Shaker Heights · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Shaker Heights public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Community Empowerment Grant 2027
The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the 2026 Community Empowerment Grant program, which funds community-led initiatives. No outcome is on the record.
Shaker Life advertising sales management
The committee was also set to recommend a contract for the magazine's advertising manager, whose work supports roughly $216,000 in annual ad revenue that helps offset the magazine's cost.
Shaker Life magazine editor contract
The city's magazine is how most residents say they learn what's happening in Shaker Heights, so who edits it matters for keeping everyone informed. The proposed deal is a one-year, $67,000 contract for 2027 with an option to renew for two more years.
Tax incentive agreements and PILOTs
Council routinely continued the city's tax incentive deals, with a detailed discussion of how TIF revenue is split with schools — and why new school levies don't change those splits.
Healthcare consulting services contract
The city was weighing a contract with Taylor Oswald for healthcare consulting services — advice that could affect how the city manages employee health benefits and what those benefits cost. Those costs flow into the city budget and, ultimately, what taxpayers pay.
Committee Restructuring
The committee is considering changes to its own structure, which could affect how community and culture programs are organized and prioritized in Shaker Heights.
Home Repair Grant Program Funding and Administration
The city keeps its decade-long partnership with the Home Repair Resource Center: $200,000 for 18 months, most of it flowing directly to contractors fixing residents' homes. Demand is strong — 80 households got grants in 2024.
2026 Property & Casualty Insurance Renewal
The city's insurance program covers auto, general, police, fire, and officials' liability plus cyber and terrorism coverage, with a $10 million umbrella. The proposed award to McGowan/Munich RE totals $576,370.
2026 Attract and Retain Marketing Campaign
The city hired Singleton + Partners to refresh its decade-old resident marketing campaign, aiming to keep current residents and attract new ones to protect the residential tax base.
Fair Housing Program budget and funding
The board was scheduled to receive a financial report and consider approving its budget. In December, staff noted uncertainty around federal HUD fair housing funding for 2026.
Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program
City departments want a faster way to buy equipment and services by piggybacking on Sourcewell's pre-negotiated national contracts. That could cut months off procurement and stretch tax dollars further, though it also means less local control over the bidding process.