Austin Davis launches city council campaign on near west side
A senior policy advisor to Mayor Justin Bibb has launched his campaign for Cleveland City Council in the newly redrawn Ward 7.
Why it matters: Davis is the first candidate to declare for the open seat in the influential ward that historically included much of downtown and the near west side.
Current Councilman Kerry McCormack announced he would not seek re-election there last month.
Catch up quick: Davis, 35, was born in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood, attended St. Ignatius High School and worked at the law firm BakerHostetler before joining the Bibb administration in 2022.
Davis lost both of his legs at age 20 in a train accident and has maintained a career with two full prosthetic legs.
Zoom in: As a policy advisor, Davis helped conceive and author major pieces of legislation, including the city's Residents First housing policy meant to hold predatory landlords accountable and a paid parental leave policy for city employees.
He says he's most proud of helping Cleveland secure federal resources for a Crime Gun Intelligence Center to track illegal firearms and get them off the streets.
What they're saying: "I know that resident-centered, progressive solutions can create real opportunity," Davis said in a press release.
"From safer streets, to more housing options, to a stronger local economy that supports more family-sustaining jobs."
What's next: Davis will host a campaign kickoff event Friday at 6pm at Tremont's Polish Veterans Alliance.
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