Summary of Scene Magazine Content

Upfront: Cleveland Heights Mayor's Wife's Role at City Hall

The departure of Cleveland Heights City Administrator, Dan Horrigan, shed light on the tense office culture at Mayor Kahlil Seren's City Hall, particularly due to the involvement of the mayor's wife, Natalie McDaniel. Several employees have left, citing a culture of intimidation and discomfort. Despite criticisms, Seren defended McDaniel's unpaid role as his "first lady," emphasizing her support and understanding of his position. An independent firm has been hired to investigate accusations of hostility. Seren aims to bring financial stability to Cleveland Heights through a Lean Six Sigma approach, focusing on efficiency. Seren's future in office remains uncertain amidst internal and external criticism.

Cleveland Health Survey Reveals Residents' Struggles

The 2025 Cleveland Health Survey highlighted concerning health statistics among residents, including high rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and food insecurity. Dave Margolius, head of the Department of Public Health, emphasized the importance of data in driving health improvements and city initiatives. As federal cuts impact aid programs, City Hall faces the challenge of addressing residents' needs with limited resources. Councilwoman Rebecca Maurer stressed the need for data-driven actions and programs to improve the city's health outcomes.

People's Budget Cleveland Launches Participatory Budget Pilot Program

People's Budget Cleveland is launching a $100,000 pilot program to allow Clevelanders a say in how public funds are spent. Following a failed bid in 2023, the group aims to empower residents in decision-making processes. The pilot program will focus on one neighborhood, providing an opportunity for residents to prioritize projects based on community needs. Despite limited funding compared to City Hall's budget, the initiative seeks to enhance neighborhood engagement and democratic decision-making. Participatory budgeting models from other cities demonstrate the potential for community-driven projects and improvements.

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