Mayor's Thoughts

Mayor Kevin Brooks recently presented the 2026 State of the City Address, highlighting a year of strong momentum and transformative projects for Cleveland. The city continues to build on recent successes in finance, public safety, infrastructure, industry, development, parks, downtown, and communications. It was another banner year for the City of Cleveland, being awarded the Tennessee Municipal League’s Excellence in Economic and Community Development Award for 2025’s Inman Street and Johnston Park projects. 

Finance: The city maintains a strong financial position, allowing continued investment in critical services and capital projects. A citywide compensation study approved by the City Council moves staff pay to a more market-competitive level, helping to retain and recruit talented employees who serve Cleveland every day.

Public Safety – Police: The Cleveland Police Department (CPD) has earned distinction in the top 1% of law enforcement agencies accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), reflecting a sustained commitment to professional standards since 2015. CPD also launched a new Intelligence Unit to enhance data-driven policing, and Officer Jordan Martin was recognized as the 2025 Police Officer of the Year by the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police.

Public Safety – Fire: The Cleveland Fire Department (CFD) remains in the top 3% of fire departments nationwide with an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of 2, supporting excellent fire protection for residents and businesses. The CFD answered nearly 4,000 calls for assistance, a figure that continues to increase; and each firefighter averaged over 224 hours of training this past year.  To strengthen coverage and response times, the city purchased a new fire engine for Station 5.

Infrastructure: Cleveland is now in Year 3 of the BUILD CLEVELAND’S FUTURE Initiative, a three-year, $138,705,000 plan for transportation, parks, and aesthetics. This comprehensive infrastructure effort is reshaping roadways, public spaces, and gateways to support growth and improve quality of life.

Industry & Jobs: SK Food Group celebrated its grand opening in Cleveland, adding to the city’s growing industrial base and job opportunities. Cleveland’s labor force increased by approximately 1.25% from 2022 to 2023, unemployment stands near 3.5%, Bradley County’s gross domestic product is approximately $5.73 billion, and ten Fortune companies now have a presence in the community, helping Cleveland rank as the 3rd best city to live in Tennessee, by USAToday.

Parks & Recreation: Jim Sharp Park is nearing its opening in Winter 2026 and will provide a new neighborhood amenity for families. At Tinsley Park, work includes new pickleball courts, improvements to the dog park, ballfields, and parking, while Deer Park is receiving a restroom renovation and the Parks Master Plan has been updated to guide future investments.

Development: Cleveland issued 608 new construction permits with a total value of approximately $220,524,225, signaling continued residential and commercial growth. Long-range planning concepts outline a mix of traditional neighborhoods, village commercial areas, mixed-use frontage, community parks, senior living, and school sites spread across hundreds of acres, shaping the next generation of Cleveland’s growth.

Downtown & Arts District: Downtown Improvement Grant projects are continuing to revitalize façades and storefronts, supporting private investment and small businesses – the $300,000 grant leveraged over $2,500,000 in public and private investment. The City’s work to create an Arts and Entertainment District uses placemaking and cultural amenities as a tool for economic prosperity and a stronger, more vibrant downtown.

Strategic Properties & Major Projects: The former Whirlpool property has been purchased, positioning the site for future redevelopment and job creation. The 3rd Street project and related downtown infrastructure improvements are moving ahead, supporting connectivity in and around the emerging City Center.

Looking Forward – City Center & Mobility: Cleveland is advancing a new City Center Project that will anchor downtown and support year-round activity. The city is also planning an indoor sports, events, and aquatics center, along with key transportation projects such as 25th Street traffic improvements, the Peerless/Paul Huff intersection project, and the 25th Street/Peerless intersection project, as well as the Cleveland Indoor Sports Center concept.

Looking Forward – Citywide Projects: Additional priorities include the Michigan Avenue/Minnis widening project, jetport hangar expansion, a new Greenway Nature Park, and relocation of the “Welcome to Cleveland” sign to better reflect current travel patterns. Paving of Paul Huff Parkway and Greenway Phase VI – the Starbucks connector – will further enhance mobility, safety, and recreation access for residents and visitors.

Communications: The city continues to expand outreach through “Five Points with the Mayor” podcast, offering residents a direct way to hear updates and insights from Mayor Brooks and community leaders. These communication tools, combined with ongoing in-person engagement and digital platforms, help ensure that Cleveland’s citizens stay informed and connected as the city moves forward into 2026.