Practices, Policies & Legislation

In the sections below, learn more about some of the City's existing work in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — in fair housing, for example — and catch up on new initiatives, like plans for the Chagrin Lee District and police reform.

Police

• Read a Cleveland.com article about the City's new pilot mental health crisis intervention program.
• Watch Community Safety Challenges, Oversight and Reforms, recorded in February 2021. Guest speakers included Mayor David Weiss and Police Chief Jeff DeMuth.
• View the new Duty to Intervene policy and the amended Response to Threats policy in the Police Policies & Practices section of this website; read a recent Cleveland Jewish News article about revisions to the chokeholds policy.
• Read a Cleveland.com article about the first series of police reforms introduced at the October 26 City Council meeting and/or listen to audio of that meeting (View the Q&A from this meeting.)
• View the City’s Police Policy Review and Reform Matrix (PDF) 
• Learn more about the policies and practices of the Shaker Heights Police Department, including the Bias Free Policing Policy and Response to Threat Policy
• View a recent Shaker Life article about the Police Department, which provides an in-depth look at recruitment
• Learn how the Family Safety Questionnaire helps the City's safety services, including the Police Dept., better serve community members with cognitive disorders, including autism spectrum disorder

Fair Housing

• Learn more about the City's Fair Housing Office, which is charged with ensuring fair and equal opportunity in housing for all Shaker Heights residents

Economic Development

• Read a Cleveland.com article about the Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant Program, focusing on minority-owned businesses
• Learn more about how the City is planning a major reinvestment for the Chagrin-Lee District, including robust engagement with residents in the neighboring Moreland and Lomond communities.
• Read  about the Van Aken Entrepreneurship Initiative, which provides early-stage entrepreneurs — especially people of color, women, and all underrepresented entrepreneurs — the opportunity to showcase their ideas, products, and services within the Van Aken District.
• The Department is collaborating with the Minority Business Assistance Center of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland on events and more. Watch a video recording of MBAC's recent Pre-Certification Workshop featuring guest speaker Mayor David Weiss.

Administration

• Learn how in 2019, the City enacted additional anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community