Achievements and milestones highlighted during State of the City address

by Dan Holland

During a State of the City address delivered Oct. 2 by Mayor Greg Kurtz at the Independence Civic Center, a number of achievements reached during 2026 were highlighted, including infrastructure investments, economic development, finance and public safety.

The Community Mosaic 2026, championed by the mayor’s office, includes the integration of a myriad of initiatives linking together transportation and connectivity improvements, recreation and community facility upgrades, opportunities for expanded park areas and public spaces, community-driven programs and additional elements into one coherent plan.

The plan also takes into consideration potential future land acquisitions adjacent to city campus with an eye toward potentially building a new police station, service department building and service garage, along with an expansion and upgrade of the city’s fire station.

Safety forces

A number of police officers received individual recognition in 2026 including Patrolman Nicholas Amato, who received the 2026 Ohio Safety Service Award; Patrolman Nicholas Lord, who received the Crisis Intervention Team Award; and Patrolman Autumn Likes, who won the Next Generation of Protectors Award. Likes was recognized, in part, for being instrumental in initiating the department’s new drone program.

In addition, Police Chief Robert Butler, an ordained minister, was sworn in as chaplain of the Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association. Lt. Mark Buehner was selected for the International Association of Chiefs of Police 40 Under 40 Award.

The police department also achieved state accreditation through the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

The fire department was recognized for its efforts in both mutual aid excellence and expanding its public safety outreach programs. Fire Chief Steve Rega will retire in early 2027 after 33 years of service.

The city was awarded a $1 million grant to construct an emergency access ramp from Selig Drive to I-77 North to, provide direct access for emergency vehicles.

Economic development

During 2026, the economic development department secured a major media headquarters relocation with Gray Media (Channel 19 News), moving into the Independence Technology Center on Brecksville Road. The department also partnered with the city of Seven Hills in planning the 1,000-acre Rockside Road District.

The city is working with the Cleveland Leadership Center to launch a new leadership program called Independence LEADS (Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy, Development and Service). The city will accept applications starting in January from residents and people who work in Independence.

Service department

Officials approved an equipment package of just over $1 million for the city’s service department that includes the purchase of two new Mack trucks fully equipped with salt spreaders and plows. This is part of a three-year phased plan to replace snowplow equipment.

The department also co-hosted the 2026 Cuyahoga Tree Summit, which brought together service department heads to share ideas on best urban forestry management practices.

Parks and recreation

The parks and recreation department plans to resurface the outdoor pickleball/tennis courts in Elmwood Park.

It is also spearheading a capital project to expand the entrance and drop-off area at the Civic Center along with expanded banquet space.

The city’s pool is scheduled for a $4 million expansion. Plans include new aquatic features, expanded deck space, and a rentable party room.

Engineering

A major infrastructure investment included city council approval of a $2.5 million spending package that includes a $1.1 million contract with American Structurepoint Inc. for engineering services tied to Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Brecksville Road waterline improvements in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The investment is part of a larger $13 million project to replace a century-old water main along Brecksville Road, and is to include streetscape improvements, road resurfacing, new stormwater drainage and improved motorist access and connectivity.

ODOT has committed $800,000 toward the 2027 Brecksville Road resurfacing project, and an additional $1.9 million for projects planned in 2028–2029.

Finance

The city’s cash reserves have continued to increase – by nearly $21 million since 2021 – and stand at approximately $58.5 million. The city has reduced its debt from more than $32 million in 2018 to a projected $15.5 million in 2026, and it has not taken on any new public debt since 2020, according to Finance Director Vern Blaze.

The finance department continues to work with the finance committee in reviewing and updating the city’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The department has also received the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for six consecutive years.

“I am grateful beyond words to the talented, dedicated directors and employees who continually raise the bar to keep Independence a premier community for residents and businesses alike,” Kurtz said in an Oct. 6 press release.

Photo caption: Mayor Greg Kurtz gives a smile during the State of the City address on Oct. 2. Photo by Dan Holland.