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)(General)
Short-Term Rentals Ordinance
A new 3% transient occupancy tax would create a new revenue stream for the city.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
ADUs are estimated to cost homeowners roughly $150,000 at the low end to build; no direct city cost.
Sidewalk Repair
Funded now by ARPA dollars; a permanent program would need 2027 budget money.
Deer management survey
Up to $66,907.55, paid from the 2027 police budget.
Landmark Commission ordinance revision
None stated directly, though designations could affect property owners' costs and property values citywide.
Flock safety cameras privacy concerns
The city is two years into a five-year Flock contract; one speaker suggested redirecting roughly $50,000 a year toward legal counsel for immigrants.
Opposition to Ohio House Bills 2642 and 281 and Senate Bill 172
Some bills would cut state funding to local agencies that don't comply, which could hit city and school budgets.
Flock license plate reader contract
The contract costs the city about $50,000 a year — $250,000 over the five-year term — money several speakers argued should fund a legal defense fund instead.
Body-worn camera grant for police
Grant funds will offset the cost of body-worn cameras for police.
Ranked choice voting public hearing
Adopting RCV could have cost the city about $2.2 million a year in state funding, plus litigation costs.
Director of Human Resources Appointment
Salary costs were not detailed in the meeting.
surveillance cameras
It won't cost you extra, but it keeps the city from wasting money and trust on privacy lawsuits down the road.
tree advisory board
It won't cost much upfront, but better tree management could save the city money on infrastructure repairs down the road.
2025 Fiscal Year Close and Audit Status
Getting the audit cycle current is seen as key to restoring the city's bond rating, which affects borrowing costs for projects like the pool.
Citywide food scrap composting expansion
About $80,000 expected spend this year against a $100,000 budget.
Immigration enforcement concerns and resident legal support
The clinics use volunteer attorney time rather than city dollars; a $200,000 legal aid contribution was proposed by advocates but not adopted.
property assessment
You'll see a direct increase in your annual property tax bill due to the higher tree service assessment.
City Administrator appointment
The salary cost wasn't discussed in detail, but the hire fills a leadership role that affects how efficiently the city runs.
salary adjustment
Any salary adjustment would affect the city budget, with amounts not yet determined.
state of the city
Without a credit rating, the city faces higher borrowing costs and strained finances.
Decisions during term (1)
Recorded while Larson was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Voting record (1)(General)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.