On December 10, 2025, the Cleveland City Council approved a significant restructuring of the city’s real estate planning and redevelopment operations, aimed at streamlining property development and accelerating growth. The legislation introduced changes that will consolidate and improve the city’s approach to managing its real estate assets, marking a pivotal shift in how Cleveland handles its land bank and redevelopment projects.
Under the new plan, the Department of Economic Development has been renamed the Department of Development. The restructuring consolidates multiple functions that were previously spread across different agencies, including the Department of Community Development. As part of the restructuring, 18 staff members from the Department of Community Development have been integrated into the newly formed Department of Development, with a specific focus on managing the city’s land bank and overseeing redevelopment projects across Cleveland. This change is expected to significantly streamline the decision-making process and make the city’s development efforts more cohesive and efficient.
City officials are optimistic that these changes will help eliminate delays and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically slowed down development projects. Cleveland currently has approximately 18,000 vacant parcels, many of which are prime for redevelopment. By consolidating the relevant functions into a single department, the city aims to accelerate efforts to revitalize these parcels and attract investment to long-neglected areas. The new structure is seen as a key step toward making Cleveland a more attractive city for both developers and residents alike.
In addition to the organizational changes, the city also launched a new online portal designed to simplify the permitting process. This digital platform is expected to reduce the time it takes for developers to navigate the complex permitting process, making it easier for them to move projects forward. By streamlining this aspect of the development process, city officials believe they can further reduce barriers to growth and ensure that Cleveland remains competitive in attracting new projects.
This restructuring is part of Mayor Justin Bibb’s broader vision to modernize and improve city services. Bibb has emphasized the need to make Cleveland’s government more efficient and responsive to the needs of both residents and investors. By reorganizing the city’s real estate operations and focusing on efficient development practices, the city is signaling its commitment to revitalizing neighborhoods, creating jobs, and fostering long-term growth.
Overall, the changes to Cleveland’s real estate operations are designed to address the challenges of urban development while promoting a more streamlined and responsive process for developers and residents. By reducing bureaucratic delays, simplifying procedures, and centralizing key functions, the city hopes to build momentum for future growth and make significant strides toward revitalizing its vacant properties. This shift represents an important step forward in Cleveland’s efforts to enhance its infrastructure, improve quality of life for residents, and attract new investment.
