James Rokakis
Visiting Professor
james.rokakis@oberlin.edu

Jim Rokakis took office as Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Treasurer in March 1997 after serving for over 19 years on Cleveland City Council. 

Rokakis brought sweeping reform to the treasurer's office.  He overhauled Cuyahoga County’s property tax collection system and significantly improved Cuyahoga County’s investment function.  Jim revolutionized the way Ohio counties collect delinquent property taxes by working successfully to pass House Bill 371 that allows county treasurers in Ohio’s largest counties to sell their property tax liens to private entities. Rokakis spearheaded House Bill 294 which streamlines the foreclosure process for abandoned properties and was instrumental in creating Cuyahoga County’s Foreclosure Prevention Program.  Rokakis developed linked deposit loan programs that help revitalize the county’s housing stock, preserve neighborhoods, and reduce urban sprawl.  Additionally, he worked to pass House Bill 293 that allows senior citizens to defer property tax payments.  Governor Ted Strickland appointed Jim to Ohio’s recently formed task force on foreclosures in Ohio.

Jim has been honored for his work on housing issues.  This year American City and County magazine named him County Leader of the Year and NeighborWorks America selected him for their Government Service Award.  In 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave the Smart Growth Award to Jim’s Housing Enhancement Loan Program (HELP) that allows county residents to obtain low interest home improvement loans.

Rokakis is a graduate of Oberlin College and the Cleveland-Marshall School of Law.  He is married to the former Laurie Shafer.  Jim and Laurie have three children.   

Fall 2008