March 21, 2025 -- Yesterday afternoon, Mayor Justin M. Bibb signed an executive order establishing the Municipal Cabinet for Children and Youth. The signing event at Cleveland City Hall gathered community leaders, educators, and youth advocates, all united in their commitment to ensuring a brighter future for the city’s youth.
The Children’s and Youth Cabinet is a community-driven group dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people. The mission of the cabinet is to harness data, resources, and a unified City Hall commitment to enhance youth well-being, with youth voices at the center of decision-making.
The Cabinet is not another program—it’s a strategic shift in how Cleveland’s government operates to support children and youth. Designed by and for children and youth, families, and the providers who serve them, the Cabinet’s mission is to harness data, resources, and the full commitment of City Hall to advance youth well-being and improve the material conditions for children, families, and communities.
“This is a bold step toward a future where our youth are prioritized, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential,” said Mayor Bibb. “The creation of the Municipal Cabinet for Children and Youth is a reflection of our commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for our young residents, paving the way for new opportunities and resources.”
The Municipal Cabinet will serve as a hub for collaboration among city departments, community organizations, and stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of young people in Cleveland. This initiative is part of a broader vision to enhance the quality of life for all Cleveland residents, focusing particularly on the next generation. By aligning efforts, the city aims to develop innovative strategies and programs that engage and uplift youth across the community and enhance the impactful work already happening across the city.
“In collaboration with our partners, we are implementing data-driven initiatives aimed at addressing social determinants of health, improving economic mobility, reducing poverty, and creating a safer, healthier city for everyone,” added Sonya Pryor-Jones, Chief of Youth of Family Success. “We are extremely proud of the hard work that went into the development of this cabinet and the insight we received from the community.”
This vital initiative aims to provide every young person in Cleveland with the support, opportunities, and resources they need to thrive. With this Executive Order, the Mayor emphasizes the importance of breaking down silos and aligning efforts across various sectors to create a more coordinated and effective support system for the children and young people of Cleveland.
“The work of investing in our children to ensure they are better positioned to succeed in adulthood is a tall order for any one city agency. It requires effective collaboration and coordination across all government agencies to align policies that affect children’s long-term well-being, health, and safety,” said Geoff Canada, Founder and President of Harlem Children’s Zone. “I applaud Mayor Bibb and his administration on the creation of the Municipal Cabinet for Children and Youth, which will mobilize resources around the city’s priorities for children and facilitate a holistic approach to serving children to drive outcomes. Cleveland’s children cannot afford to wait.”
