Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks delivers State of the City address

Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks delivered his State of the City address, highlighting growth, financial achievements, and public safety improvements.

Brooks credited the City Council for balancing Cleveland’s budget and moving 95% of the city’s debt to low fixed rates, allowing key projects to proceed without raising taxes.

Brooks said public safety remains a priority, with 11 new police officers and eight firefighters added this year. The city also upgraded its emergency systems with new license plate readers at entry points and more cameras downtown and along the Greenway.

Infrastructure improvements include the completed revitalization of Inman Street and plans for the Third Street corridor project, which will streamline downtown traffic by removing 10 stoplights. Additionally, Paul Huff Parkway will undergo a $2 million repaving project, fully funded by Chattanooga Gas and the state.

The Mayor also said the city continues to grow industrially, ranking third in Tennessee for new manufacturing jobs in 2023.

Cleveland’s parks also saw upgrades, including a new Greenway Nature Park at the former Rolling Hills Golf Course and state-of-the-art pickleball courts at Tinsley Park, which are expected to boost sports tourism.

Mayor Brooks also celebrated Cleveland’s long-standing designation as a Tree City and its new Bee City USA recognition, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainability and quality of life.

Looking ahead, the mayor highlighted projects like the redevelopment of the Cherokee Hotel and improvements along 25th Street, including expanded sidewalks to improve pedestrian safety and to connect to the Cleveland Greenway.

Brooks concluded by thanking the community for its support, saying, “Cleveland is thriving because of the dedication of our citizens and leaders working together.”