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Paul Koomar '83 is proud of the vitality and financial stability of the city on the shores of Lake Erie.
Bay Village Mayor Koomar '83 and other city officials cut the ribbon at the reopening of Lake Rd. Bridge over Cahoon Creek (2019).
After working in both public accounting and management and serving on the Bay Village City Council for 16 years, Baldwin Wallace University business graduate Paul Koomar '83 stepped up to lead the city west of Cleveland.
Koomar was sworn in as Bay Village's 22nd mayor in 2017 and continues to serve in that capacity today.
Working as a mayor is never a simple task. However, for Koomar, it has been an extraordinary opportunity to use his learned skills to serve his family and friends, as well as his community.
His BW education in business administration and accounting also prepared him well to tackle his daily mayoral tasks. "I think the liberal arts setting gave me a great foundation," he noted. He also appreciated faculty engagement, saying it gave him opportunities for discussion that may not have come up at a smaller university.
"I think the coursework in accounting led directly to employment and career opportunities," Koomar stated. "That major launched me in my career and got me where I am today, so I am very appreciative."
He also graduated from Leadership Ohio and Leadership Cleveland, where he strengthened his civic engagement and leadership skills.
Now in his third term as mayor, Koomar has worked diligently to boost Bay Village's economy, sustainability practices, transportation options, inclusivity, clean water practices and erosion protection. He strongly encourages the community to come together and voice their opinions so they can support a strong, thriving future for the city together.
Among the $12 million used for projects is the Cahoon Park Lakefront Master Plan, which is a seven-acre plot of lakefront land that is to be turned into accessible park space. He is also dedicated to his work aligning with the Federal Clean Water Act through the SSO (Sanitary Sewer Overflows) Elimination Project.
In his 2025 "State of the City" address in March, Koomar noted the city's strong financial position, including balanced budgets, AaBond rating and 11 years of recognition with the Ohio Auditor of State Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
The city's website also touts Koomar's efforts to involve the community in a vision for the future. "Mayor Koomar has used the visions identified in the … Bay Village Master Plan to chart future investment and move the city forward. He works closely with community organizations and the Bay Village Schools to continue building a strong sense of community."
He has also attracted investment in the community with a "Stay in Bay" initiative focused on building vibrant commercial districts that fit the character of the community, as well as an effort to protect natural resources and lakefront access.
He is a part of several organizations and boards, including acting as Safety Director for the Cuyahoga County Emergency Services Advisory Board (CCESAB) and being board president of the RTA for trains and buses, as well as being a part of the Westshore Council of Governments (COG), the District One Public Works Integrating Committee (DOPWIC), the Northeastern Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), the National Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) and the Small Government Subcommittee.
Additionally, Koomar is actively involved with the Bay Village Kiwanis, Bay Village Historical Society, Bay Men's Club and Scouts BSA Troop 40, as well as his serving role with Bay Family Services.
