RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio — While it is no secret that Mayor Kim Thomas is seeking re-election — although she is running unopposed, her election yard signs dot the lawns of many Richmond Heights homes — she issued this week a belated and lengthy statement of her candidacy, one that details her accomplishments over the past four years.
Seeking a second mayoral term, the onetime Ward 1 councilwoman said she is “excited to run for re-election.”
“This journey is not just about holding a title,” she stated, “It’s about our shared commitment to shaping a brighter future for every resident of Richmond Heights. Over the past 3-1/2 years, my team and I have worked tirelessly, and we’re just getting started.
“Every achievement we’ve celebrated and every challenge we’ve faced has strengthened our unity and resilience. Together, we are witnessing extraordinary growth and development in our community, a testament to our collaborative spirit and vision.”
Thomas said that, to maintain momentum, there is a need to “push forward.”
“Under my leadership, we have attracted and expanded over $550 million in businesses, creating vital job opportunities and nurturing an environment where businesses and families can thrive. This year, we expanded our business district to provide more opportunities for small business owners.”
A member of the Greater Cleveland Works Board, Thomas said she is “deeply committed to businesses’ vital role in shaping our community.”
“We understand that a thriving economy starts with strong connections, so we host Business Roundtables to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers, creating relationships that lead to success.
“Our collaboration with the Hillcrest Chambers of Commerce has been essential in unlocking new opportunities for our community. Together, we are bringing new businesses to our area and surrounding areas, empowering small business owners to fulfill their dreams, all while providing valuable career opportunities for our residents.”
Stating that actions reflect the community’s identity, Thomas said, “We have heard your concerns about road repairs, improved lighting, and infrastructure upgrades, and we have taken action. We are implementing a comprehensive street lighting plan and, thanks to our partners at the county, we’ve secured a grant to create our first business revitalization plan and reimagine our recreational spaces.
“After decades of staff cuts and disinvestment, we have expanded our team to provide more resources and launch new programs. We are in the planning stages of redeveloping our community pool and recreation center, ensuring that our residents don’t have to travel outside our city, as they have for the past eight years.
“We are proud of the partnership with Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-11), which has helped us identify resources for program expansion in Richmond Heights. Through this partnership, Congresswoman Brown has selected Richmond Heights as one of her satellite locations in (Richmond Heights) City Hall, allowing residents to connect directly with her office.”
Thomas said 2025 has seen the launching of the city’s most ambitious road repair program, with further plans to expand sidewalks for safer, more walkable spaces.
The mayor serves as vice president of the Suburban Water Regional Council of Governments, during which she said she advocates for vital resources for 61 suburban communities.
“We have successfully secured funding (for Richmond Heights) to upgrade our antiquated water lines and infrastructure, and we will continue to strengthen our partnerships at the federal, state, and local levels.”
Speaking on the topic of home ownership, Thomas said she, too, is a homeowner and thus understands the “transformative power of home ownership.”
She said that Richmond Heights has partnered with more than 50 municipalities and organizations, such as the Heritage Home Program, to assist with home renovations and provide pathways to home ownership that includes down payment assistance programs that ensure that every family can “build a strong foundation and pursue the American dream.”
Turning her attention to the city’s younf people, Thomas said her administration has promised to transform the city and build partnerships with its school district.
“Last year, through collaborations with Youth Opportunity Unlimited, we launched our first Youth Service Academy to provide Richmond Heights students with employment opportunities. We also established a Youth Advisory Committee to ensure every voice is heard in shaping our youth’s future.
“Through their voices, we have initiated a public safety academy to inspire students to explore careers in public service. Over the past two years, we have provided scholarships to Richmond Heights students to support their career pathways, and we are grateful for our long-term partnerships with colleges and universities.”
As for safety, she stated, “Richmond Heights is growing. We are proactive in enhancing public safety. Thanks to our partnership with FirstCall, we now have a licensed social worker addressing behavioral health and substance abuse issues, allowing our police to focus on community policing.”
UH Richmond Heights Medical Center closed in December, 2022. Of that time, Thomas said, “When our healthcare facility closed, I was deeply concerned. Still, through collaboration, we secured funding to launch a Community Paramedicine program with UH Hospitals, providing in-home services to keep our residents safe and healthy.
“My upbringing instilled in me the values of hard work and community building. With a small business owner as a mother and a law enforcement officer as a father, I am committed to ensuring everyone in our community has the support they need.”
Thomas took the opportunity to announce that the city has secured additional funding to expand its senior home repair program. Beginning this year will be Richmond Heights’ first pilot sidewalk repair program to assist residents with sidewalk repairs. Making such repairs has, up until now, been residents’ responsibility.
On the subject of seniors, Thomas told of their need to be independent and active. She said the city has responded by providing transportation to appointments, as well as lunch and activities at the Richmond Heights Community Center.
“Our seniors are the pillars of our community,” she said, “and I am committed to strengthening and expanding these programs through our partnership with the Community Partnership on Aging.
“With vital programs like SNAP and Medicaid facing cuts, we will continue to advocate for these essential services.”
Thomas said she will do this as the Legislative Chair of the Cuyahoga County Mayors and Managers Association.
“My work on the Cuyahoga County Women’s Health Advisory Council focuses on eliminating healthcare barriers and ensuring every woman has the resources to live a healthy life.”
During the pandemic, Thomas, as a councilwoman, started a regularly scheduled community pantry for those in need, doing so in partnership with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
“Today, we host a mobile food pantry every third Thursday of the month, delivering nutritious meals to countless families,” she said.
“Through community engagement and programs like resource fairs, property tax sessions, health forums, and our popular Women’s Empowerment event, we will continue to provide our residents with the services they need and deserve.
Thomas has also re-launched Richmond Heights’ citywide recycling program, upgraded city vehicles to reduce emissions, and earned recognition from Tree City USA for enhancing the city’s tree canopy.
“We are committed to environmental sustainability and investing in green initiatives to create beautiful public spaces for our residents.”
Thomas noted that she serves as a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and is co-chair of the Legislative Committee for the Cuyahoga County Mayors and Managers Association, which she said ensures that “Richmond Heights has a voice in shaping policies that affect our future.”
“I didn’t enter public service for the title — my goals have always been to be a change-maker and give a voice to the voiceless. My grandfather’s journey from Trinidad to the American dream, starting a small landscaping business, has shown me the power of community engagement and the opportunities that arise when services are provided and resources are shared.
“We are committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and ensuring that Richmond Heights residents receive the quality services they deserve. I am proud to say we are delivering results.”
Looking head, Thomas said, “As your mayor and safety director, I will continue to provide outstanding leadership, transparency and integrity, proposing legislation that enhances the quality of life for our residents.
“Richmond Heights is more than just a city, it is our home. Together, with City Council, we can build a community where families flourish, businesses thrive, and every resident has the opportunity to succeed.
“Let’s lead by the story we tell,” she concluded. “I am committed to writing a narrative about progress, unity, and resilience. I look forward to serving you once again and building upon the foundation we’ve established together. Let’s finish what we started.”