The Strengths It Takes to Run a City
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About the Leader
Justin Bibb
Mayor of Cleveland
- Activator®
- Arranger®
- Maximizer®
- Responsibility®
- Self-Assurance®
Justin M. Bibb, Cleveland's 58th mayor, is driving transformative change to modernize city services and uplift communities. His initiatives include the Southeast Side Promise program, a $100 million housing fund to expand affordable housing, and the RISE initiative, which reduced homicides by 36% and achieved record police recruitment. Mayor Bibb is reconnecting Cleveland to its waterfronts with over $150 million for Lake Erie shoreline improvements and the $5 billion Shore-to-Core-to-Shore plan, fostering economic development and access. Nationally, he leads as president of the Democratic Mayors Association and co-chairs America is All In, promoting climate action and equity. Bibb is also a national co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Mayor Bibb holds degrees in Urban Studies, an MBA and a JD, with studies in social policy at the London School of Economics. His leadership emphasizes equity, innovation and opportunity citywide.
"You've got to take reps. It's like shooting free throws or shooting a thousand shots a day."
In the private sector, Bibb honed his public speaking skills through regular practice. He adapted these skills in the public sphere with continued use as a candidate, while he was "getting out, getting reps, being an Activator."
"I had to show confidence, determination and boldness."
During his election, Bibb knew no one would vote for him or invest in his campaign if he didn't confidently believe in his vision for Cleveland. In speeches, town halls and all other elements of his campaign, he knew he had to show confidence.
"What about them?"
Having risen from humble beginnings, Bibb feels strongly that he has a responsibility to help others rise as well. He believes that if the American Dream isn't possible for everyone, then we haven't achieved our potential as a nation.
"You can't waste a day."
When he first began his campaign for mayor, Bibb knew he had to make the most of each day, which is how his Maximizer came into play. He used this strength to ensure he called donors, knocked on doors and organized outreach efforts on a daily basis, capitalizing on every opportunity he had to engage with voters.
"You have to make big, bold bets."
Drawing his inspiration from the legacy of historically significant figures like Martin Luther King Jr., and John D. Rockefeller, Bibb looks 30 to 40 years into the future when he plans. He asserts that leaders need to make big, bold bets for the sake of the next generation of Americans.
"My faith teaches me that when the sun comes up tomorrow, there's a promise of a better day."
Bibb has relentless optimism about Cleveland's future. He believes that American cities can close the racial wealth gap, fix public education and solve violent crime. Driven by his Belief strength, his hope for Cleveland is one of renewal.