Nearly three years after becoming mayor of Cleveland, Justin Bibb is striving to revitalize the city's southeast side, increase resources
for unhoused residents and enhance public safety.
Bibb became mayor at age 34, the second-youngest person elected to the position. "As a leader from a younger generation, I have the advantage of navigating the evolving digital landscape and leveraging technological advancements to modernize Cleveland and City Hall," he said.
For example, in Cleveland's southeast side, his administration has launched numerous initiatives to address blight, improve the housing stock, pursue new developments and enhance neighborhood infrastructure.
Bibb also aims to reduce violent crime in Cleveland through his Raising Investment in Safety for Everyone Initiative, which combines camera-monitoring technology, expansion of the city's police force and other public-safety investments.
"Of course, being a younger mayor brings challenges, such as overcoming perceptions about experience," Bibb said. "But it also brings energy, adaptability and a drive to rethink old ways and implement meaningful changes."
In addition to leading the city, Bibb serves on the boards of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, the Destination Cleveland tourism nonprofit and the LAND Studio arts and public-spaces organization.
This piece, written by Lauren Dangel, originally appeared in the Fall/Winter 2024 issue of Think Magazine.