Cleveland Council Approves Controversial Ward Map

Cleveland City Council has approved a new ward map, reducing the number of wards from 17 to 15, due to a population decline as reported in the 2020 U.S. Census. The vote was 14-2 in favor, despite significant public criticism and protests over the process and allegations of gerrymandering. Critics, including council members and community activists, argue that the process lacked transparency and public engagement, with accusations of manipulating boundaries to favor incumbents and splitting neighborhoods. Council President Blaine Griffin defended the process as open, citing public invitations to submit maps, although some community members, like Nikki Hudson, remain dissatisfied. The revision was necessary under a 2008 charter amendment that ties ward numbers to city population. The council's quick approval was motivated by an approaching deadline needed to finalize voting precincts for a May election.