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Committee advances Anthony W. Scott nomination to lead Cuyahoga County Department of Housing and Community Development
Summary
The committee voted to send to the full council for second reading the nomination of Anthony W. Scott as director of the county's newly created Department of Housing and Community Development. Scott described his background in Cleveland municipal government, military service and policy goals emphasizing housing as a human right.
The Cuyahoga County Committee of the Whole on July 22 recommended to the full council the confirmation hearing resolution for Anthony W. Scott, the county executive—9s nominee to serve as director of the Department of Housing and Community Development. The measure was referred to the full council for second reading; final confirmation is scheduled for the council—9s Aug. 5 meeting.
Scott, a Cleveland native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, told the committee he would build on the work of the department—9s first director and prioritize programs that expand affordable housing access and provide wraparound services to vulnerable residents. "Stable, dignified housing is a fundamental human right," Scott said during his remarks.
The hearing included questions from council members covering interdepartmental coordination, homelessness-reduction goals and countywide engagement. Council members asked how Scott planned to work with existing county offices responsible for homelessness, reentry and violence prevention and how the department would pursue funding from state and federal sources. Scott responded that strategic partnerships with local nonprofits, financial institutions and regional partners would be central to his approach, and said he intends to develop a strategic plan tied to the county—9s recent housing study.
Council members praised Scott—9s experience in city government and his stated emphasis on equity. Councilwoman Turner noted the need to avoid displacing legacy residents when building new affordable housing and urged strong interdepartmental collaboration with county fiscal staff.
During the meeting Clerk of Courts Nyla Byrd confirmed that city of Cleveland participants in negotiations on other items had been present during negotiation sessions referenced earlier in the meeting.
A motion to move the resolution to the full council for second reading was made and seconded. The clerk called the roll on the committee—9s vote to recommend the nomination; the roll-call results recorded a majority of affirmative votes and the committee recommended the resolution for the full council.
