Shaker Heights · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Shaker Heights public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Tree Advisory Board appointments
New mayoral appointments to the board for 2027 are on the agenda — a chance for residents to help shape tree policy.
Recreation Strategic Plan Phase 2
A $95,000 consultant contract will produce a 12-month implementation plan for a new community center at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones site and a decision on rebuilding versus rehabilitating the Thornton Park ice arena, with more community engagement to come.
Residential exterior alterations and as-built approvals
More than a dozen homeowners and contractors are seeking board review of windows, porches, siding, shutters, retaining walls, a greenhouse and a new garage. Several are as-built applications — work already done without prior approval — which the board weighs for compatibility with Shaker Heights' design standards.
Shaker Heights City Schools building alterations
The school district is bringing three projects before the design board: exterior changes at Lomond School, at Mercer School, and an athletic field shed at 20600 Shaker Boulevard. These are the district facilities residents' kids and neighbors use every day.
2027 Tax Budget
The state-required tax budget keeps property tax millage at 9.9 mills and projects spending about $2.4 million above expected revenue — a familiar gap. If revenue outperformed, the state could theoretically force a millage cut, but that's not expected.
School bus depot relocation to Shaker Boulevard and Green Road
The city proposes building a new school bus depot (40 buses, ~10,000 sq ft building) at the Green Road Transit Station so the Lee Road bus facility can be redeveloped. Residents near Green Road worry about traffic, noise, diesel exhaust, and home values; supporters say it's the fairest way to finally reinvest in Moreland and Lomond.
2027 Housing Needs Analysis and Action Plan
The city is updating its housing plan for the first time since 2015, partly to respond to investment firms buying apartment buildings and letting conditions slide. Council Member Nancy Moore pushed to make sure renters with mold, leaks, and no heat get heard in the community engagement.
Firefighter entry-level hiring pipeline
A report recommended changing the minimum hiring age for firefighter/paramedics, which would affect who can apply for fire service jobs in Shaker Heights.
Police Lieutenant promotional examination process
The police department needs a new lieutenant eligibility list because the old one expired in December 2024 and staffing gaps are looming — one lieutenant is at the FBI National Academy and a commander retires at the end of July. The exam process recommendations were up for commission action.
Budget Debate
Shaker Heights is launching its annual budget planning and wants you to weigh in on how your tax dollars get spent next year. It's your main chance to tell city leaders what matters most to your neighborhood.
Transit Center Relocation
Shaker Heights is looking at moving the bus terminal as part of the Lee Road redevelopment. If you take the bus around here, your daily commute could be getting a makeover too.
Service Center Solar System
The city's solar installation has cleared its biggest hurdle — First Energy's permission to operate — and commissioning is underway. A public ribbon-cutting is being planned, and the County Executive has expressed interest in attending.
City Budget
Shaker Heights is in great financial shape with a healthy $29.9 million general fund balance that easily beats the city's minimum savings requirement. This means your tax dollars are being well-managed and the city has a strong safety net for the future.