Councilmember Richard A. Starr

Life Coach, Son, Brother, Activist, Leader and Legislator. For all council-related issues, don't hesitate to contact my office at 216-664-2309 🚫DM 🦍🤙🏾

Richard Starr was born and raised and still lives here in the Central community. He is a graduate of East Technical High School and went on to get his Bachelor's Degree from Baldwin Wallace University. Rich worked as a Community Center Director in the King Kennedy neighborhood. He grew up for several years and is currently serving as the Director of Sports & Recreation for The Boys & Girls Clubs o

f Northeast Ohio. In 2018 Richard Starr was elected as the Cleveland Ward 5 Democrat Ward Leader. Since then, he has led various initiatives and has organized events around Safe Neighborhoods, Economic Empowerment, and education for young people and adults. Richard Starr currently serves on various community boards such as Faith Community United Credit Union, Northeast Ohio Young Black Democrats, Book Bank Young Professionals, and The Telos Institute boards. Richard Starr has been a tireless advocate for Cleveland's Central neighborhood residents. Besides his work with kids at "The Center," he has been a volunteer football coach and mentors hundreds of children throughout the city. In 2017 Richard received the CultureShoc Buffalo Award; in 2018, he became Champion of Central by Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood. Most recently was honored as the "2019 Partner of the Year" by Shoes and Clothes for kids and became a Promise Ambassador, a leader in Central Neighborhood who aids to improve the quality of education systems and resources. Richard leadership dates back to high school, where he served as Class President for ℅ 2007 and was also named "2007 State of Ohio Youth of the Year" from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

His experience working with the youth and throughout the community gives Richard a unique perspective. He has his finger on the pulse of what this community needs. He understands people have the power to change their surroundings, People create their reality, and change comes from within. He sees and envisions the endless possibilities for all the people of Ward 5. He has also seen the tragic heartbreak of dreams cut short due to senseless gun violence. Richard wants a Ward 5 that works for all the people. During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, Richard Starr continued being a servant. Richard organized a Unity Peace March and provided community members with over 42,000 pounds of food through biweekly produce and dairy distributions. Furthermore, Richard has also distributed 2,800 masks and has participated in a handful of voter education initiatives, such as voter registration, phone banking, and robocalls for the presidential election in 2020. In addition to his extensive career in service, Richard will graduate with his Master's degree in Business Administration in July of 2021. STAND with Richard A. Starr, a proven leader, and advocate for the people! Your support to the "Friends of Richard A. Starr" campaign will help Richard A. Starr's positive change efforts.

02/26/2026

Ward 5 residents, mark your calendars! Our next ward meeting is on March 5th from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Friendly Inn Settlement. 📅 Come join us for important discussions, updates, and community engagement. See you there!

Councilman Richard A. Starr

02/24/2026

Learn how to get your start in the Cleveland Film industry! Join us at one of our FREE upcoming Film Crew & Vendor Intro Workshops:

-February 26th, 3:00- 4:30 at The Friendly Inn Settlement

Free to attend, registration required. Sign up at www.clevelandfilm.com/work-here/training

Councilmember Richard A. Starr

02/18/2026

Join us for an important community conversation about clinical trials and why representation in research matters.

📅 Tuesday, March 3, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South Pointe Hospital
20000 Harvard Ave.
Warrensville Heights, OH 44122

Hosted in partnership with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. – Greater Cleveland Chapter, this session will cover:

✔️ What clinical trials are and how they work
✔️ How participant safety, privacy, and rights are protected
✔️ Why community representation matters
✔️ Current and future research opportunities

Cancer screening is typically covered under most insurance plans, and financial aid is available for uninsured or underinsured individuals.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/xmX91cbCq0?origin=lprLink

(Or scan the QR code on the flyer.)

Let’s stay informed, empowered, and engaged in research that impacts our communities.

02/06/2026

Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland 🔥✅

Thank you, Councilmember Richard A. Starr, for making the frigid trip downtown to see our new JA Experiential Learning Center.

Councilman Starr got a glimpse of what our immersive, career-connected learning format is going to look like for the young people in his district and all of Greater Cleveland starting March 26. We are excited to continually work alongside him to create hope-filled futures for our community.

This new era of JA will bring financial wellness and career readiness impact to new heights through programs like JA Finance Park, and we thank Councilman Starr for his belief and support to help us get there.

02/03/2026

Cleveland City Council Committee on Workforce Education, Training, and Youth Development

Chair: Councilmember Richard A. Starr
Hearing Date: February 3 at 1:30 p.m.
Subject: CMSD “Building Brighter Futures” Plan

Purpose of Hearing:

To receive testimony from Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) Superintendent Dr. Warren Morgan regarding the District’s “Building Brighter Futures” plan, with a focus on the decision to close 18 schools, its financial rationale, academic impact, workforce implications, and neighborhood effects.

Background:

CMSD faces long-term challenges, including declining enrollment, aging facilities, and structural budget pressures. In response, the District developed the “Building Brighter Futures” plan, a multi-year strategy intended to align academic programming and facilities with current and projected enrollment levels. A central component of the plan includes the closure and consolidation of 18 schools across Cleveland.

Chairman Starr and members of the Cleveland City Council are requesting that Dr. Morgan provide an in-depth presentation outlining the goals, strategies, and anticipated outcomes of the “Building Brighter Futures” plan, with a focus on how the initiative supports student success, workforce readiness, and long-term opportunities for Cleveland’s youth. “This hearing is an important opportunity for City Council and the public to understand better how CMSD’s strategic vision aligns with our shared commitment to education, workforce development, and equitable outcomes for our students,” said Councilman Starr. “Transparency and collaboration are essential as we work to build brighter futures for Cleveland’s young people.” The hearing will be open to the public and will include a question-and-answer session. Members of the public who wish to participate in the Q&A portion will be required to sign in with legislative staff on the day of the hearing. Residents, educators, parents, students, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend and engage in this important discussion about the future of education in Cleveland.

01/19/2026

NEED A COAT? NEED FOOD?

Meet us at Friendly Inn Settlement
2386 Unwin Rd, Cleveland, OH 44104

11AM - 1PM

See you there!
Happy King Day!

Get up and GO SERVE!

01/12/2026

The City Of Cleveland Council Swearing - In Ceremony
2026 for
Big Thanks to x

12/18/2025

Cleveland, we’re calling on volunteers.

Next Saturday, December 20th, we’re hosting a Toys for Tots Drive at the Cleveland Galleria downtown. This event only works if people step up and help.

The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We need volunteers to assist with toy distribution, support families, and help keep the day moving. This is hands-on community work, and it matters.

If you can give a few hours, we need you.

Please register through the link below, send us a DM, or show up that morning and let us know you’re there to volunteer. We’ll get you signed up on the spot.

Hot chocolate, cookies, music, a full holiday setup, and the Santa Bros will all be there.

Strategic Moves Network, Stepping With a Vision, and WOVU 95.9 are working together for Cleveland.

If you believe in giving back, don’t just like the post. Come help.

December 20th. Downtown. Be there.

12/15/2025

🎉 You’re Invited! 🎉

Join me, Councilmember Richard A. Starr, for my Annual Birthday Fundraiser on Tuesday, December 16th at Fahrenheit — 55 Public Square, Suite 150, Cleveland, OH 44113!

Time: 6-9 pm

This celebration is more than a birthday — it’s a moment for friends, family, and supporters to come together as we continue building a stronger Cleveland. I would be honored to have you join us.

Event Contribution Levels:

🎁 Birthday Love: $37
🏠 Resident: $50
🥉 Bronze: $100
🥈 Silver Supporter: $250
🥇 Gold Supporter: $500
⭐ Host: $1,000

Checks Payable To:
Friends of Richard A. Starr
P.O. Box 5374
Cleveland, OH 44101

RSVP Preferred (but not required):
📧 [email protected]

Make a Contribution Online:

🔗 https://secure.actblue.com/donate/richardastarrbirthday2025

Looking forward to celebrating with you and continuing the work that moves our community forward! 🙌🏾🎂✨