Ward 1

About Joseph T. Jones

Councilman Joseph T. Jones represents Cleveland’s Ward 1, which includes the neighborhoods of Lee-Harvard, Lee-Seville, Union-Miles, and part of Mt. Pleasant. A lifelong resident of the community, Councilman Jones has built a career rooted in public service, neighborhood revitalization, and economic equity.

Throughout his years in public office, Councilman Jones has helped secure over $100 million in new development in the ward, with significant accomplishments including:

• The opening of a new JFK Jr. High School, with a football and track field underway
• The new Frederick Douglass Recreation Center
• Construction of new homes across Ward 1
• Major infrastructure and corridor investments to support long-term growth

Councilman Jones is leading two transformative projects that promise to reshape Ward 1 for future generations. The JFK High School Site Redevelopment brings the development team behind Pinecrest to redevelop the former JFK High School site. The project will include: Quality mixed-income housing and senior cottage homes; a state-of-the-art Cleveland Public Library branch; a 40,000-square-foot dental training facility; and up to 25,000 square feet of boutique retail, restaurants, and office space.

“This project is a game-changer for Ward 1,” said Councilman Jones. “We’re creating spaces where people can live, learn, work, and thrive—all in one neighborhood.”

Councilman Jones is also spearheading the $20 million KPM mixed-use development, located between East 167th Street and Wyatt Avenue. This two-year project will deliver a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood with: market-rate and affordable housing; a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, and garages; fee simple ownership models to promote economic stability; a pattern book to ensure new homes match the character of the existing community; and public green space to enhance urban design and neighborhood connectivity,

“This builds on the $147.9 million invested along Miles Avenue over the past six years,” Jones stated. “It strengthens the foundation for continued growth and future investment in Ward 1.”

Community-Focused Leadership
Councilman Jones is a longtime champion of equity, opportunity, and inclusive growth. He continues to engage residents through regular community meetings and transparency in development planning. He is active in the Democratic Party and the Cleveland NAACP. 

A graduate of Aviation High School, Jones became active in student leadership and local politics at a young age. He studied business and political science at Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University. His early political experience includes work as a grassroots organizer for U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes and several Democratic campaigns. At just 27 years old, he won his first election to Cleveland City Council—this is now his second tenure serving Ward 1.

“We are One,” says Councilman Jones. “And I am honored to serve as your councilman, committed to building a Ward 1 that works for everyone.”