Cleveland Heights City Manager Says She's Still Dedicated To City

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — On Tuesday, Cleveland Heights residents voted to change the structure of their government, moving to install an elected mayor in 2021. The move will limit the current power of city council and the city's manager. In an email to staff on Tuesday night, current Cleveland Heights City Manager Tanisha Briley, told staff not to fear change and reaffirmed her dedication to the city.

"Change is never easy, but it should not be met with fear. As city employees, it is important to know that you are valued, your hard work appreciated, and we must continue to provide exceptional service to all who reside, work or own a business in Cleveland Heights. The election results do not affect our jobs or the importance of continuing to do them to the best of our ability," Briley said in an email to staff.

She added that she remains committed to Cleveland Heights and being a "good steward of its safety, finances, development, and livability. I ask that each of you join me in this commitment."

Cleveland Heights is currently governed by an elected city council and a city manager. The city manager is hired by city council and reports to city council, and handles the day-to-day business of running Cleveland Heights. That will change in two years.

In 2021, residents will vote to directly elect a mayor, who will then appoint a city administrator to work alongside them. The new government will take shape in January 2022.

The change to the city's government was enacted by the passage of Issue 26. The issue passed Tuesday with 6,854 votes, versus 3,846 votes against the measure. The results are unofficial until the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections certifies the vote tally.