Cincinnati · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cincinnati public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Human Services Fund Policy and Priorities for FY 2028-2029
The committee set FY 2028-29 priorities: equity in workforce development, housing stabilization, violence reduction and youth support. Nonprofit leaders warned that folding new commitments into the fund without new money could squeeze out existing programs, and the end of Project Lyft leaves seven eviction-prevention agencies uncertain.
Leverage Support Process Reform
Nearly every councilmember agreed the leveraged support process is broken: scores were released two days before a vote, top-scoring groups went unfunded, and immigration organizations were left out. The chair promised a ground-up reform.
Restricted Cannabis Fund Creation
The city's roughly $1.8 million in local cannabis tax revenue would be codified: 25% home repair, 20% new homeownership, 25% lead paint abatement, 15% child savings accounts and 15% youth jobs. A public commenter called the plan a 'scam' that shortchanges social equity.
Procurement Oversight and Moral Obligation Payments
A resident flagged a state auditor investigation and an external auditor's management letter citing a $353,000 IRS penalty, IT security issues, fraud-training lapses and missed financial disclosure filings — and asked the committee to hold a public hearing.
FY 2026 to FY 2027 Budget Carryover and Surplus Allocations
The city is deciding what to do with leftover FY 2026 money — topping up emergency reserves, putting $5 million into affordable housing, and making a $2 million pension contribution. Full Council votes October 21.
Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund Operating and Capital Budget
Council debated proposed reforms to the city's carryover waterfall policy, including adjusting reserve fund calculations from revenue-based to expenditure-based and altering contingency percentages. While an expenditure-based proposal failed, council requested a 60-day financial analysis.
Police and Fire Overtime and General Fund Adjustments
Federal grant money will fund additional police visibility patrols and support a contract with Women Helping Women for assault survivors.
Residential Tax Abatement Reform Review
Council promised to check every three years on whether the 2023 overhaul of residential tax abatements — which tiers neighborhoods — is actually working. The committee is now requiring a report within 120 days on whether it achieved its policy goals.
Municipal Credit Health and Debt Capacity
Davenport & Company presented an overview of Cincinnati's strong double-A credit ratings, fund balance reserves, and long-term pension liabilities.
City Manager Annual Performance Review
City Council completed its multi-phase annual review of City Manager Sheryl Long, praising her handling of recent snowstorms and budget deficits. The manager also requested to forgo a salary increase due to city budget constraints.
Railroad Trust Fund and Budget Transparency
A resident raised concerns about transparency regarding how railroad trust fund proceeds and investment earnings are tracked in city financial reports.
Cincinnati Retirement System Unfunded Liability Reduction
The city is moving forward with a $50 million lump-sum payment and a structured funding policy to address its long-term pension debt and ensure fiscal stability by 2049.
Cincy On Track Capital Project Execution and Transparency
Council members reviewed the first progress report on Cincy On Track capital investments and pressed the administration for historic spending comparisons and ways to speed up project delivery so residents see improvements sooner.