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University Heights donates $25,000 to hunger relief, announces clean audit for 2024
Summary
Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan reported the city donated $25,000 to local food charities following SNAP disruptions and announced a clean 2024 audit; the mayor also described a $20 gift-card distribution to 75 residents and thanked finance staff.
Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan used his report to highlight two developments the city described as responses to recent federal SNAP disruptions and to note the city's continued strong financial standing.
The mayor said the city shifted resources and canceled its annual Civic Awards event to increase support for local food providers; the city contributed $5,000 to the Hunger Network, adding to previously approved donations that brought the city's recent total to $25,000 (Greater Cleveland Food Bank $10,000; Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry $5,000; Heights School Foundation – Family Resource Center $5,000). The mayor quoted Hunger Network CEO Julie Johnson, identified in his remarks as a University Heights resident: "This kind of community-driven support is what keeps our mission alive. The reopening of the federal government is a relief, but the recovery will take time. Families still face immediate needs, and our pantries remain in high demand." The mayor said the city and partners are mobilizing volunteers and extra food distribution while SNAP benefit restoration continues.
The mayor also announced that the city's independent fiscal audit for the year ended 2024 concluded with "no material findings," continuing a streak of clean audits since 2019. He thanked Finance Director Katie Iaconis, former Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and the finance team for the work that led to the Auditor of State recognition in prior years.
The mayor described an additional temporary resident assistance: Minutemen OhioComp provided Heinen's $20 gift cards that will be mailed to the first 75 University Heights residents who call a designated number beginning Nov. 18; the mayor noted the offer is one card per household and available while supplies last.
Next steps: The mayor said restoration of SNAP benefits is underway but could be delayed for some households; the city will continue to coordinate with local charities to address immediate food needs while benefits resume.
