Garfield Heights
Ranked In Top 25!
Mayor Matt Burke was sworn in on February 1, 2021 and continues to progress the City of Garfield Heights forward in revitalization efforts.
Scroll to catch all the highlights in Mayor Burke's efforts - Redefining Garfield Heights
The Progress & The Plan - Casual Conversation with Mayor Burke
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PART 1 - GROWTH VISION REDEFINED
Introducing Part 1 of a series of Casual Conversation with Mayor Burke hosted by Delvis Valentine, Cleveland Journalist and Radio Personality. In this segment, Mayor Burke discusses his first term in office, vision, growth and achievements... and a glimpse of what is ahead in his second term.
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PART 2 - CITY SAFETY EFFORTS
Introducing Part 2 of a series of Casual Conversation with Mayor Burke hosted by Delvis Valentine, Cleveland Journalist and Radio Personality. In this segment, Mayor Burke discusses efforts to create a safer city.
More efforts can be found below.
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PART 3 - FINANCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Introducing Part 3 of a series of Casual Conversation with Mayor Burke hosted by Delvis Valentine, Cleveland Journalist and Radio Personality. In this segment, Mayor Burke discusses City Finances and Economic Development.
Community Highlights
Economic Development
With a detailed focus on the economic base, Mayor Burke took over the Economic Development Department, restructured positions and now leads the efforts to attract businesses large and small. Under his leadership, we've seen 50+ new businesses including at least 11 new multi-million dollar corporations move into the city as well as business expansions.
Through regional collaboration and the County's Master Plan initiatives, Garfield Heights has been identified as a prime location for economic development in Cuyahoga County.
Grants
Mayor Burke's relentless initiatives have been complimented by state and county grants received. Under Mayor Burke's leadership, more than $16 Million in grants has been awarded to businesses, governmental departments and law enforcement to improve the community.
The Brownfield Grants are expected to lead to the plans to complete Transportation Boulevard's extension through to Rockside Road. This is the first step in finally delivering on a promise that was made by prior administrations years ago.
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Law Enforcement & Safety Services
With the Mayor's appointment of Chief Mark Kaye in July of 2021 and the appointment of Deputy Chief Dale Merchant, Captain William Gall and promotions of new Lieutenants and Sergeants, we've seen outstanding results. Efforts have included additional officers to the force, an advanced Drone Program, a comprehensive, city-wide surveillance system, Flock Cameras, 2 new K-9 officers, an effective Target Enforcement Unit, the Lexis Nexis Crime Mapping system, Citizens Police Academy and an increased presence in the community through block watches (Neighbors on Duty Program), social events and the SPEAR program to increase safety in our schools.
The Housing Market
Garfield Heights has seen significant increases in value of existing homes.
In 2023 and 2024, Garfield Heights, home sales are at the highest values in the history of the city with more units sold to primary occupants that we've seen in decades.
With a key focus on improving the housing market, Mayor Burke has restructured the Building Department and enhanced communications.
Student Collaboration
Education is vital to our community and our future. Mayor Burke has appointed student liaisons and appears frequently at school events to listen to student concerns and be present showing care and concern for safety, encouraging positive interaction and quality education. He is a proud supporter and fan of student extra-curricular activities. He's even been spotted within the 'chain gang' during area high school football games and spends 'free time' at local school events cheering on the kids.
CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERVIEW BETWEEN MAYOR BURKE AND DR. RICHARD REYNOLDS, SI OF THE GHCSD.
Garfield Park Reservation
Grand Opening 10/16/24
By Megan Sims, cleveland.com
GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio – Garfield Park Reservation’s old boating pond is beginning to reflect the color of crisp fall leaves, just in time to showcase renovations to the century-old pond that had been suffocated for decades by vegetation and silt.
Two years after the Cleveland Metroparks began its long anticipated $7 million renovation, the park will put new features on display, with an official opening Thursday.
Land of Superheroes
Sponsored by the Burke Committee, elementary Children across the district spent 6 weeks learning the Power of Peace and were rewarded with a fun filled event featuring Pepperminte Patti Collins, Founder of the National Land of Superheroes program. Also joining the Superhero alliance were our local Superheroes, the GHPD Chief & Officers, GHFD Chief & Firefighters, Nurses and Veteran SFC Avery Johnson.
The children were sworn in by Mayor Matt Burke and Judge Sergio DiGeronimo as City Peace Ambassadors among their peers.
Recreation Improvements:
New Basketball and Pickleball Courts were unveiled on 10/12/2024 along with new playground equipment at Frank J. Debelak Park on Granger Road.
New recreation programs include Youth Sports Leagues (Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer, etc.) as well as fun stuff for the 'big kids' in the community like Line Dancing, Yoga, Zoomba and more.
Mayor Burke Appointed - Executive Board for the Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium
Leadership throughout communities across Northeast Ohio selected Mayor Burke to serve as an Executive Committee Board Member. Mayor Burke continues to be an influential voice for our city, our county and our region bringing awareness and solutions to the challenges that our community and communities like ours face.
Mayor Burke & City Council in Collaboration with Cuyahoga County - The Master Plan
The Master Plan process has provided a unique opportunity for residents, local businesses, civic
leaders, community organizations, and other interested stakeholders to discuss assets, issues, and opportunities found
within Garfield Heights, and how the community can come together to create a holistic vision for the City’s future.
Transient Oriented Business District Study ordered and approved!
This is the first step in recreating a revitalized and thriving transient-oriented business district that will include redevelopment of Turney Road, Garfield Blvd., East 131st and Broadway Avenue. In 2023,
Turney Town Shopping Center was purchased by Private Investors from NYC who specialize in reimagined shopping plazas across the Midwest as well as key buildings within NYC's Fashion District.
Cuyahoga County has committed to a site where it wants to build a new County Campus, with County Council approving a $38.7 million purchase of the former Bridgeview Crossings site in Garfield Heights.
The Campus will include a Diversion Center, The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department HQs with nearly 1100 employees including 700 Officers and 200 deputies, a new County Jail and more services designed for a new approach to rehabilitation.
Mayor Burke Rolls Out New City Website
In 2021, Mayor Burke upgraded the City's website technology to allow residents to stay informed of upcoming events, create accounts to easily communicate with departments and access forms, sign up for email and text notifications and report concerns online.
In addition to this, City Council information is available and a YouTube channel live streams regular City Council Meetings to the public.
GHPD Reports Overall 32% Reduction In Crimes, Credits TEU and Residents:
In June of 2022, we allocated four officers to what we called our “Targeted Enforcement Unit" (TEU). TEU had its one-year anniversary this month and the chart above compares the 3 years prior to their existence, with the 3 years they were operating. Overall, there has been a 32% reduction in these seven major crime categories.
We are incredibly grateful for the support from the residents and City Officials for what we are trying to accomplish. Thank you!
Mayor Burke Joins Legendary Bootsy Collins, National Funk Not Fight Movement Released at Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In an effort to calm the violence among youths locally and nationally, Mayor Burke and Mayor Blackwell (Maple Heights) hosted the release of Bootsy Collins' Funk Not Fight Video Premier and the Funk Not Fight Movement. A Safe Space has been established in The Village PACC in Garfield Heights where children can find passions in the arts and access community resources.
BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER
From Utility Resource Fairs, Job Fairs, Holiday Events, Neighbors on Duty, Monthly Town Hall Meetings and more, we've seen a large increase in resident participation.
Bringing the community together, networking with neighbors and sharing ideas and concerns has contributed to an increase in Garfield Heights pride.
Strengthening our residents is an important key to a thriving city!
Mayor Matt Burke appointed to the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission
The Planning Commission was created pursuant to R.C. Section 713.22 and is comprised of eight members appointed by the County Executive for each of the eight County Planning Regions, the County Executive, and two members of County Council appointed by the President of County Council.
As a Board Member, Mayor Burke will serve the Chagrin/Southeast Region.
Parks & Recreation
Understanding the importance of a healthy lifestyle for residents, Mayor Burke's first initiatives involved the revitalization of the parks and recreations. Garfield Park Reservation on the North side of the city is undergoing millions of dollars in restoration of the pond and plans are set for a new bike path connecting the Reservation to the Canal Towpath down Garfield Boulevard in hopes of economic development and revitalization of the areas along East 131st, Broadway Avenue and Garfield Boulevard. On the South end of the city, off Hathaway Road, scenic "Wargo Farms" has been purchased by the Cleveland Metroparks - trails leading to amazing scenery and beautiful sunsets over the Cuyahoga Valley.
Our Seniors
With the restructuring of the Senior Center, Mayor Burke has expanded senior services including traveling to outside activities, transportation, food drives and new coordinators and managers to provide our Seniors enjoyment in the community. Live Musical Performances, frequent visits from GHCSD students, Line Dancing, Cardio workouts, lunchtime favorites, knitting and crochet, Wii Bowling and Bingo are just some of the fun! Occasionally, you can catch Mayor Burke and his guitar in our Senior Center.
Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce.
ANNOUNCEMENT: The City has entered into partnership with the Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce. Businesses in Garfield Heights can sign up online and a Chamber representative will be in contact.
MAYOR BURKE ESTABLISHES HOME REPAIR GRANT PROGRAM
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND IN THE WORKS!
COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACTS IN THE WORKS!
Green Energy
Mayor Burke is collaborating with Federal, State and Local leaders to bring Garfield Heights into the Green Energy era.
Stay tuned for more.
Power A Clean Future Ohio presented The City of Garfield Heights with the Clean Energy Champions Awards on December 11, 2024.
This prestigious event honored Ohio's trailblazing communities and visionary local leaders who are lighting the way toward a sustainable future.
Mayor Matt Burke accepts the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative - Richard M. Daley Award for Clean Water Initiatives on behalf of The City of Garfield Heights. This award recognizes the efforts we have made to address lead pipes in our city and advance clean water initiatives. Milwaukee, WI (May 2025)
Upcoming & Recent Events
Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
May 26, 2025
10AM
Keynote Speakers:
Commander Glover
Buffalo Soldiers
Garfield Heights Civic Center & Historical Society.
BIKE WITH THE MAYOR SERIES
Meet up with Mayor Burke and cruise bike paths around the city on select Saturday mornings.
Locations to be announced. Visit GarfieldHts.Org for the latest information.
REIMAGINING TURNEY ROAD
April 9th, 2025
Garfield Heights Civic Center - 5407 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, OH
6:30PM
Discuss the results of the Transit Oriented Study & get a glimpse of the future of the Turney Road Corridor.
EASTER CELEBRATION
Hosted by Mayor Burke -
April 5, 2025
Garfield Heights Civic Center
Fun filled event for the whole family!
ANNUAL VIETNAM VETERANS HONOR CEREMONY
Hosted By Mayor Burke
March 29, 2025
Garfield Heights Civic Center
2PM
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS BUS TOUR
Hosted by Mayor Burke - Campaign/Fundraiser event includes a guided tour of the largest lights display in the Midwest and stops at Wheeling Island Casino, The Oglebay Zoo, a Laser light show and a buffet style dinner. Cost is $100 per person. Seating is limited. Call 216-236-5582.
RESOURCE MEETINGS:
Third Federal collaborates with the City of Garfield Heights to educated homeowners.
Annual Fall Festival
was even greater than the last! Hundreds of kids and their families attended on October 5, 2024. What a blast!
Neighbors On Duty
These quarterly meetings continue to be well attended by residents across all wards.
What a great effort of Neighbors looking out for Neighbors!
Scam Squad!
Join Mayor Matt Burke and Mayor Annette Blackwell as they introduce residents to the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad on March 12, 2024 at 6:30PM at the Garfield Heights Civic Center.
Easter Celebration for Kids
Saturday, March 9th from 10AM- Noon
Crafts
Prizes
Free Child ID Card
Face Painting
Easter Bunny
Garfield Heights Civic Center
2024 Black History Event
2024's city-wide Black History Event featured Judge Michael John Ryan, Federal 8th District Court of Appeals and Scientist and Astronomer Destiny Thomas.
Planning
Great Estates
Hundreds packed the room to learn about the basics of Estate planning on February 8, 2024 at the Garfield Heights Civic Center.
Land of the Superheroes
Coming Soon October 31! Hosted by Mayor Matt Burke and Dr. Richard Reynolds in collaboration with the Bootsy Collins Foundation and the Funk Not Fight Movement, this program will work with children in the communities to foster an environment of peace through anti-bullying and anti-violence education.
Neighbors On Duty Meets 1/10/2024
Over 400 Residents and counting! That's a community that CARES.
January 10th, 2024 at 6:30PM! Civic Center at 5407 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, OH.
SPECIAL GUESTS:
→CUYAHOGA COUNTY SHERIFF PRETEL
→MIKE O'MALLEY, COUNTY PROSECUTOR
→JUDGE SERGIO DIGERONIMO, (NEW MARIJUANA LAWS)
→MAYOR MATT BURKE
→PERNEL JONES, CUYAHOGA COUNTY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Shop with a Cop Returns
The GHPD sold out early with their efforts to put a smile on the faces of many children in the community.
December 16, 2023
Well done, GHPD!
GHPD & MHPD Take Top Spot Again
GHPD Post: The people have spoken. Back-to-back mocktail champs!
Thank you to everyone who came out for The 24th Annual Holiday Mocktail Party and Safe Kids Benefit last night. A special thank you to Aaron T's and Signs for creating our banner and BOSS Pro-Karting for lending us one of their go-karts to complete our Mario Kart gaming experience. We were honored to be part of such a great fundraising effort.
See you in 2024 for our three-peat.😉
Neighbors Idea Hub
The 2023 Annual Adopt-A-Family Holiday Project sponsored and driven by Neighbors Idea Hub.
We have great people in our community and they are our neighbors! 7 families adopted for the 4th straight year. Well done!
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Hundreds of residents turned out to enjoy an evening of festivities including live music, food, Santa Photo Opps, Cookies, Holiday Treats, Caroling and more as we kicked off the Holiday Season.
November 19, 2023
Garfield Heights Civic Center
Mayor's Football Watch Party
Knights of Columbus
10806 Granger Road
Garfield Heights, OH
Saturday 11/25/2023
Doors Open at 11AM
$50 Per Person (Minimum Donation)
Includes 4 Hours of fun, food, drinks and FOOTBALL!
Serving $2 Beers
Paid for By the Committee To Re-Elect Matt Burke
Contact 216-905-8240 for tickets. All are welcome to attend!
Neighbors On Duty - 9/20/23
Hundreds of Residents came out to catch the latest on Safety at the Neighbors On Duty Meeting held on 9/20/23 at 6:30PM at The Civic Center. Special Presentations from Judge Sergio DiGeronimo, Chief Kenneth Strobe (GHFD), County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley and Chief Mark Kaye (GHPD) as well as Mayor Matt Burke.
Residents can also register cameras with the GHPD so that they may be contacted for video footage should an event occur in their area.
The Civic Center is located at 5407 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125.
Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights Bus Tour
This was a hit last year with many enjoying a ride with friends across the city to enjoy great food, beautiful light displays and more.
Seating is limited this year and the tickets are expected to sell out quick.
Friends of Mayor Burke may also purchase a ticket to sponsor a senior citizen in the community to attend.
For more information, call 216-236-5582
Bike With Mayor Burke
Join Garfield Heights Mayor Matt Burke on a 5-Mile Bike Ride on Saturday, September 16, 2023
1st Annual Resident Appreciation Day Car Show Event
The Historical Society, coordinated by Mayor Burke, will host a Classic Car Show event on August 20, 2023 from 11AM to 3PM and will feature Awards, Live DJ, Food & Drinks and much more. Registration is free. Many of the cars from the Memorial Day event will be featured and many more have reserved their spots!
Stop out with the family and enjoy the show! The Civic Center is located at 5407 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125.
City Pool Party! Christmas In July!
Prizes included Brand New Bikes donated by Mayor Burke, Gift Cards from Pat Salemi, A bag of stuffed animals from Councilman Seither (Ward 3) and lots of fun, food and games. Residents enjoyed Christmas Music, Hula Hoop Contests, swim races, limbo contests and more.
What great summer fun was had by all!
Memorial Day Weekend 2023
Hundreds of residents enjoyed the three-day city event: Touch-A-Truck, Balloon Vibes, Metroparks Horse Mounted Unit, Military Vehicles, Classic Car Show with DJ, special performance by Guitars For Vet & Mayor Burke! Non profit vendors including Neighbors on Duty!
Major Russell Galeti - Operation Flags of Freedom Ceremony --Veteran Guest Speakers: Sandy, Jason Seither, Avery Johnson and Michael Nenadovich.
-Brigadier General Jeffrey Watkins - Memorial Day Service.
51st Annual Ice Show 2023
Extraordinary on Ice!
Congratulations to our 2023 Robert A. Dobies Sr. Bulldog Award Winners Hosea Cole (Hockey) and Ari & Rosario Ellis (Ice Skating)! Outstanding performances from coaches, students and guests. Excellent show put on by Paul Birk Sr., Mary Nichols, Holly Gray, Nikki Majka and the entire team consisting of production crews, department employees, instructors and assistants.
Our program is 55 years of success in perfecting the intricacies of these demanding sports as Paul Birk Sr., our Director of Parks and Recreation, explained.
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Bootsy Collins & Funk Not Fight Movement Rolled Out at the Cleveland Rock Hall hosted by Mayor Burke & Mayor Blackwell, along with Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive and Judge Sergio DiGeronimo, GH Municipal Court
Past Events
Black History Celebration
Featuring:
Mayor Matt Burke
Mayor Blackwell
Wayne Dawson
Vince Wilburn Jr.
Elenor Hayes
Multi-City Black History Month Event happening right here in Garfield Heights at the Garfield Heights Performing Arts Center, located at 4900 Turney Road!
Jobs & Opportunity Fair
Over 120 attendees filled our event to visit various companies hiring new applicants and inquire about educational opportunities.
This even took place on February 23rd at the Garfield Heights Civic Center
Utility Resource Fair
Mayors Burke and Blackwell collaborated to host a Utility Resource Fair with Cleveland Water, Cuyahoga County, Dominion Gas, First Energy and others to provide assistance opportunities for residents in both Maple Heights and Garfield Heights. Hundreds of residents turned out for this event.
OverDrive on Overdrive...
The generous employees at OverDrive donated $10,000 to the Garfield Heights Food Pantry. Pictured from left, Paul Birk, Jennifer Sopkovich, Mandee Strefas, Laketia Gaston, Mayor Matt Burke and Paul Elrabadi, at the company headquarters on Granger Road.
GHPD Takes Top Award
Garfield Heights and Maple Heights Police won the 23rd Annual Mocktail award for "Crowd Pleaser." We had such a great time participating and supporting Cuyahoga County Safe Communities/Greater Cleveland Safe Kids.
