Cincinnati · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cincinnati public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.