CLEVELAND, OH – Aug. 20, 2025 – On Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, the Cleveland Power Alliance organization —a civic coalition led by Cleveland VOTES, along with Cleveland Freedom Dreams Coalition, Neighborhood Connections, and All Voting Is Local Ohio— held a press conference at Cleveland City Hall to discuss the newly launched initiative the People’s Solutions Lab, a participatory democracy initiative aimed at uplifting resident-driven priorities for the future of Cleveland.
The initiative pitches for wide-reaching policies that include city-backed grocery stores, a homeless bill of rights and participatory budgeting. The coalition announced at the press conference that they will not be endorsing candidates especially at the time where Mayor Justin Bibb and many other City Council members are asking voters to reelect them.
Development Director of Smart Development and CAIR Ohio Board Secretary, Melaak Rashid, stated, “This alliance and policy agenda is about ensuring that every single resident, regardless if their religions, culture, nationality or identity can feel as though they are finally a part of the Cleveland that we all aspire to have. While some Clevelanders have access to vital services and resources, it is not the equitable Cleveland all residents need to thrive and reach their full potential.”
Instead the coalition aims to work with elected officials to put their ideas for the better of Cleveland into practice through policies and the city’s budget.
Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio, Faten Husni Odeh, stated, “It is time for the people to work together to get our elected public officials to address what truly impacts our communities. Clevelanders should be able to live in a city that is equitable in all sectors from pay to housing, to having a voice in our government. We are proud to be a part of this coalition and hope to see the changes our communities deserve.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-OH Executive Director, Cleveland & Northern Ohio, Faten Odeh (216) 440-2247, fodeh@cair.com