Cincinnati City Council, Healthy Neighborhoods meeting: April 1, 2025

Committee Chair Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney opened the meeting at 12:30 p.m., welcoming attendees and outlining the agenda. She emphasized the importance of neighborhood safety, affordable housing and community development as key focus areas for the committee.

Attendance

• Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney (co-chair, presiding)
• Scotty Johnson (council member)
• Anna Albi (council member)
• President Pro-Tem Victoria Parks (vice chair)
• Lisa Carrion (clerk of council)
• Monica Winholtz (legal office)
• Gerald Fortson (Department of Community & Economic Development)
• Steve Sobel (Citicable)

Public comment: No public comments were made. Chair Kearney noted that written comments could still be submitted and reviewed by the committee.

Presentation 1: Safe and Clean Neighborhoods Initiative

Speakers: Michael Moore (director, Department of Public Services)

Overview of initiative:

• The initiative aims to tackle issues of blight, illegal dumping, and public safety by fostering collaboration between city agencies and communities.
• The Department of Public Services is working in coordination with the Cincinnati Police Department, the Health Department, and community partners to implement solutions.

Key strategies:

• Increased enforcement: Strengthened monitoring and penalties for illegal dumping, including an expansion of surveillance cameras in known hotspots.
• Neighborhood Blitz Cleanup Program: A city-led initiative where targeted neighborhoods receive intensive clean-up efforts, debris removal and beautification support.
• Enhanced street lighting: Installation of LED streetlights in high-crime areas to deter criminal activity and improve community safety.

Impact metrics:

• A 15% decrease in illegal dumping cases citywide since 2023.
• Over 300 tons of waste removed through coordinated cleanup efforts.
• 40 new streetlights installed in priority zones identified by CPD and community feedback.

Questions:

• Council Member Albi: “Are there plans to expand enforcement beyond known dumping hotspots?”
  • Response: Moore explained that the city is increasing its use of mobile surveillance cameras and working with neighborhood watch groups to identify and report new problem areas.
• Council Member Johnson: “How are communities notified about the Blitz Cleanup Program?”
  • Response: Moore said outreach is done through neighborhood associations, social media and direct mail to ensure residents are aware of cleanup dates and participation opportunities.

Presentation 2: Affordable Housing and Homeownership Support

Speakers: Jennifer Walton (executive director, Housing Resource Center)

Program focus:

• The program is designed to increase access to affordable housing and promote pathways to homeownership, particularly for first-time homebuyers and low- to moderate-income families.
• Key partnerships include local banks, credit unions and housing counseling agencies.

Programs offered:

• Down payment assistance program:
  • Provides up to $15,000 to eligible applicants.
  • Priority is given to first-time homebuyers and individuals earning below 80% of the area median income.
• Landlord engagement initiative:
  • Encourages property owners to offer affordable rental pricing and participate in housing voucher programs.
  • Offers financial incentives and tax breaks for landlords who maintain affordable units.
• Financial literacy and credit repair workshops:
  • Monthly sessions focusing on budgeting, credit building and mortgage preparation.
  • Aims to prepare renters for homeownership and reduce barriers related to credit scores.

Impact:

• In 2024, the program assisted 120 families in purchasing their first homes.
• 85% of workshop participants improved their credit scores by at least 50 points within six months.
• 25 new landlords joined the affordable housing initiative, increasing the availability of reasonably priced rental units.

Questions:

• Council Member Johnson: “How do we measure the long-term success of these programs?”
  • Response: Walton explained that success is tracked through participant follow-ups, post-purchase surveys and ongoing credit monitoring.
• Council Member Parks: “What additional support do landlords need to continue offering affordable units?”
  • Response: Walton highlighted the need for increased education on housing voucher benefits and streamlining application processes to encourage broader participation.

Agenda items

1. Expanded community safety grants
   • The city council approved $500,000 in funding to support neighborhood safety projects.
   • Eligible uses include security camera installations, community-led patrols and improved street lighting.
   • Vote: Unanimously approved for passage.
2. New green space initiative
   • Proposal to convert vacant lots into community green spaces and urban gardens.
   • The initiative seeks to partner with local gardening organizations and provide resources for community-led beautification projects.
   • Expected benefits include improved air quality, enhanced neighborhood aesthetics and increased recreational opportunities.
   • Vote: Approved for passage.

Adjournment: Vice Mayor Kearney closed the meeting at 1:45 p.m., thanking attendees and encouraging continued community engagement in upcoming initiatives. 

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@signalcincinnati.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

Find more Documenters’ notes on Cincinnati City Council here.