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 (20)(Public Safety)
Chronic Nuisance Ordinance Review
Potential administrative and enforcement cost adjustments associated with code compliance hearings and civil penalties.
CPD Surveillance Technology and Data Privacy
None specified directly in the motion.
Access to Free Period Products in Municipal Buildings
Cost of expanding and maintaining dispensers across city-owned properties to be determined in the administrative report.
Supplemental Flood Relief Funding
Up to $1.5 million from the Stormwater Management Enterprise Fund — a fraction of the millions-per-year the city could owe if the Conservancy District collapses.
Fire Department thermal imaging equipment
$225,000 from the infrastructure and capital project carryover budget.
Parking Facility Safety and Gun Thefts
Parking operators say fencing and camera mandates could cost them significant parking capacity; one owner said he'd lose 50% of spaces on one lot.
Neighborhood Health Disparities and Life Expectancy
Supported through existing health department and grant funding structures.
Domestic Violence and Non-Fatal Strangulation Trends
$200,000 allocated for YWCA improvements and $100,000 for health expo initiatives.
Cincinnati Police Department Budget and Performance Goals
Allocated $5.42 million in one-time public safety funding.
Clifton Neighborhood Public Safety
Contained within existing police department operational budgets.
Justice assistance grant for police overtime and advocacy services
Up to $274,735 in federal grant funds.
Police Department Staffing and Mental Health Grants
Up to $6.5 million in federal grant funds.
Paid Organ Donation Leave for City Employees
Could add a new city-funded benefit for donating employees; cost not yet specified.
UC Health Mobile Crisis Team recognition
Price Hill Litigation and Community Updates
Port security and emergency preparedness grants
Up to $371,777 in combined federal and state grant funds.
Regional Safety Complex Additional Funding Commitment
Commits $2 million in city funds toward regional facility cost overruns.
Graffiti Victim Protection and Code Enforcement
Undetermined administrative and program costs.
Street Takeovers and Stunt Driving Enforcement
Potential increased revenue from civil fines offset by administrative costs of long-term vehicle impoundment.
Juvenile Justice Reform and Youth Rehabilitation
Potential reallocation of county and municipal justice funds toward community-based diversion programs.
Decisions during term (2)
Recorded while James was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
202602781 ORDINANCE submitted by Sheryl M. M. Long, City Manager, on 9/23/2026, AUTHORIZING the City Manager to accept and deposit a donation of $500 from the Hamilton County Police Association for the 2026 National Public Safety…
202602455 ORDINANCE submitted by Sheryl M. M. Long, City Manager, on 8/3/2026, AUTHORIZING the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate a grant of up to $60,000 from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal…
Voting record (1)(Public Safety)
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