The Future of Cleveland Is Collective
In this current moment, our democracy is going through a multitude of tests. On the federal level there are constant attacks on voting rights, racial equity, and economic access. In the state of Ohio, policies continue to undermine local control and suppress the voices of marginalized communities. In the city of Cleveland, the consequences of these actions have trickled down, and continue to displace, under invest, and disengage residents civically. The communities that are affected by these globally, start in the local context.
Recognizing the local wins - such as the Guardians for Fair Work campaign, remind us that when we work together, change happens. Aligning ourselves (and organizations) strategically, with a plan, we can win. The energy, and want for different exists, there needs to be leaders in the space that guide those willing to do the work.
We’re not building something new just for the sake of it—we’re aligning what’s already working and activating new energy for what’s possible.
WHY NOW
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OUR COLLECTIVE GOALS
Cleveland needs more than short-term victories, we need a shared long-term vision for structural change. Together, the members of the Cleveland Power Alliance seek to:
Center Community
Uplift the voices, stories, and leadership of those most impacted by injustice—because they’re the ones who know what needs to change.
Ignite Participatory Democracy
Create a unified blueprint that strengthens civic power in Cleveland—where everyday people are shaping policy, leading movements, and defining what justice and equity look like on their own terms.
Strengthen Infrastructure
Invest in civic education, narrative power, and the tools people need to understand and influence local government.
Facilitate Alignment
Foster space for organizations to come together around shared goals, strengthening and leveraging our collective assets
Bridge the Gaps
Connect the dots between voter engagement and long-term movement-building, helping turn community energy into sustained impact.
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Kayla Griffin
Grace Heffernan
Nora Kelley
Selina Pagan
Jerry Peña
Josiah Quarles
Melaak Rashid
Erika Anthony
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ALLIANCE MEMBERS
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POLICY PRIORITIES
The Cleveland Power Alliance exists to organize collective power for a multiracial democracy in Cleveland. We are a coalition of value-aligned organizations committed to building a bold, community-driven vision rooted in justice, equity, and deep civic participation.
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Explore our full list of policy priorities here.
Civil Liberties + Human Rights​
Equitable Democracy​
Healthy + Safe Communities
Just Economy
