Hamilton County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hamilton County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rapid Run Bridge Replacement Design
The board funded $141,620 in engineering design for the Rapid Run bridge in Delhi Township — construction money isn't secured yet, so the design sets up grant applications.
Clerk of Courts Technology Update
The county's court case management system dates to 1997 and handles records for nearly every justice agency. The Clerk of Courts has taken over its governance and is working toward a full replacement, which should mean easier public access to records, better security, and fewer system outages.
Township Road and Infrastructure Improvements
The county is moving forward with major intersection improvements at Fields Ertel Road, McCauley Road, and Conrey Road, backed by federal and state grants.
November 2026 Election Security and Preparedness
The county reviewed security measures, emergency evacuation plans, law enforcement coordination, and poll worker training to ensure a safe and orderly voting process for the November 3 election.
Harrison Annexation and Retail Development
The county approved an annexation agreement between the City of Harrison and Harrison Township to clear the way for a new retail project by Midland Atlantic Properties.
Vendor Diversity and County Procurement Practices
Hamilton County is rolling out a brand new grant program that gives up to $10,000 to small businesses in participating areas. Twenty-one local businesses were recommended to receive funding after going through business planning classes.
City West Senior Housing Concerns
Commissioners discussed potential threats to senior housing stability at City West, questioning whether loan conditions from the Cincinnati Development Fund might displace elderly residents.
Fort Washington Way Traffic and Regional Construction Impacts
Commissioners addressed severe traffic congestion caused by simultaneous construction projects on the Western Hills Viaduct, 1-75, and local roads, requesting better public coordination tools.
MSD Sewer Lateral Assessments and Capital Upgrades
MSD brought forward a resolution to certify over $4.7 million in unpaid industrial sewer charges for an inactive industrial property in St. Bernard.
Major Civic and Stadium Infrastructure Projects
Commissioners discussed ballpark condition assessments, Paycor Stadium change orders, and financial considerations surrounding the downtown convention hotel project.
Mental Health Recovery Services Board Appointments
Commissioners raised major concerns regarding the transparency, property ownership, term limits, and financial accountability of the unelected Mental Health Board, requesting a comprehensive legal review.
CDBG Non-Profit Grant Allocations
Commissioners reviewed the proposed 2026 Annual Action Plan, which outlines how about $5 million in federal HUD block grants will be spent across CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs.
Infant Mortality Reduction and Community Champions
Cradle Cincinnati shared updated health data showing positive trends in reducing infant mortality rates in Hamilton County while honoring community advocates, researchers, and home visitors.
Baker Construction Enterprise Zone Agreement
Baker Construction is planning a $13 million renovation of a vacant facility in Sharonville to house its new corporate headquarters, bringing 192 new high-paying jobs to Hamilton County.
Transfer of Lot 18 at the Banks for Public Park Use
Commissioners approved transferring Lot 18 at the Banks to the City of Cincinnati so it can be developed into a miniature golf course and public park space. While supporting the project, commissioners raised concerns about long-term deed restrictions and ensuring future boards retain control if the land use changes.
Establishment of Hamilton County Housing Advisory Board
To comply with state law for spending county tax funds on affordable housing, commissioners established a new Housing Advisory Board. The board will review housing projects funded through a recent $1 million general fund allocation managed in partnership with Cincinnati Development Fund.
Countywide Sustainability and Climate Planning
Hamilton County is partnering with Green Umbrella and summer fellows to build its first comprehensive countywide sustainability plan, aligning departments and improving communication with residents.
Air Quality and Public Health Outreach
A resident voiced concerns regarding foul odors and potential building/zoning code violations from the Syntica plant, noting impacts across multiple neighborhoods and asking for county assistance.
Appointment of New JFS Director
The county appointed Bob Anderson, former Delaware County JFS director, to lead Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services during a critical transition period.
Utility Assistance and Rising Energy Costs
Commissioners discussed the high cost of utility bills and the need for more funding and state action to protect residents from repeated rate hikes by Duke Energy.
Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention
The county prosecutor's office highlighted resources and hotlines for reporting elder abuse and financial exploitation, emphasizing the growing complexity of fraud cases targeting seniors.
2025 HOME Investment Partnership Program Recommendations
County leaders and the Cincinnati Development Fund are rushing to allocate the last $5.3 million in federal ARPA funds before the end-of-year deadline. While projects inside Cincinnati move easily, suburban projects face community resistance and a lack of local development partners, forcing commissioners to weigh whether to keep pushing for outlying projects or redirect funds to city developments.
RaceTrac Development Zone Map Amendment
The county evaluated a zone change request in Harrison Township from residential/retail to planned light industrial to accommodate a RaceTrac travel center, restaurant, and industrial buildings.
Urban League Building Futures Workforce Training
The commissioners approved a $100,000 agreement with the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio to support the Building Futures Program, which connects residents with good-paying careers in the building trades.
Affordable Housing Investment in Over-the-Rhine
The county approved $850,000 in HOME-ARP funding to help create 25 units of modern, accessible housing in Over-the-Rhine. This project is partnered with Tender Mercies and Over the Rhine Community Housing to serve individuals facing mental health challenges or homelessness.
County Youth Employment and Services
Commissioners celebrated the success of the recent Youth Employment Day kickoff in the West End, which connected hundreds of teens with 1,300 jobs, free birth certificates, and medical physicals. Officials praised community partners for removing barriers to employment.
Lead Safe Hamilton County Housing Program
LISC and local partners updated the county on their initiative to remove lead hazards from older homes, having completed 82 renovations and secured an extra $400,000 from the state to help remaining families on the waitlist.
Targeted Impervious Surface Charge Pilot Program
MSD is proposing a new permit and surcharge program for about 500 large properties with over two acres of hard surfaces in the combined sewer district. Commissioners debated whether this will actually lower residential bills or just create a new bureaucracy, while expressing worries about how it affects churches and small businesses.
Property Acquisition Executive Session
The commission held a closed-door session to discuss acquiring real estate for county operations.
Election Ballot
Heads up, the May 5 primary ballot is packed with local issues and tax votes that will directly affect your wallet and community services. It's smart to check what's on the ballot before heading to the polls so you aren't caught off guard.
Pedretti Avenue Property Building and Safety Conditions
A resident raised concerns about unpermitted construction, gas shutoffs, lack of hot water, and living conditions affecting children at 425 Pedretti Avenue.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) 5-Year Update
The county is kicking off its five-year economic development plan update. Commissioners emphasized the need for county-wide investments outside downtown, housing affordability, and infrastructure that supports an aging population.
Reconnecting Communities Transportation Study
Planners are finishing up a study focused on fixing east-west travel blocks caused by I-75 and multiple railroads in Arlington Heights, Evendale, Lincoln Heights, Lockland, Reading, and Sharonville. Top ideas include a trail where an old highway split sits, a new railroad overpass on Shepherd Road to stop gridlock, and better access to the Aero Hub.
Regional Safety Complex Cost Increases and Tariffs
Commissioners discussed potential cost overruns and tariff impacts on the regional safety complex project, questioning whether the timeline and budget remain on track.
Large Tourism Event Grant Allocations
Several community stakeholders and festival organizers testified regarding the $1 million allocated for large tourism grants, with recommendations focusing on Blink and the Cincinnati Music Festival due to high economic impact.
Insulin Price Lawsuit and Healthcare Advocacy
The commissioners joined a multi-county lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies regarding inflated insulin prices, aiming to lower healthcare costs for county employees and residents.
Central Campus Relocation and Facility Consolidation
The county celebrated the grand opening of the new Central Campus on Patricia McCullum Way, consolidating multiple services like JFS, Veterans Services, and Public Health into one location with free parking.
Springfield Township Housing and TIF Districts
Springfield Township is advancing three major residential developments and TIF districts to encourage empty-nesters to downsize and free up starter homes. The TIF revenue will fund necessary sewer extensions, road repairs, and pedestrian trails.
Affordable Housing Preservation and Eviction Prevention
CMHA CEO Gregory Johnson requested funding to preserve affordable housing units across the county and proposed a partnership to prevent evictions caused by sudden rent hikes.
Election Results
Mayor Aftab Pureval won another term alongside a fully Democratic city council, giving local leaders a clear path to push through new policies quickly. If you live in Hamilton County, this means big changes could happen faster without the usual political gridlock.
Election Guide
It's time to vote! This quick guide breaks down everything on the 2025 Cincinnati ballot and shows you where to cast your vote.
Election Analysis
Low voter turnout is making Cincinnati's upcoming City Council race totally unpredictable, which means your vote actually matters way more this year. Since fewer people are showing up to the polls, every single ballot has a massive impact on who wins.
Political Appointments
Suburban Republican Ted Winkler is pulling the strings to help pick Cincinnati city council members, leaving locals wondering why someone from outside the city is messing with our local government. It's a shady behind-the-scenes move that gives outsiders way too much say in city affairs.
Stay-at-home Order Enforcement
Local authorities in Cincinnati and Hamilton County are cracking down on the state's stay-at-home order to help slow the spread of the pandemic. You can expect tighter local rules and a much heavier enforcement presence on the streets.
Library Levy
Local property owners are facing a potential tax hike that could double what they currently pay to fund the public library system. This major funding increase will hit homeowners right in the wallet.