Mayor· 2026-01-05 to 2030-01 (took office Jan 5, 2026 per News5 and City News Update Jan 9, 2026, elected Nov 4, 2025; month-level end: January 2030; four-year term from the Nov 2025 election per Cleveland Jewish News, seating at a January council meeting as in Jan 5, 2026; charter text not read)
Jim Petras
Cleveland Heights
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 56
- Total speaking time
- 4:15:43
- Avg per meeting
- 4:34
- Segments
- 2976
Want every word Petras has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Petras 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 Petras was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.