Council Member (at-large)· 2026–2027
Ryan James
Cincinnati
About
Ryan James's campaign focused on urban development and density, emphasizing thoughtful execution of growth initiatives as he made history by becoming the youngest Black man elected to the Cincinnati City Council.
Campaign promises (1)
- developmentJames advocated for urban density, stating it can be a positive asset for the city if executed properly.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 58
- Total speaking time
- 2:45:16
- Avg per meeting
- 2:51
- Segments
- 3231
Want every word James has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has James said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (17)(Parks Rec)
Paul Clock Bell Tower Acquisition and Restoration
City acquisition and restoration costs for the bell tower structure.
Vibrancy Art Fund and Arts Collaboration
Uses dollars previously allocated through the leveraged support arts category; both partner organizations will receive administrative fees.
Neumann Clubhouse replacement
$5 million from park and recreation bond funds.
Dedicated Youth Football and Sports Facilities
Up to $178,293 in donated services — no city cash outlay.
Recreation Governance and Administrative Code Changes
Directs administrative authority and staffing oversight for city recreation operations.
Youth Recreation and Safe Haven Programs
Events generate substantial foot traffic and economic activity for local businesses, though non-profit organizers face rising operational costs.
Library Services and Community Partnerships
Null
Park and Playground Safety Enhancements
Future capital and operational expenditures for installing and maintaining park lighting and cameras.
Honorary Street Naming: James Johnson Way
Minimal administrative cost for street signage.
Union Terminal Capital Infrastructure Needs
Substantial city capital investment will likely be requested for building maintenance and infrastructure repairs.
ArtsWave Funding and Community Impact
Black Art Speaks requested a multi-year investment of $400,000 to support organizational operations and local artist deployment.
Municipal Golf Course Infrastructure Upgrades
Reallocates $4.18 million from the Neumann Clubhouse project and $2.5 million from the Municipal Golf Activities Fund.
Green School Yards and Outdoor Learning Spaces
Funding relies on grants, safe and clean allocations, and partner resources, with discussions focusing on long-term maintenance financing and a dedicated green schools liaison.
Youth-Led Community Engagement and Mental Health Support
Null
Childcare Facility Expansion at Cincinnati Recreation Commission Centers
Capital costs and operating revenue impacts will be determined upon completion of the 60-day administrative report.
Pyatt Park Proposed Lease and Mutual Aid Services
Involves potential private investments and state funding applications for park renovations.
East End Community Garden Lease
Nominal lease arrangement for community green space utilization.
Decisions during term (0)
Recorded while James was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
No decisions found matching Parks Rec.
Voting record (0)(Parks Rec)
No votes found matching Parks Rec.