Mersmann has demonstrated her dedication and commitment to public service championing policies that promote safe, accessible, and sustainable infrastructure models.
CLEVELAND — Today, Mayor Justin M. Bibb announced that he is recommending Calley Mersmann to the members of the City Planning Commission for nomination and appointment as Planning Director for the City of Cleveland. Calley has served Bibb’s Administration as Senior Strategist for Transit and Mobility since 2022, guiding mobility projects, initiatives, and policies for the City.
“Calley’s leadership and strategic vision has been –and will continue to be– instrumental to the advancement of our city,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “Her leadership on road safety and traffic calming through the Vision Zero initiative and multimodal planning, culminating in Cleveland Moves, has made a lasting impact on how we think about mobility in our city. I am confident that her skills, experience, and deep understanding of our diverse communities will help us continue improving Cleveland’s built environment.”
Before her previous role as Senior Strategist for Transit and Mobility, Calley served for four years as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator with the Cleveland City Planning Commission, coordinating transportation plans and initiatives, and managing the creation and development of the city’s shared mobility program.
“The City Planning Director role is an exciting opportunity to guide the department's policies and processes to continue making our neighborhoods stronger and safer, enhancing the quality of life of our residents,” said Mersmann. “Through this work, I look forward to strengthening the trust between residents and local government, developing the department’s talented staff, and simplifying administrative processes for those investing in our city.”
Upon nomination and appointment as the Director of City Planning, Calley will bring her deep understanding of urban planning, community engagement, and equitable development to ensure that Cleveland’s growth is intentional, inclusive, and aligned with our shared vision for a more vibrant and connected city.
Calley attended the University of Georgia as a Foundation Fellow, earning a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, and received a Master of Public Affairs with concentrations in local government and sustainable development from Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She and her family are proud residents of the City of Cleveland.
