Proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Policy Overhaul

Presented disaster assistance loan programs available for businesses and homeowners through the Small Business Administration.

Advocated for lowering the voting age to 16 and supporting local youth engagement efforts.

Criticized the city council for property demolitions affecting minority communities and questioned funding priorities.

Addressed ongoing maintenance and management issues at Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) properties.

Read a statement on behalf of the Evanston Community Council requesting a postponement of the TIF ordinance vote.

Emphasized the need for transparency and community involvement regarding TIF fund allocations in Avondale.

Urged the council to pause the TIF ordinance vote and conduct educational listening sessions across all neighborhoods.

Discussed historical tax codes and local sports, questioning flat tax structures.

Criticized the proposed TIF ordinance and urged protection for Medicaid and medical debt elimination.

An independent developer in Avondale spoke about acquiring distressed properties to create affordable housing.

Introduced his 14-year-old daughter and invited council and residents to a youth community event in Norwood.

Spoke about youth empowerment, community collaboration, and alternatives to gun violence.

Asked questions regarding community consultation for the TIF ordinance and downtown exemptions.

Expressed concerns regarding federal immigration enforcement actions, civil liberties, and local surveillance tech.

Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition supported pausing the TIF vote and detailed policy rollbacks.

Stated that the TIF policy changes lacked transparency and violated community trust.

Expressed grievances regarding Greater Cincinnati Waterworks billing practices when meters are turned off.

Expressed frustration with lack of resident engagement on the TIF ordinance and supported pausing the vote.

President of Invest in Neighborhoods questioned community consultations and the definition of community-based organizations in the TIF policy.

President of Roselawn Community Council emphasized the necessity of community input before policy adoption.

President of Bond Hill Community Council thanked council for pausing the TIF vote and requested adequate time for neighborhood review.

Spoke about housing affordability challenges in Avondale and the impact of rising rents on working families.