Councilman Kevin J. Kelley has been a Cleveland City Council representative since ---- and he represents ward 13, a ward made up mainly of the Old Brooklyn neighborhood on Cleveland’s west side. He also serves as Majority Whip of Cleveland City Council.
Since joining the Council, Councilman Kelley has worked to promote the progress and growth of the City of Cleveland and the neighborhoods he represents. A core belief of his is that a strong city is built upon strong neighborhoods. Kelley’s neighborhood priorities include assuring quality city services, promoting safety, and using any and all resources to promote neighborhood development.
Councilman Kelley has worked to promote unity and development in his community. Working with the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBDCD), Kelley funded, planned, and oversaw the drafting of the Old Brooklyn Master Plan, which focuses on green space and commercial development as well as housing issues in Old Brooklyn. Councilman Kelley also sponsored Transportation for Livable Communities to revitalize the Pearl Road commercial corridor and Old Brooklyn Connected to help all ward 13 residents connect to the Internet.
While Chair of the Aviation and Transportation Committee, Councilman Kelley focused his attention on development and accountability at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Under his leadership, the Council passed legislation that led to significant improvements to the airport. Councilman Kelley also sponsored legislation to study the best use for Burke Lakefront Airport including the renovation and lease of the former Aviation High School to a multi-million dollar technology company.
Councilman Kelley serves as Chair of the Public Utilities Committee. As chair, his goals include ensuring the long-term viability of Cleveland Public Power, assuring high quality water service and stable rates, and strengthening our City’s commitment to sustainability in the delivery of services. He also serves as vice-chair of the Finance committee and as a member of the Aviation and Transportation, Health and Human Services, Mayor’s Appointment and Personnel and Operations Committees.
Councilman Kelley has a strong community service background. Following his graduation from Marquette University, he volunteered at the West Side Catholic Center as a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. He later worked at Recovery Resources assisting mentally ill adults while earning a Master’s Degree from Case Western Reserve University in social administration.
Councilman Kelley graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Kelley was also the recipient of numerous awards, including the Dean’s Community Service Award, J. Patrick Brown Award for Academic Excellence, Anderson Publishing Company Awards for Outstanding Student in Contracts Torts, Law Fellows Grant, and CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in Torts, Contracts, Legal Writing, and Secured Transactions. He is an associate attorney with Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur.
Councilman Kelley is a former member of the Board of Trustees for ParkWorks Cleveland. He is also a former President of the Board of Trustees for the May Dugan Multi Service Center on Cleveland’s west side and a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Community Assessment Foundation. Most recently, Councilman Kelley was a Trustee for the Cleveland Public Library.
He lives in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood with his wife and five children.
COMMITTEES
- Public Utilities - Chair
- Finance - Vice Chair
- Aviation and Transportation
- Health & Human Services
- Mayor’s Appointment Committee
- Personnel & Operations
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