Progress, Partnerships, and Community Pride
BRECKSVILLE, OHIO — February 27, 2025 – At the annual Brecksville Chamber of Commerce gathering, Mayor Daryl Kingston delivered a data-rich and community-focused State of the City address, emphasizing both the City’s strong fiscal health and the deep community spirit that fuels countless local initiatives. From infrastructure improvements and development projects to innovative new programs, the mayor underscored why Brecksville remains one of the most desirable places to live and work.
Financial Stewardship and Grant Funding
Mayor Kingston began his address with an overview of Brecksville’s finances, highlighting a 17th consecutive year of outstanding achievement in popular annual financial reporting and a 33rd consecutive year of excellence in financial reporting. “We will always do well with your money,” Kingston assured residents. He noted that the City continues to hold the line on property taxes—now at 39 straight years without an increase—placing Brecksville 65th out of 81 Cuyahoga County municipalities when comparing tax rates.
In addition to managing tax dollars prudently, the City has actively pursued external funds, with 22 grant-funded projects in progress or completed. “We do all we can to go out and get every grant opportunity,” Kingston said, citing nearly $10 million secured for upgrades such as roads, sidewalks, and community amenities.
Service Department and Infrastructure
The Brecksville Service Department remains the largest in the City, employing nearly half of all full-time municipal staff. Besides road repairs and snow removal, skilled in-house teams handle tasks like carpentry and electrical work—an arrangement that keeps costs low and quality high. Last year, the Department:
- Repaired or replaced 5,300 square feet of sidewalk.
- Paved 40,000 square yards of asphalt.
- Recycled 1,000+ tons of materials and 2,800 tons of organic leaf matter.
Additional street resurfacing projects continue in 2025, notably on Wallings Road, bolstered by a recent $110,000 award from Cuyahoga County.
Police and Fire Departments
Both the Brecksville Police and Fire Departments uphold the City’s reputation as one of the safest communities in Ohio. The Police Department responded to over 10,000 calls last year, while continuing to introduce new technology such as body-worn cameras and radar speed-signal trailers. In the Fire Department, 2024 saw 1,837 emergency responses, 1,200+ of which were medical. Looking ahead, the City plans to purchase new fire equipment, including an engine and upgraded cardiac monitors, and invest in enhanced mental health and wellness screening for first responders.
Recreation and Community Services
The Recreation Department now oversees four pools and the popular field house at the Blossom Hill property, which hosted more than 200,000 visits last year. New pickleball courts at Kids Quarters have been an instant hit, and the final phase of a major playground overhaul at that site begins this year—partly funded by a $500,000 state grant. The Mayor also praised the City’s highly attended father-daughter and mother-son events, as well as youth sports programs that bring hundreds of families together on the weekends.
Meanwhile, the Human Services Center continues to combat isolation and promote healthy lifestyles for Brecksville’s older adults, serving nearly 10,000 meals with the help of more than 200 volunteers annually. “We couldn’t do a lot of this without them,” Kingston said, applauding the dedicated community spirit.
Economic Development: Valor Acres and Beyond
Mayor Kingston spotlighted the long-anticipated Valor Acres project as “the site everyone is waiting to see come alive.” This mixed-use development is anchored by Sherwin-Williams, soon moving 1,000 employees into its new 600,000-square-foot R&D facility. Nearby, DeGeronimo Companies’ office building has already opened its top two floors; the first-floor restaurant Masu, run by renowned chef Dante Boccuzzi, is slated to open this summer. Plans for a 136-room Marriott AC Hotel and other restaurant concepts will follow along Miller Road.
For those curious about the former VA property’s transformation, the Mayor emphasized that 2025 is the year more visible progress unfolds. “We’re expecting the entire landscape along Miller Road to change substantially in the next 12 months,” he added.
Upcoming Initiatives
New in 2025 is the Hometown Hero Banner Program, coordinated by the American Legion to honor military service members with commemorative banners displayed around town. Also in the works is a complete revamp of the City’s website, featuring an integrated SeeClickFix app that lets residents submit service requests (like pothole repairs) through their phones. Looking ahead, the City will revisit Central School redevelopment, seeking proposals for productive, community-oriented uses of the property.
A Grateful Note
Concluding his presentation, Mayor Kingston recognized the sacrifices of his family and the steady support of Brecksville’s residents, elected officials, and volunteer organizations. “A city with so many people involved…makes for a stronger city,” he said. By maintaining productive relationships with neighboring communities, the county, and the state, Brecksville will keep its reputation for innovation, fiscal prudence, and teamwork—ensuring a bright future for everyone who calls it home.
