Council Member· 2024-01 to 2028-01 (month-level start: January 2024, re-elected Nov 7, 2023, council organizational meeting Jan 2, 2024 per council agenda; current-term start, earlier first-office date unsourced; month-level end: January 2028; term runs through Dec 31, 2027 per Cleveland Jewish News, successor seating at a January council meeting as in Jan 2026; charter text not read)
Gail Larson
Cleveland Heights
About
Gail Larson's platform and priorities upon joining the Cleveland Heights City Council center around fostering community collaboration, addressing housing needs, and enhancing public safety.
Campaign promises (1)
- public-safetyGail Larson focused her appointment on collaboration, housing, and public safety.Related votes
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 24
- Total speaking time
- 59:37
- Avg per meeting
- 2:29
- Segments
- 821
Want every word Larson has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Larson said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
Short-Term Rentals Ordinance
A new 3% transient occupancy tax would create a new revenue stream for the city.
2027 Council Budget Overview
The whole $142 million spending plan — funded mostly by income tax and sewer/refuse fees, with property tax up about 7% after county reappraisal.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
ADUs are estimated to cost homeowners roughly $150,000 at the low end to build; no direct city cost.
Cumberland Pool Facility Modernization and Rehabilitation
About $13.7 million, mostly bond-financed and paid back over time.
Council Code of Conduct and Legislative Process
Cost not yet determined; a venue and possible outside trainer will be budgeted later.
Sidewalk Repair
Funded now by ARPA dollars; a permanent program would need 2027 budget money.
Pedestrian safety and oversized vehicles
About $100,380 in local cost against a $1 million federal grant, plus $25,000 in immediate improvements.
Speed Cameras in School Zones
Camera systems are typically vendor-funded services at no direct cost to the city; any ticket revenue would be earmarked for traffic safety, not budgeted.
Cumberland Pool modernization
$913,000 for design, within the $110 million bond-funded program.
Community Improvement Corporation board restructuring and property disposition committee
Funds currently designated to the CIC will be reallocated, with details to come before council.
Sale or lease of city-owned property
Lots sold at roughly $500 per lot with deed restrictions; the CDC brings $500,000 in state grant funds plus a $500,000 bank line of credit.
Deer management survey
Up to $66,907.55, paid from the 2027 police budget.
Severance Timeline
The city's ability to intervene financially depends on an undetermined bond rating and debt capacity.
Horseshoe Lake Park and Army Corps review
The hybrid option is estimated to cut local tax burden by over $41 million versus a full $55 million dam rebuild.
Tree Commission
No cost estimate was given; the commission would be volunteer-based.
Comprehensive Plan for Affordable Housing and Down Payment Assistance Program
Would require city acquisition or catalytic investment in specific properties, with costs partially recouped on sale to developers.
Council Committee Structure
Fewer separate meetings could save staff time and reduce evening meeting loads.
Landmark Commission ordinance revision
None stated directly, though designations could affect property owners' costs and property values citywide.
Citywide zoning update and Hampshire Park concerns
Not stated in this meeting.
Blanche Avenue Extension Project
Estimated $2.5 million total, offset by an $850,000 federal grant and special assessments on future homebuyers.
Decisions during term (323)
Recorded while Larson was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Bid authorization for Project 26-08 utility location and marking program
Resolution 206-2026 — Home Repair Resource Center contract (first reading)
Ordinance 207-2026 — 2026 appropriations amendment (first reading)
Resolution 208-2026 — Routeware refuse software (first reading)
Resolution 214-2026 — Fabrizi Trucking change order (first reading)
Resolution 201-2026 — refuse and recycling truck (second reading)
Resolution 202-2026 — council code of conduct (second reading)
Ordinance 203-2026 — vacant residential lot sales (second reading)
Executive session
Approval of September minutes
Permission to bid Project 2608 — utility locating
Resolution 206-2026(HB) — Home Repair Resource Center contract
Ordinance 207-2026(F) — 2026 appropriations amendment
Resolution 208-2026(MSES) — Routeware refuse software
Resolution 214-2026(MSES) — Fabrizi change order
Resolution 201-2026(MSES) — Ford F-600 refuse truck
Resolution 202-2026(AS) — council code of conduct
Ordinance 203-2026(PD) — vacant lot sales
Resolution 198-2026(HB) — ARPA sidewalk repair contract with A & J Cement Contractors
Resolution 199-2026(PSH) — Ohio traffic safety enforcement grants
Voting record (158)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Motion to enter executive session
Ordinance 196-2026 — Sale of three vacant lots to Start Right CDC (passed on first reading)
Ordinance 196-2026 — Sale of three lots to Start Right CDC (suspended rules, passed on first reading)
Ordinance 174-2026(CRR) — Cain Park Restrooms contract amendment (first reading, adoption requested)
Motion to enter executive session
Resolution 133-2026 — Assessment equalization board, street lighting (second reading)
Recused due to a close personal friendship with one of the individuals involved.
Ordinance 125-2026: Establish Municipal Property Development and Disposition Committee
Motion to go into executive session (appointment of a public official)
Resolution 102-2026: GPD Group construction management for 2026 Road Program
Resolution 110-2026: OHM Advisors for Taylor Road TLCI design
Resolution 103-2026: Friends of Cain Park MOU tabled
Resolution 095-2026: NOACA EV fast-charging agreement
Resolution 096-2026: Rust Belt Riders composting program renewed and expanded
Consent agenda: Pride Month, Gun Violence Awareness Day, Public Works Week
Motion to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 099-2026(AS)
Adoption of Ordinance No. 099-2026(AS) — Housing Advisory Board
Motion to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 081-2026(PD)
Motion to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 097-2026(F)
Motion to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 094-2026(AS)
Motion to establish Council's 2026 Summer Recess from July 14 to August 14, and canceling the July 20, 2026, and August 3, 2026, Regular Council Meetings
Motion to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 098-2026(MSES)
Motion to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 083-2026(COTW)
Motion to authorize the Mayor to bid projects #26-04 and #26-05
Motion to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 082-2026(PD)
Motion to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 084-2026(COTW)
Authorize bidding for Waterline Replacement Projects #26-04 and #26-05
Resolution No. 094-2026(AS) — Parks and Recreation Advisory Board appointments
Ordinance No. 097-2026(F) — $250,639 appropriation to refund Ark Synagogue developer's permit fees
Wished the transaction had been anticipated in the prior year's budget.