Kris Harsh: I'm working to bring a builder of manufactured housing to Cleveland. If we can build affordable new housing, we will lessen the strain on the existing housing market. 

Rehan Waheed: We will focus on making sure that housing is a right for everyone, not a luxury. Focus on development of new affordable home built with the community in mind. Fix and preserve the homes we already have so they stay safe and affordable for people who live here. Provide support for homeowners and renters to help them stay in their homes and avoid displacement. 

Richard Starr: To encourage affordable housing development and preservation in Cleveland, I propose the following steps: 1. Tax incentives and zoning policies: Implement tax incentives and zoning policies that make it more attractive for developers to build affordable housing units. These incentives could include reduced property taxes, streamlined permitting processes, and waived or reduced fees for developers who commit to building affordable housing. 2. Public-private partnerships: Establish public-private partnerships between the city and local developers, nonprofits, and community organizations to create affordable housing projects. This collaboration can help pool resources, share expertise, and leverage both public and private funds to maximize the impact of affordable housing initiatives. 3. Preservation of existing affordable housing stock: Prioritize the preservation and rehabilitation of existing affordable housing stock. Offer funding, tax credits, or low-interest loans to property owners who are willing to maintain or upgrade their affordable housing units. 4. Rent stabilization and tenant protections: Consider implementing rent stabilization policies that limit the rate at which landlords can increase rents, providing greater housing security for tenants. 

Rebecca Maurer: Sadly, Cleveland is preempted from enacting true rent control. But there’s still a lot we can do to make housing more affordable and stable. Here is a list of my top hits: (1) I want to expand homeownership, helping more Clevelanders access affordable mortgages and down payment assistance so we keep wealth in our communities, not in the hands of out-of-state landlords. (2) I also support modular housing to create new, affordable homes across the city. (3) For longtime homeowners, especially seniors and families of color, we must expand home repair programs so people can stay safely in their homes. (4) I’ll continue to advocate for property tax relief through long-term owner-occupancy protections at the state level. (5) And finally, I’ll champion Source of Income Protections so renters using housing vouchers can find homes across Cleveland without discrimination. 

Austin Davis: The City of Cleveland owns more than 18,000 parcels of land all across the city. We should put that public land to good use and build affordable housing on it, ideally through long-term ground leases in partnership with community land trusts like the Near West Land Trust. The public can retain ownership of the land while allowing the private construction of new housing. That housing could include deeply affordable rental units, permanently affordable homes for purchase, co-ops, or mixed-income developments that prioritize local residents. I also believe in saying yes to housing across the board. By legalizing specific housing options—like small apartment buildings and accessory dwelling units—we can help direct higher-income renters moving to the Near West Side to alternatives, instead of snapping up the same limited stock of older, affordable homes. That helps preserve those homes’ affordability for working families while expanding options for everyone. 

Mohammad Faraj: A big distinction between myself and my opponent is that I don’t believe in trickle-down economics when it comes to anything, and that includes economic development. Development in the new Ward 7 is home to some of the most subsidized development in the city, but 40% of renters and 20% of homeowners don’t consider housing affordable. As TIFs become even more relied upon in the ward, which typically go towards projects managed by mega-corporations and multi-billionaires, it is imperative that Council advocates for increased oversight of public subsidies and more equitably-negotiated Community Benefits. The thousands of conversations about this topic that I have had in the ward has made it very clear that the city is not negotiating the best deals out of the development agreements that are receiving public subsidies, and I consider this connected to the lack of affordable housing in the ward. Increased oversight and more aggressively negotiated community benefits are key here, as the market deems Cleveland an investment that requires subsidies. Additionally, lack of affordable housing in Cleveland is also a financial equity issue that requires addressing access to low-interest capital, through utilizing community banks and credit unions, and employment opportunities, through supporting union apprenticeships and workforce development, for residents and potential residents. n

Stephanie Howse-Jones: The steps I have taken and will build upon to encourage affordable housing development and preservation in Cleveland are discussing models of communal living (shared housing) where community members jointly live together by combining their resources and connecting community members to the City invested training programs to increase the amount of skilled professionals that are able to repair and maintain our homes. ription

Nikki Hudson: Incentivize building housing at different price points, while ensuring that community minded developers take advantage of tax credits and funding options to build more units of affordable housing. 

Tanmay Shah: This is my top priority informed by my time as a housing attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. I will make sure that any tax abatements in the ward go entirely towards affordable housing. Not just a small token portion of projects as we have seen be the trend across the city. I would also fight for more tenant protections such as capping late fees, bogus fees, and making it easier to seal eviction records. I also support passing legislation similar to HOPE in Detroit that protects senior citizens from foreclosure due to their property tax burden. Finally, I want to increase funding for tenant organizing so we can have a city wide tenants union. 

Kris Harsh: The county needs to increase the number of vouchers. This has been understood for decades. The city can't force them to do that, however which makes this a tough question. 

Rehan Waheed: Unfortunately, there is stigma around section 8 housing for some, but when people get to know their neighbors, they realize that they aren't so different and many times those with a voucher end up being more respectful neighbors. We would work to improve the city's housing options by making sure our policies protect renters and make it easier for people to use their housing vouchers. We would focus on making sure landlords are not able to turn away people just because they have a voucher, which would help increase the placement rate. 

Richard Starr: The low usage rate of CMHA vouchers underscores the urgent need for more effective strategies to enhance Clevelanders’ access to affordable housing. Here are some steps to improve mobility and housing options: 1) Landlord outreach and incentives: Engage landlords to address any concerns about accepting voucher holders. Offer incentives such as financial aid, streamlined inspections, and reduced vacancy periods to encourage more landlords to participate in the voucher program. 2) Increase housing supply: Expand the availability of affordable housing through partnerships with local developers, nonprofits, and community groups. Promote the development of mixed-income communities to foster inclusive neighborhoods. 3) Improve transportation access: Upgrade transportation infrastructure and transit options to better connect residents with housing throughout the city. Reliable, affordable transportation is crucial for boosting mobility and access to jobs, education, and other resources. 4) Offer comprehensive housing counseling and support: Provide housing counseling services to help voucher holders navigate the rental process and find suitable housing. These services can include financial education, credit counseling, and legal aid. 5) Collaborate regionally: Partner with neighboring cities, counties, and housing authorities to identify regional opportunities for affordable housing initiatives. Sharing resources and best practices enables Cleveland to address challenges more effectively. 

Rebecca Maurer: I strongly support passing Source of Income Protections in Cleveland. This law would prevent landlords from discriminating against tenants who have Section 8 / HCVP vouchers. Right now so few landlords accept the vouchers, which contribute to the low placement rates. However to be clear passing this law requires administrative fixes from CMHA to make transfer packets and HCVP approvals move more quickly. Landlords cannot be asked to hold apartments vacant with no rent for 6 months while packets are cleared through CMHA. We need to both pass the law and improve administrative processes. 

Austin Davis: Too often, when a neighbor or family finally receives a CMHA voucher, they can’t find anywhere that will take it. They’re blocked by discriminatory landlords. And the process is tough enough without this added hurdle. (Matthew Desmond’s book Evicted was transformative for me here.) We need to increase the number of landlords that accept CMHA vouchers by improving outreach, speeding up inspections, and passing legislation to ensure that an individual’s source of income is not discriminated against. At the same time, we can support and promote mixed-income development so voucher holders have more places to choose from in more neighborhoods. 

Mohammad Faraj: Desperation leads to crime, and crime wreaks havoc on the heart of a community. Access to affordable housing continues to prove to be one of the most effective policy commitments that helps deter crime. In Ward 7, residents are hurting from the lack of quality, low-income housing and discriminatory practices. There are two obstacles when it comes to improving the success rate of the housing voucher programs, which includes addressing both supply and demand. In this case, by ‘supply’ I am referring to the availability of homes that accept housing vouchers, of which some still prohibit this, which can only be described as discrimination. And by ‘demand,’ I am referring to the larger economic conditions that lead to more than 17,000 people requiring housing vouchers in order to be able to support this most fundamental need. 

Austin Davis: Too often, when a neighbor or family finally receives a CMHA voucher, they can’t find anywhere that will take it. They’re blocked by discriminatory landlords. And the process is tough enough without this added hurdle. (Matthew Desmond’s book Evicted was transformative for me here.) We need to increase the number of landlords that accept CMHA vouchers by improving outreach, speeding up inspections, and passing legislation to ensure that an individual’s source of income is not discriminated against. At the same time, we can support and promote mixed-income development so voucher holders have more places to choose from in more neighborhoods. 

Mohammad Faraj: Desperation leads to crime, and crime wreaks havoc on the heart of a community. Access to affordable housing continues to prove to be one of the most effective policy commitments that helps deter crime. In Ward 7, residents are hurting from the lack of quality, low-income housing and discriminatory practices. There are two obstacles when it comes to improving the success rate of the housing voucher programs, which includes addressing both supply and demand. In this case, by ‘supply’ I am referring to the availability of homes that accept housing vouchers, of which some still prohibit this, which can only be described as discrimination. And by ‘demand,’ I am referring to the larger economic conditions that lead to more than 17,000 people requiring housing vouchers in order to be able to support this most fundamental need. 

Stephanie Howse-Jones: I believe we as a City need to work in partnership to identify property owners who are responsible and want to offer housing to our residents with CMHA vouchers by creating a directory . In addition, I believe we should work collaboratively with voucher-friendly property owners to remove barriers that prevent them from making quality housing units available. 

Nikki Hudson: Steps should be taken to simplify the application process and the amount of time given to voucher recipients to find housing should be expanded given the difficulty they face finding viable options. 

I support passing source of income protection legislation so that landlords and corporations are required to accept renters regardless of how they pay their rent.

Kris Harsh: We should consider a sanctioned camping area. AHFEN has it's own drawbacks in that it doesn't provide enough substance abuse counseling. 

Rehan Waheed: We would also work on prevention, helping people before they become homeless by providing support for mental health and addiction, making sure we support our local small business to create a growing job economy, and more people first initiatives. Our plan is to address the root causes of homelessness so that fewer people lose their homes in the first place while also working to increase those who get housed with an plan forward. 

Richard Starr: The Home for Every Neighbor program, which successfully housed over 170 unsheltered Clevelanders in the past year, demonstrates the effectiveness of a comprehensive and targeted approach to homelessness. Building on this success, here are some additional strategies to further combat unsheltered homelessness in Cleveland: 1) Leverage city-owned properties: Identify and utilize vacant or underutilized city-owned buildings to create additional housing options for the homeless. 2) Strengthen partnerships: Continue to collaborate with nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and faith-based groups to pool resources and expertise in addressing homelessness. 3) Prioritize rapid rehousing: Focus on rapid rehousing initiatives that swiftly transition individuals from homelessness into permanent housing while providing essential support services to maintain stability. 4) Offer comprehensive support services: Provide ongoing support to individuals experiencing homelessness, including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and job training programs to address the root causes of homelessness. 

Rebecca Maurer: I strongly support H4EN and have worked hard to support all residents in my ward, including those who are unsheltered and who are in rapid rehousing through the H4EN program. My goals at this stage are (1) Understanding sustainable funding sources for H4EN; (2) Understanding gaps in wraparound services that could improve outcomes after 1 year. I don’t think we currently understand enough about what’s happening at the end of the year to make informed decisions. I want to be clear: a year of stable housing is a net positive for our unsheltered community regardless. But I want to understand what happens next as the city steps into more of a social services role; (3) I want to make sure the plan for stable winter shelter at the new location downtown becomes a reality. We need safe, sustainable winter shelter options. 

Austin Davis: The Home for Every Neighbor program is working. We should support and expand this “housing first” model—moving people directly into stable housing and surrounding them with case management, health care, and job placement support. It’s more cost-effective than alternatives when considered system-wide, it produces better outcomes for affected residents, and it treats our most vulnerable neighbors with respect. To that end, we should strengthen supportive services and programming—especially for unhoused youth after school—and continue investing in trained, trauma-informed community engagement teams who can build trust with people experiencing homelessness. We also need to reduce the inflow of unsheltered homelessness by funding eviction prevention services and legal aid for tenants. The city’s right to counsel program for housing court is highly effective, and every eviction avoided is one fewer family potentially on the street. Pairing those efforts with wraparound services helps people keep their housing long-term. 

Mohammad Faraj: I applaud the success of the Home for Every Neighbor program. There is a long history of folks on the near-west side working to solve homelessness, with advocates who have dedicated their entire lives to addressing this issue. One of the biggest obstacles we have discussed regarding the safety and dignity of people experiencing homelessness, specifically with residents who may be shelter-adverse, is how to make sure there are enough compliant and operating shelters available for those that for whatever reason aren’t able to access programs like the Home for Every Neighbor. One of the biggest challenges to being able to utilize a local space for temporary housing, especially in the freezing cold of winter, involves safety and exit requirements. There are a lot of under-utilized or sort of decaying property in the new Ward 7 that with some attention could be compliant for even a temporary shelter solution. Again, I think an underutilized tool here is Community Benefits Agreements, as I have spoken with many developers who express a willingness to meet their required CBAs through straightforward solutions, like providing the necessary resources to establish a temporary housing shelter for those in the ward. 

Stephanie Howse-Jones:  Other strategies we should consider to address unsheltered homelessness are family reunification to address and begin to heal from the harms that have resulted in estrangement and peer matching with young adults who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness for placement in college dorms on college campuses to help stabilize the young adults and expand the belief of what is possible for their lives. 

Nikki Hudson: Wraparound services should be funded with all available resources, and pilot programs should be explored and funded to encourage creative ways of reaching vulnerable Clevelanders. 

I would make sure it is easier for seasonal shelters to open and fight for creating one in my ward. I know from past winters this was a struggle and want to make sure these resources are available to every Clevelander.

Kris Harsh: The city and county both focus on the shelter system as the vehicle to move people out of homelessness. We need to ensure those shelters are safe, clean and inviting. 

Rehan Waheed: Every person deserves to be treated with dignity. We would advocate for more safe places for people to go, like shelters and day centers, and ensure that those places provide access to things like clean water, bathrooms, and medical care. We would also work to make sure that people experiencing homelessness are not seen as a problem to be moved, but as neighbors who need help and support. 

Richard Starr: Ensuring the safety and dignity of people experiencing homelessness in Cleveland is a critical priority. Here are some measures that could be considered to better protect and support our unhoused neighbors: 1) Expanded access to safe and secure shelter options: Increase the availability of emergency shelters, transitional housing, and 24/7 drop-in centers to provide a safe place for people to sleep, access basic necessities, and connect with support services. 2) Protection from extreme weather conditions: Develop and implement strategies to protect unhoused individuals during extreme weather events, such as providing access to warming/cooling centers, distributing weather-appropriate clothing and supplies, and conducting regular wellness checks. 3) Strengthening law enforcement and social service collaborations: Encourage collaboration between law enforcement agencies and social service providers to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness are treated with respect, and their rights and dignity are protected. 4) Addressing systemic barriers: Work to remove systemic barriers that perpetuate homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health and substance abuse services, and limited job opportunities. 

Rebecca Maurer: My #1 commitment is to the dignity and equality of our unhoused neighbors. It’s not “residents vs. the homeless” — people who are unsheltered are part of the community we serve. In my first term, I worked hands-on to ensure better outcomes for a woman who refused housing through H4EN, helping her navigate options while respecting her autonomy. Going forward, I want the City to take a more person-centered approach: expanding street outreach, improving coordination between city services and nonprofits, and creating more flexible, low-barrier housing options. Every policy decision should start from the belief that all Clevelanders deserve safety, dignity, and compassion — no exceptions. 

Austin Davis: I believe that every Cleveland resident, regardless of where or how they sleep, deserves to be treated with respect and compassion. Part of that means supporting the housing first “Home for Every Neighbor” program discussed below. Part of that means investing in first responder training and staff, to ensure that interactions with people experiencing homelessness are appropriate and respectful (also discussed below). Part of that means expanding support for mental health services and trama-informed care. And part of that means supporting basic amenities like public restrooms and warming centers, to affirm basic dignity and improve public health. I also believe that public goods, public services, and public spaces should serve the full public, regardless of income level or housing situation. I believe everyone is entitled to high-quality parks, safe streets, and clean air, and that certainly includes our community members experiencing homelessness. 

Mohammad Faraj: While unfortunately not publicly discussed much during this campaign, I can’t emphasize enough how clear it has been that there should be a Youth Drop-In Center in the new Ward 7. This is a matter that ensures the safety and dignity of children and young adults experiencing homelessness, but also would help improve public safety in a community that is certainly calling for it. I’ve been thinking a lot about the recent wave of car break-ins that have understandably upset and significantly inconvenienced many neighbors, including inflicting a lot of financial damage. But the latest reports are showing that the suspects of these crimes are as young as 10. One story that has stuck out is a 13-year old being charged for a series of break-ins that occurred between 1a and 4a. You know what that child could have really used? A Youth Drop-In Center. By no means is a Youth Drop-In Center the only solution to preventing children and teenagers from committing chaos-based crimes, but I would like to revisit conversations with residents and stakeholders about how we revisit the plan for a Youth Drop-In Center. 

Stephanie Howse-Jones: The measures I would consider to ensure the safety and dignity of people experiencing homelessness in Cleveland are hosting City employees “Day in the Life of Homelessness” where public servants have to spend 24 hours experiencing City services from our unhoused residents, consistent training for all City team members to be trained in trauma-informed customer service. Afterwards, our City employees would be required to present ideas based on their experience to improve city services, complete with an action plan of idea implementation. 

Nikki Hudson: We should be open to various non-profits and venues providing transitional housing and encourage them to assist folks in obtaining services, like permanent housing, medical assistance, and employment. 

Tanmay Shah: Increase funding for city services and nonprofits that are addressing this 

Kris Harsh: I'm not sure how City Council can dictate the operations of Housing Court. There is a fantastic candidate running for that seat, Cheryl Wiltshire and I would hope she can directly address this issue. 

Rehan Waheed: We would work to make sure that renters are not unfairly harmed by inaccurate records. We would support policies that make it harder for private companies to scrape and sell data that can be used to hurt people. We would also work to make the process of sealing eviction records faster and easier for people who are in the clear. 

Richard Starr: Protecting renters rights, promoting stable housing, and ensuring accurate tenant screening results are essential for a fair and equitable housing market. Here are some potential measures that can be taken: 1) Review eviction record sealing policies: Evaluate the current 5-year waiting period for eviction record sealing and consider shortening it to minimize the negative impact on renters’ ability to secure housing. 2) Regulate third-party tenant screening companies: Implement regulations to ensure that third-party tenant screening companies only use accurate and up-to-date information when conducting background checks. This may involve requiring companies to update their records immediately after court proceedings or prohibiting the use of sealed eviction records in their screenings. 3) Expand the right to counsel for tenants facing eviction: Guarantee access to legal representation for tenants facing eviction, which can help prevent wrongful evictions and protect renters’ rights. 4) Strengthen tenant protections: Enact legislation that strengthens tenant protections, such as limiting the grounds for eviction, requiring just cause for eviction, or extending the eviction process timeline to provide tenants with more time to remedy issues or find alternative housing. 

Rebecca Maurer: This is a great question. Truthfully this isn’t an area I know as much as I should. I’d like to understand best practices from other cities who have successfully implemented eviction record sealing. This seems like something we could coordinate with the Housing Court Judge as well. 

Austin Davis: It’s not right for tenants to win in court but still have an eviction record hanging over their head. I’d support policies that restrict bulk scraping of eviction records before a judgment is made, and that require screening companies to verify accuracy. This specific data scraping issue is new to me, but I certainly don’t believe that a dismissed case should follow someone for years. 

Mohammad Faraj: Having volunteered countless hours with Legal Aid brief advice clinics and record-sealing events (mostly for nonviolent related misdemeanors), I’ve seen firsthand how housing issues show up in these spaces. No one should be locked out of housing because of data scraping or outdated records, as a matter of public policy. I would argue this is a loophole that indicates how little our local government is trying to advocate for consumer protection at city hall, which is a key commitment within my Accessible City Services priority. As part of my candidacy, I will advocate at the county, state, and federal levels for stronger consumer protections. There’s actually some support for this type of consumer protection across the aisle with state legislators that I hope to help bring into the fight. I will also do my part to work with local stakeholders to understand what we can do within local government to legislate. With housing discrimination and consumer protections under threat at the federal level, local action has never been more important. 

Stephanie Howse-Jones: To protect renters’ rights we as a City need to improve our communication with increasing our residents' understanding of their renters’ rights. To promote secure stable housing in the future connect residents with programs that support residents with securing and ensuring our judicial system is providing accurate public information that can be relied upon as a high standard for tenant screening. 

Nikki Hudson: Legislation should be passed to automatically remove an eviction conviction from a person’s record after a set number of years. 

Tanmay Shah:  All eviction records more than 5 years old should be sealed automatically. I would fight for this and also require landlords to provide any screening results they use to be provided to the tenant so they can dispute its accuracy. 

Kris Harsh: This is not my field of expertise. I'm open to suggestions. 

Rehan Waheed: We would create a system that helps people who have paid their debt to society get a fair chance at finding a home and make the transition easier back to society. We would work to connect housing providers with resources and information, so they can feel comfortable renting to people with criminal convictions. 

Richard Starr: Addressing the challenges faced by individuals affected by the criminal justice system in finding housing necessitates a multifaceted approach that supports both housing providers and Clevelanders with criminal convictions. Here are some things that could be done: 1) Expand housing assistance programs: Increase funding for programs that provide housing assistance, such as rental subsidies, security deposit assistance, and housing search assistance, specifically targeting individuals with criminal convictions. 2) Implement Fair Chance Housing policies: Promote Fair Chance Housing policies that prohibit landlords from denying applicants solely based on their criminal history and encourage individualized assessments that consider factors like the nature and age of the conviction, evidence of rehabilitation, and potential risk to the community. 3) Provide education and support for housing providers: Offer resources and training to housing providers on Fair Chance Housing practices, addressing common concerns, and promoting best practices for integrating formerly incarcerated individuals into communities. 4) Increase access to expungement and record sealing: Work to expand access to expungement and record sealing for eligible individuals with criminal convictions, thereby reducing the barriers they face in securing housing and employment. 

Rebecca Maurer: Everyone deserves a fair shot at rebuilding their lives. However, I fear we're entering a time where fair housing enforcement is contracting and groups like the Fair Housing Center will have fewer resources, not more. I want to be honest about that. In response to this moment, I would like to start by understanding if there are best practices in other cities that we could easily implement in Cleveland. For instance, I’m curious to know if housing advocates in Cleveland Heights think that the tenant’s rights bill championed by Councilman Petras made a meaningful difference. 

Austin Davis: Everyone deserves a second chance. Denying safe, stable housing perpetuates a cycle of harm that affects our entire community. I support housing policies that provide for individualized assessments of our neighbors who have criminal convictions. The city can also coordinate more with reentry programs, workforce development agencies, wraparound services, and housing providers–because housing access challenges don’t happen in a vacuum. They happen as part of a laundry list of interconnected challenges faced by folks with a conviction. 

Mohammad Faraj: Again, I view access to affordable housing as a matter of Reliable Public Safety. And so that means access to affordable housing is also critical for the successful reentry of folks who have served their time. In terms of liaisons at city hall, I intend to advocate for a reentry-based liaison that’s also able to work with the courts. Over-criminalization and mass incarceration is unfortunately a norm in Cleveland, and enough of Ward 7 residents, let alone the whole city, either know someone or are someone who has experienced criminalization or incarceration. With all the services that exist in our city, particularly nonprofits, it seems like we mainly need centralized support to help those experiencing reentry to navigate these services. While not entirely under the purview of city council, I’m also hoping to learn more about the County’s Reentry Court, which has a record of being extremely successful in helping encourage a healthy and permanent reentry experience. 

Stephanie Howse-Jones: To support both housing providers and Clevelanders impacted by the criminal justice system, I believe it is important to bring people together. Housing providers need to work more collaboratively together to share their knowledge and resources to improve the quality of housing being made available and the in-house support available to residents that are providing housing for. Clevelanders impacted by the criminal justice system need to take steps for family reunification to address and heal from the harm that has resulted in estrangement. 

Nikki Hudson: Helping newly released individuals find housing should be a gov't priority. There should also be a set lookback period so that folks are not limited from finding housing for the rest of their lives. 

Tanmay Shah: Forbid landlords from asking about past convictions. 

Kris Harsh: We need to focus code enforcement actions on bad investors. They need to be held to the highest standards. I have tried to move more city hall workers into housing code enforcement. 

Rehan Waheed: We would focus on making homeownership more accessible to local residents and harder for big companies. We would look at policies that give Clevelanders a fair chance to buy homes and work to limit the ability of out-of-town corporations to buy up our neighborhoods. We would also support programs that provide financial help for residents to buy and fix up homes to improve our neighborhoods. 

Richard Starr: To make home-buying more accessible for Cleveland residents amidst the increasing purchases by LLCs, the City Council could explore the following options: 1) Prioritize local buyers: Implement policies that favor sales to local residents, such as reserving a portion of properties for owner-occupant buyers or introducing a “first-look” policy that grants local buyers priority access to listings before they become available to investors. 2) Tax incentives for individual buyers: Provide tax incentives, like property tax abatements or credits, to encourage individual buyers to purchase homes within the community. 3) Restrictions on LLC purchases: Consider implementing regulations that limit or discourage the bulk purchasing of homes by LLCs, such as imposing higher taxes on multiple property owners or requiring LLCs to include affordable housing options in their investment portfolios. 4) Community land trusts: Establish community land trusts (CLTs) that acquire and hold land for the community’s benefit, offering affordable housing options and ensuring the long-term affordability of homes in the neighborhood. 

Rebecca Maurer: I mentioned homeownership in my housing affordability answer because I believe homeownership is a critical tool to rectify structural disinvestment that have stripped Black and Brown communities in Cleveland from wealth-building opportunities for decades. A focus on home ownership is criticals. Rentals extract wealth from our community and funnel them to out-of-state landlords. By getting as many people into affordable mortgages with downpayment assistance, we can create affordability and start to build generational wealth. Because of this focus, I am also strongly in support of a modular housing program that can offer affordable, new infill housing across the city. I also support passing a law that would give long-time tenants a first right of refusal to buy the rental they are living in if the owner sells. 

Austin Davis: While working in City Hall, I was proud to help pass the Residents First legislative package, which targeted out-of-state LLCs that snap up properties in our city. Normal Clevelanders can’t compete with cash offers from California investors or deep-pocketed hedge funds. To even the playing field, the city added monetary penalties for investors who let their property decay or who treat their tenants poorly, and made it easier to haul them into court. No one should make a profit off of poverty, and on city council, I’ll work to refine those reforms and support their aggressive enforcement. I’ll also push for legislation to bring vacation rentals like AirBnbs back into the mainstream housing market, so there are more options for families to set down roots in my community instead of investors making a buck off my community. 

Mohammad Faraj: Cleveland has the third highest concentration of Wall Street-owned, single family homes in the country, and my Flexible Development Priority targets the local economic conditions that tend to lead to mega-corporations having more power over our local decisions than our residents. My biggest issue with those who advocate for more housing to be built quicker as a solution to affordable housing is that without addressing the local economic conditions that have made it so easy to extract value from Cleveland, then we’re just going to be pouring gasoline on the fire that is corporate greed in Cleveland. Seniors or long-term housing owners leaving en mass because they can no longer afford their property taxes, first-time homebuyers not being able to access the capital necessary to compete against national chains, and residents not making enough money to afford housing are all examples of what tends to lead to a high concentration of Wall Street-owned properties. While the entirety of the property tax problem ultimately requires a state solution, we have to explore options for property tax relief at the local level, particularly geared towards residents who have lived in Cleveland long before it became a trendy place to live. Second, we have to level the playing field when it comes to home ownership, which includes considering ways that we can better connect first-time buyers to low-interest capital through community banks and locally rooted institutions. Last, the ability to be able to afford a home or the ability to afford rent also demands a salary that pays in wages AND stability. Strong organized labor is part of Cleveland’s past, present, and most certainly needs to be part of its future. 

Stephanie Howse-Jones: The options that are available to Cleveland City Council to ensure home-buying is accessible to Cleveland’s residents to have local policies that prioritize and incentivize resident ownership, aggressively enforce city ordinances that penalize bad property owners for substandard living conditions and promote cooperative home ownership within the City. 

Nikki Hudson: Helping newly released individuals find housing should be a gov't priority. There should also be a set lookback period so that folks are not limited from finding housing for the rest of their lives. 

Tanmay Shah: Tax local agents in charge so it is much more expensive to buy properties unless you live there. 

Kris Harsh: The policies are there, we need to implement the remediation plans! New windows, porches and doors can go a long way. That money needs to get into the hands of the people who need it. 

Rehan Waheed: No child should have to live in a home with lead. We would support policies that provide funding to help homeowners and landlords make their homes lead-safe. We would also work to make sure that we have accurate information about which homes have lead so that we can prioritize the most vulnerable families and get them the help they need. We also need to eliminate lead pipes and invest in our infrastructure. 

Richard Starr: Addressing the issue of lead-safe housing in Cleveland requires a comprehensive approach that combines proactive policies, enforcement, and support for affected families. Here are some policies that could be championed to ensure lead-safe housing: 1) Mandatory lead inspections: Require mandatory lead inspections for all rental properties built before the federal ban on lead-based paint, ensuring that landlords are held accountable for maintaining safe living conditions. 2) Remediation assistance: Provide financial assistance to homeowners and landlords for lead remediation, making it more feasible for them to address lead hazards in their properties. 3) Public education: Implement public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the dangers of lead exposure and how to identify and report potential hazards. 4) Health screenings and support for affected families: Collaborate with healthcare providers to offer free or low-cost lead screenings for children, and provide support services, such as case management and relocation assistance, for families impacted by lead poisoning. 5) Enforcement and penalties: Strengthen enforcement of existing lead safety regulations and impose penalties on landlords who fail to comply, demonstrating the city's commitment to protecting its citizens from the harmful effects of lead exposure. 

Rebecca Maurer: This is an area where I’ve gained a lot of expertise and knowledge over the 10 years. I suggest reading my recent report on next steps to implement the 2019 lead bill: https://www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/resources/news-media/councilwoman-rebecca-maurer-releases-report-laying-out-roadmap-next-steps-lead. 

Austin Davis: My family lives in a home built in 1870 that contains lead paint, and while we’ve mitigated as best we can, I certainly worry about my daughter’s health growing up here–a concern shared by so many Cleveland families. I’m open to any solutions for the lead crisis. But broadly, I support the removal of lead from homes. While there aren’t enough funds available to abate all lead everywhere, we can focus on high-risk geographies and specific components–namely doors, windows, and front porches. The Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition has nearly $90 million in commitments for addressing the lead crisis in our community, and on city council, I would be proud to advocate for any necessary revisions to Cleveland’s lead certification program that would help swiftly bring those funds into residents’ homes. Every child in Cleveland deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy home—no matter their income or zip code. 

Mohammad Faraj: Lead poisoning is so severe in Cleveland that it is limiting multiple generations’ potential. Though every neighborhood within the new Ward 7 has children testing positive for lead poisoning, the highest rates are in our Detroit-Shoreway community. Based on my conversations with residents, advocates, and affected families, this entire process – from prevention to testing to treatment – is far too fragmented and far too complicated. In fact, many cite Cleveland’s fragmented neoliberal strategy as responsible for Cleveland’s current situation in which children have tested positive for lead despite being in homes deemed lead-free. Perhaps the most illuminating conversation I had with affected families and Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing (CLASH) pertains specifically to targeting the windows of this housing stock, as this appears to be where most of the poisoning is coming from, particularly during the housing rehabs that are quite common on the near-west side of Cleveland. There appears to be a particular solution in the works that is supposed to utilize organized labor to help target the windows problem, which I intend to both support and monitor once elected. 

Stephanie Howse-Jones: I support policies that provide financial assistance to improve Cleveland’s housing stock to ensure lead-safe housing, aggressive enforcement of City’s rental registry and require full public disclosure of lead housing where it is known a child was poisoned. 

Nikki Hudson: Legislation should be passed by City Council that would limit out of town and out of state ownership of Cleveland's homes. 

Tanmay Shah: Follow the recommendations of CLASH and Councilmember Maurer's June 2025 report on lead-safe housing. 

Krish Harsh: My colleagues are working to pass the Tanisha Anderson ordinance. I do not know all the details but I have it on good faith that it will address many of these concerns. 

Rehan Waheed: We believe that mental health is a key part of public safety. Special teams of mental health professionals should respond to calls about people in crisis, instead of just sending police. We support programs that focus on prevention including make it easier for people to get the mental health care they need, so they can get help before a crisis happens. 

Richard Starr: Addressing mental health concerns and ensuring safety during emergency responses necessitates a comprehensive approach that encompasses training, collaboration, and substantial investment in resources. Here are some steps that could be taken: 1) Crisis intervention training for first responders: Mandatory crisis intervention training should be provided to police officers and other first responders, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to de-escalate situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. 2) Diversionary programs: Implementing diversionary programs is crucial to redirect individuals experiencing mental health crises away from the criminal justice system and towards appropriate mental health services and support. 3) Expanding access to mental health services: Increasing funding for mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, counseling, and support groups, is essential to ensure that all residents have access to the care they require. 4) Collaboration between agencies: Strengthening collaboration between law enforcement, emergency responders, mental health professionals, and community organizations is vital to facilitate a coordinated response to mental health crises. 5) Public awareness and destigmatization: Promoting public awareness campaigns is necessary to destigmatize mental illness and encourage residents to seek help when needed, fostering a supportive and understanding community. 

Rebecca Maurer: I am co-sponsor of Tanisha’s Law and am actively working with the Tanisha’s uncle, staff at NEOCH and other partners to advocate to make this law a reality. I also joined a national cohort through Local Progress to tour other crisis response teams in other cities. 

Austin Davis: Tanisha Anderson’s death was absolutely tragic. At my core, I believe in proactive support–a society with some scaffolding, to uplift my neighbors in need. That means programmatic interventions like mental health support to help prevent crises like this in the first place, including helping our residents connect with programs that the county and nonprofit partners may already provide. I also support co- and care-response models, as well as enhanced training for all first responders. I believe that trained mental health professionals—solo, or with others—can address mental health crises with dignity, respect, and care. Not every 911 call needs an armed response. Our local ADAMHS Board has a care response pilot program deployed in two Cleveland zip codes–including 44102, which covers part of the new Ward 7. On city council, I will support that pilot and push to integrate lessons learned while expanding the model to cover the whole city. 

Mohammad Faraj: The first step is certainly passing Tanisha’s Law, which is something I intend to advocate for once elected to city council. Tanisha Anderson’s death was a tragedy that showed how urgently our city must transform the way we respond to people in crisis. This tragedy is one of the reasons I’ve worked to reorient the conversation around what true public safety means in my campaign. Our priorities must include well-rounded care, not just enforcement. That means investing in a non-police crisis response system led by trained mental health professionals and peers that are equipped to de-escalate, not detain. I will advocate to ensure that dispatch (whether 988 or 911) can connect residents directly to behavioral health responders, expand partnerships with community-based providers, and strengthen transparency and accountability in how the city delivers care. True safety will come from building community trust and from a city that not only seeks to understand the problems and navigating some of the obstacles that are preventing real solutions but also responds with compassion, competence, and consistency when people need it most. 

Stephanie Howse-Jones: I, along with other community partners, am presently working to pass Tanisha’s Law, a law that would codify co-response and community crisis response, set standards for community crisis response professionals, require public reporting on the outcomes of community crisis response and establish a dedicated team and funding to ensure successful implementation of community crisis response in Cleveland. 

Nikki Hudson: I would take practical steps to work with and would champion programs specifically focused on replacing windows and doors, which have proven to be the largest sources of lead paint in older homes. 

Tanmay Shah: Pass Tanisha's Law