During the Cleveland City Council's Committee of the Whole meeting on August 13, 2025, significant discussions centered around a proposed $21 million financing plan for various capital projects, primarily funded through bonds. The council reviewed the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, which attracted responses from 13 banks, with plans to finalize a contract with one of them soon.

A key focus of the meeting was ensuring local participation in the projects. Council members expressed the importance of involving minority-owned, female-owned, and Cleveland small businesses (MBE, FBE, and CSB) in the bidding process. The administration confirmed that they are required to meet specific participation goals through the design-build process, with oversight from the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO).

Additionally, the council discussed the implementation of a project labor agreement (PLA) due to the project's size, which mandates collaboration with local labor organizations. This agreement aims to ensure fair labor practices and community benefits, aligning with the city’s commitment to local workforce engagement.

Council members also sought clarity on how the city would measure savings from the project, particularly regarding utility and maintenance costs. The administration assured that savings would be tracked through a rigorous verification process, with a commitment to reimburse the city if projected savings were not realized.

Concerns were raised about potential impacts on union jobs due to contracted maintenance and procurement services. However, officials indicated that there were no known issues regarding union erosion or staff reductions associated with the project.

As the meeting progressed, council members emphasized the need for regular updates on the project's status and financial implications, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process. The administration agreed to provide quarterly reports during construction and annual updates thereafter.

This meeting highlighted the city council's ongoing efforts to balance financial management with community engagement and support for local businesses, reflecting a commitment to inclusive growth in Cleveland.