For years, Cleveland’s permitting system struggled under the weight of outdated infrastructure and technical debt. It created frustration for residents, contractors, and developers trying to build in the city. But that’s changing.
Cleveland recently implemented Accela’s new Public Portal, a modernized permitting system designed to bring transparency, efficiency, and user-friendly navigation to a process that has long been a barrier to development and investment.
Mayor Justin M. Bibb didn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges. In his public announcement of the new system, he called the launch “a critical first step in rebuilding a system weighed down by technical debt and outdated infrastructure.”
That kind of candor, paired with action, signals a real commitment to making Cleveland a place where it’s easier to invest and build.
What the New Portal Delivers
Cleveland’s new Public Portal addresses key pain points that have plagued the permitting process:
- User-Friendly Navigation: The portal offers an intuitive interface that makes it easier for applicants to submit permits, upload documents, and navigate requirements without confusion.
- Predictability on Project Status: Real-time tracking gives applicants visibility into where their permits are in the review process, eliminating the uncertainty that has frustrated so many.
- Improved Efficiency: By streamlining workflows and modernizing the underlying technology, the portal helps city staff process applications faster and more consistently.
Removing Barriers to Growth
Permitting is the gateway to housing, economic development, and community investment. When the process is broken, it discourages the very projects cities need most.
Cleveland’s launch of the Public Portal is about better software, removing barriers to growth, and signaling that the city is serious about supporting development.
Mayor Bibb made it clear: this is just the beginning. The city is committed to continuous improvement and wants to hear directly from the community about what’s working and what still needs to change.
Moving Forward with Accela Public Portal
Digital transformation in government doesn’t happen overnight, and Cleveland knows there’s more work ahead. But by investing in modern permitting technology and backing it with transparent leadership, the city is laying a foundation for lasting change.
For cities watching Cleveland’s progress, the lesson is clear: modernizing permitting systems is essential to staying competitive and making it easier for communities to thrive.
Get started here today.
