Ward 5

About Richard A. Starr

Richard Starr represents Ward 5 which includes Central, Kinsman, Midtown neighborhoods and part of downtown and North Broadway/Slavic Village.

Prior to his election to City Council, he was recognized as a leader in Cleveland’s Central Community for his grassroots activism and commitment to creating positive change.

Councilman Starr is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University, where he earned a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management. He’s also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

Born and raised in Ward 5's King Kennedy public housing estates, Councilman Starr’s lived experience of poverty and violence during his youth led him to the safe confines of the King Kennedy Boys and Girls club. His love for sports and community service grew and fueled his career path.

He began working for the Boys and Girls club in 2008, working his way up through various positions to his most recent position as the Director of Sports and Recreation for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio. 

Councilman Starr's passion for sports and serving the community led him to become a volunteer youth football coach and mentor in Ward 5, serving his community in multiple capacities and impacting the lives of many.

He’s used his voice to speak out against violence and address the community's needs. During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, he organized a Unity Peace March and collaborated with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to distribute over 42,000+ pounds. He also distributed 2,800 masks and participated in voter education initiatives.

He was honored to be named the 2019 Shoes and Clothes for Kids "Partner of the Year” award, and, in 2018, Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood Si recognized him as a "Champion of Central.”

Councilman Starr is a graduate of East Tech High School and serves on several boards, including Faith Community United Credit Union, Northeast Ohio Young Black Democrats, Book Bank Young Professionals, and the Telos Institute. In 2018, he was elected Democratic leader of Ward 5.