Justin Bibb facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Justin Bibb
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| 58th Mayor of Cleveland | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Frank G. Jackson |
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| Born |
Justin Morris Bibb
April 26, 1987 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | American University (BA) Case Western Reserve University (JD, MBA) |
Justin Morris Bibb (born April 26, 1987) is an American politician. He is the 58th Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio. He has been mayor since January 2022. Before becoming mayor, Bibb worked with leaders and groups to make cities safer and healthier. He also helped lead Teach for America in Ohio. He was on the boards of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and Destination Cleveland.
On January 12, 2021, Bibb announced he would run for mayor of Cleveland. In the first election, called the primary, he won with 27% of the votes. This allowed him to move on to the main election against Kevin J. Kelley. On November 2, 2021, Bibb won the mayoral election. He beat Kelley with 62% of the votes. He became Cleveland's fourth African American mayor and its second youngest.
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Early Life and School
Bibb was born in Cleveland. He grew up in the Mount Pleasant area and in Garfield Heights, Ohio. He went to Trinity High School. After high school, he studied at American University in Washington, D.C. There, he earned a degree in Urban Studies. He also studied in London at the London School of Economics.
In 2014, he came back to Cleveland. He went to Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He earned two degrees there: a law degree (JD) and a business degree (MBA).
Career Before Mayor
In 2007, Bibb worked as an intern for Senator Barack Obama. In 2011, he started working for Cuyahoga County. He helped create a program for public policy. Bibb also worked for companies like Gallup, Inc.. He became the Head of Global Cities Practice in 2015.
In 2019, he returned to Cleveland to work at KeyBank. He also worked as a Chief Strategy Officer at Urbanova. This company focuses on using technology to improve cities. In 2014, he helped start Hack Cleveland. This group works for changes in the justice system using technology.
Mayor of Cleveland
Election to Mayor
2021 Election
Bibb officially announced he was running for mayor in early 2021. He promised to bring new leadership to Cleveland's problems. He said that public safety would be his top goal. His campaign raised a lot of money, which was impressive for a first-time candidate.
To be on the ballot, candidates needed 3,000 signatures. Bibb submitted his petition on June 10, 2021. He was one of seven candidates to make the ballot.
Bibb gained support during the primary election. He did well at a forum about criminal justice. He also spoke out against property owners who took advantage of Cleveland residents.
On August 8, 2021, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer newspaper supported Bibb. On August 18, 2021, two former Cleveland mayors, Michael R. White and Jane Campbell, also supported him.
On September 14, 2021, Bibb won the primary election. He moved on to the general election against City Council President Kevin Kelley. Many Black pastors and former primary opponents then supported Bibb.
On November 2, 2021, Bibb won the general election. He received 62.86 percent of the votes. He won in 12 of Cleveland's 17 wards.
Being Mayor
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On January 3, 2022, Justin Bibb became the 58th Mayor of Cleveland.
Public Safety
In July 2023, Mayor Bibb started the RISE Initiative. This plan aims to reduce violent crime in Cleveland. One goal of RISE is to fix the shortage of police officers. In August 2023, the Bibb team, police unions, and officers agreed to changes. Officers now work 12-hour shifts. They also received a pay raise. This makes Cleveland police salaries among the highest in Ohio.
In November 2023, Bibb suggested changing the maximum age to join the police force. He proposed raising it from 40 to 55 years old. This change aims to bring more people into the police department.
In October 2023, Bibb announced a $10 million Neighborhood Safety Fund. This fund will help improve safety in Cleveland. It will support education and mentorship programs. These programs aim to stop crime before it starts. The money for this fund comes from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Bibb has also worked to make the Cleveland Police Department more accountable. Cleveland voters approved Issue 24. This created a commission of 13 community members. This group helps make decisions about police training and rules. It gives more power to Cleveland citizens.
City Hall Changes
In August 2023, the Bibb administration launched a new City of Cleveland website. They also created an Open Data Portal. This portal lets people see crime reports, city land information, and property conditions. It makes it easier to get public records.
In May 2023, Bibb suggested a new policy for city employees. It would give them paid time off when they have a new child. This includes time before and after birth or adoption. It also helps employees who experience a pregnancy loss. The Cleveland City Council approved this in June 2023. It applies to about 7,000 city workers.
Housing Policy
In September 2023, Bibb introduced the "Residents First" plan. This plan helps with housing issues. It makes housing rules stricter. It also adds fines for breaking these rules. The plan also focuses on empty properties. It tries to prevent homes from sitting empty when people need them.
In February 2023, Bibb announced his "Home for Every Neighbor Policy." This policy helps people who do not have homes find permanent housing.
Economic Development
The Bibb administration used $50 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. This money created a fund to prepare land for new jobs. This fund will turn empty lots into places ready for businesses. This could create 60,000 jobs.
Mayor Bibb also shared a plan for the lakefront and riverfront. In March 2024, the City Council approved a plan for Downtown Cleveland. This plan is expected to bring in billions of dollars over the next 42 years. The Bibb administration also announced new tax credits for businesses.
Budget and Finances
Bibb has passed balanced budgets for 2023 and 2024. In September 2022, Moody's Investors Service improved Cleveland's credit rating. This was the first time in 12 years. A better rating helps the city pay for improvements.
Appointments
In March 2023, Bibb appointed Calley Mersmann and Jeffrey Weston Sleasman to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.
In June 2023, Bibb appointed new members to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education. He also reappointed existing members.
In July 2023, Bibb appointed Andrew Sargeant to the Cleveland City Planning Commission. He also named Michael Sanbury and Dr. Regennia Williams to the Cleveland Landmarks Commission. Bibb also appointed Luz Pellot, Robert Render III, and Jay Westbrook to the Cleveland Community Relations Board. Roland Muhammad and Rev. Charles Lucas were also reappointed to this board.
Family Life
Justin Bibb's father was a police officer and a firefighter. His cousin is the journalist Leon Bibb.
