cities operate can be found through ICMA’s government forms resource.

What Is a ‘Council-Manager’ Government?

In contrast, a council-manager government relies on an appointed city manager to handle administrative tasks. The city council, elected by voters, sets policy and oversees the manager’s performance.

The manager is typically a professional with expertise in public administration, hired based on qualifications rather than political affiliation. Proponents argue that this system allows for more efficient and nonpartisan governance, as decisions are made based on data and policy, not politics.

For decades, Cleveland Heights followed this model. The city manager system had long been viewed as efficient, with professional administration at the helm and elected officials focusing on policy.

Why the Renewed Debate in Cleveland Heights?

Although the mayor-council system is still relatively new to Cleveland Heights, several community leaders and groups have expressed concerns about how effectively it has functioned since its adoption.

Some concerns include:

• Political conflicts between the mayor and council members
• Lack of clarity in executive vs. legislative responsibilities
• Slower administrative processes due to disagreements

Advocates of the council-manager system argue that professional managers are better suited to handle the day-to-day running of the city, especially in areas like budgeting, hiring, and service delivery. Others believe that a strong, elected mayor is crucial to being responsive to public needs and maintaining accountability through elections.

A local nonprofit, Cleveland Heights Citizens for Good Government, has held several sessions explaining the pros and cons of both systems. They also encourage residents to attend public forums and share feedback on their experiences with the current setup.

Public Forums and Community Input

To encourage civic engagement, Cleveland Heights is organizing public meetings, surveys, and information campaigns to help residents form educated opinions. City officials are emphasizing the importance of community voices in shaping how governance should function in the future.

During a recent town hall at Cleveland Heights Community Center, more than 150 residents participated in an open discussion. While some shared support for continuing the mayor-council format, others called for a return to the more technocratic council-manager structure.

Mayor Kahlil Seren acknowledged the feedback, saying, “This is about more than structure—it’s about building trust and responsiveness into our city government.”

Community groups are also circulating infographics and pamphlets comparing the two systems, making it easier for voters to understand the impact each model could have on local services and development.

How Are Other Cities Handling It?

Across the U.S., roughly 55% of cities with populations over 2,500 operate under the council-manager system, according to the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Cities like Phoenix, AZ and Charlotte, NC use this structure to separate politics from management.

Meanwhile, major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago follow a mayor-council system, often placing more political power in the hands of a single executive leader.

Cleveland Heights, with its mid-sized population and active civic culture, sits somewhere between these models. The city’s decision may influence other Ohio municipalities that are considering similar governance changes.

What Comes Next?

There is no official ballot measure at the moment to revert to the council-manager model, but if public support grows, advocates could launch a petition campaign. According to the city charter, residents can initiate a charter amendment through a formal petition, followed by a public vote.

In the meantime, Cleveland Heights officials are focused on gathering data, listening to residents, and exploring possible reforms within the existing mayor-council structure. Some suggestions include clarifying roles, improving communication, or even hiring a chief administrative officer to work alongside the mayor.

Conclusion

Cleveland Heights residents are at the heart of an important civic discussion—how should their city be governed? As more people learn about the differences between mayor-council and council-manager systems, it becomes clear that structure deeply influences service delivery, accountability, and transparency.

Whether the city sticks with the new format or returns to its former model, the current dialogue is a powerful sign of democratic participation and community-driven change.

Stay informed on developments at the City of Cleveland Heights official website.

Also Read – Manistee’s Washington Street Gets $385,000 Upgrade Starting August