Cincinnati · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cincinnati public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Neighborhood Cleanliness and Litter Abatement
City departments presented the Litter Working Group's work on tackling litter across Cincinnati — a quality-of-life and cleanliness issue for neighborhoods.
Surplus property sale in Oakley
The city will sell a small 0.1544-acre parcel along Ridge Avenue in Oakley to East Main Design for $15,500, with the buyer pledging to improve visibility and safety there.
Midpointe Crossing Development funding in Bond Hill
The city will seek up to $2 million in state REDD grant money for site prep on the first phase of Midpointe Crossing — single-family homes and townhomes led by the Port — on top of $6.5 million already set aside for Bond Hill.
Homelessness Prevention and Bridge-Loan Funding
Council took $840,000 left from a fund meant to prevent evictions and gave it to youth jobs, food banks, lead abatement and other nonprofits. Advocates warned rent assistance for families in eviction court will fall short in January unless the carryover budget backfills it.
College Hill property acquisition at 5911 Hamilton Avenue
A $402,500 transfer from the College Hill Equivalent Fund would help the local urban redevelopment corporation buy property at 5911 Hamilton Avenue, a key commercial corridor.
Buildings and Inspections Staffing and House Bill 361
An ordinance would create three new Elevator Inspector job classifications with salary ranges, expanding the City's capacity to inspect elevators — a public safety matter for residents in multi-story buildings.
City West Affordable Housing Preservation and Debt
The mayor's $1.5 million transfer for CMHA's City West housing rehab was held after a public commenter questioned giving money to an agency that owed the city money from the TQL stadium property sale.
Nehemiah Manufacturing Commercial Development and Tax Exemption in Lower Price Hill
The city would sell land at 800 Evans Street to Nehemiah Manufacturing for a $6.74 million facility — and give the company a 15-year, 100% tax exemption on the improvements. New manufacturing jobs versus foregone property tax revenue.
530 Walnut Street mixed-use renovation
The city would put $2.9 million of Downtown TIF money into Urban Sites' plan to turn 530 Walnut into roughly 67 apartments plus ground-floor commercial space — more housing in the central business district.
2260 Vine Street acquisition and demolition
Mount Auburn TIF dollars would help the Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation buy and clear a property at 2260 Vine Street as a public infrastructure improvement.
Westline Flats Multi-Family Development in Westwood
LDG Development is proposing a 167-unit residential development at 2323 Ferguson Road in Westwood. While supporters highlight the critical need for housing and the cleanup of a vacant commercial site, neighboring residents expressed strong concerns regarding traffic, school strain, and concentrated poverty.
Mill Creek Corridor and Camp Washington Redevelopment
A comprehensive community-driven planning effort to transform the Mill Creek corridor with trails, parks, and recreational access while ensuring current residents are protected from gentrification and displacement.
Demographic Composition of City Project Workforce
A new report shows only 26% of workers on city construction projects live in the city — $123 million in payroll going largely elsewhere — and the report will now be annual.
Affordable Housing and Developer Engagement
Habitat for Humanity presented plans to scale up production of affordable starter homes in Cincinnati using a mix of traditional volunteer builds and contractor-led density projects. Council members explored how these efforts align with city goals to close the homeownership gap and address housing supply shortages.
Over-the-Rhine Mixed-Use Redevelopments (Finley Flats)
3CDC is advancing multi-million-dollar mixed-income housing and commercial projects along Vine Street in North Over-the-Rhine, bringing hundreds of new residential units and commercial spaces.
Downtown Plan Kickoff
3CDC leaders presented on how their ambassador program maintains cleanliness, provides safety escorts, and manages public restrooms in downtown parks and business districts.
Homelessness Outreach and Generosity 513
The committee reviewed the Generosity 513 program, which provides street outreach and chronic case management for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges.
The Banks Urban Design Plan and Expansion
An ambitious $800 million project to transform Cincinnati's riverfront into a vibrant, mixed-use community with nearly 1,800 new residential units. Leaders are emphasizing the need for robust city-county funding agreements and affordable, inclusive housing options for everyday workers.
Honorary Street Naming: George and Ruby Malone Way
Council voted to honor George and Ruby Malone for their lifelong dedication to expanding homeownership and affordable housing for Black Cincinnatians by naming a portion of Washington Avenue in Avondale after them.
Building Code Enforcement and Chronic Violator Tracking
City leaders are pushing the administration to update building code compliance reports to better track chronic offenders and resolve outstanding property complaints.
Affordable senior housing at 223 West Fourth Street
The Oskamp Flats project will build 27 affordable senior housing units downtown, with a 30-year lease of the adjacent Egan Alley for trash receptacles and outdoor use.
Convention Center Hotel Tax Exemption
The city is partnering with 3CDC, Hamilton County, and Portman Holdings to build a full-service convention center hotel, backed by a $50 million loan, tax abatements, and real estate transfers.
Farmer Music Center Funding Allocation
Council debated committing $8 million in capital funding for the Farmer Music Center project. Supporters emphasized long-term tax revenue and cultural growth, while critics pointed to the city's projected budget deficit and unmet needs in housing and social services.
CRA Tax Exemptions Tied to Affordable Housing
The city is leveraging property tax exemptions to encourage developers to build and maintain income-restricted housing units in revitalized neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine and Pendleton. By extending tax breaks only when developers agree to set aside apartments for low-to-moderate-income residents, the city ensures long-term affordability in high-demand areas.
Street Renaming to Honor William L. Mallory Sr.
Bank Street in the West End has been officially renamed to William L. Mallory Sr. Street to celebrate the legacy of the late civil rights leader and former state representative.
Burnet Square Housing Development Funding Gap
Council is working with developers to bridge a $3 million to $4 million funding gap for the 300-unit mixed-income Burnet Square project.
Economic Development
Cincinnati's booming, and city leaders are rolling out fresh economic plans to support local businesses and manage the growth. If you live or work here, these new initiatives will shape how the city develops over the next few years.
Office of Strategic Growth Creation
The city is establishing a new Office of Strategic Growth to streamline development, target affordable housing goals, and tackle population growth to support city services.
CUF Neighborhood Revitalization and Property Acquisition
Council approved $1.025 million in TIF funds to help acquire and redevelop 125 Calhoun Street into mixed-use retail and residential space in Clifton Heights.