Council approves slate of new equity-focused programs amid concerns over immigration enforcement

Notes

Find the agenda and other materials for this meeting here.

Public comment took place before the meeting. Notable topics included growing concerns regarding ICE and the perceived overreach of its authority, with calls for increased protection for the city’s immigrant residents.

The business portion of the meeting began promptly at 2:22pm

Roll call was taken followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 All Cincinnati City Council members and the mayor were present:

• Aftab Pureval, mayor
• Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, vice mayor
• Scotty Johnson, president pro tem 
• Anna Albi, council member
• Jeff Cramerding, council member
• Ryan James, council member
• Mark Jeffreys, council member
• Evan Nolan, council member
• Meeka Owens, council member
• Seth Walsh, council member
  

The minutes from the previous meeting were approved and filed without objection. 

The meeting began with Item 14. 

Item 14: City Council approved a resolution supporting Ohio’s participation in the U.S.’ 250th anniversary celebration (America250-OH). The resolution, introduced by Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney, expressed support for recognizing Ohio’s contributions to the nation as part of the 250-year milestone.

Vice Mayor Kearney highlighted that America250-Ohio in Hamilton County will be led by Clerk of Courts Pavan Parikh and Cincinnati Museum Center Director Elizabeth Pierce. She encouraged residents to submit ideas for events and projects, noting that state grants are available to support approved initiatives.

Kearney added, “Independence Day is a time of rejoicing for some and a time of mourning for others … this anniversary gives us an opportunity for truth-telling that can lead to healing and reconciliation.”

Parikh emphasized that Cincinnati’s participation contributes to the growing momentum across the state.

Item 14 was passed. 

Item 15: City Council honored Julie Calvert with a resolution recognizing her leadership and contributions to the city through her work at Visit Cincy. Calvert is departing the organization at the end of the month after 25 years and spent eight of them as CEO.

Calvert was celebrated for her role in growing Cincinnati’s tourism, convention, and event industries and elevating the city’s national profile. 

Council members praised her work in growing Cincinnati’s tourism and conventions, bringing in major events, supporting the Cincinnati Music Festival, and helping revitalize the Cincinnati Convention Center. Her efforts helped put Cincinnati on the national map as a welcoming and vibrant city.

Council Member Albi noted, “You’ve brought people to our city to enjoy our city, learn our history and be part of our culture.” 

Item 15 was passed. 

Mayor Pureval called a two-minute recess to take a picture with Julie Calvert with the entire council. 

Mayor Pureval rejoined the meeting and began with several appointments and reappointments. 

Item 1: Appointment of Anna Albi to the Cincinnati City Planning Commission as council representative

Item 1 was passed.

Item 2-4: Reappointments to the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Board

• Rickell Howard Smith
• Sara Sheets
• Tianay Amat 

Items 2-4 were passed. 

Item 5: Appointment of Shawna Daniel to the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) Board of Commissioners for a term of five years. 

Item 5 was held for one week.

Items 6-7: Appointments/Reappointments to Housing Advisory Board:

• Dave Roberts (Item 6: Appointed)
• Susan Thomas (Item 7: Reappointed)

Item 6-7 were passed. 

Item 8: Appointment of Dr. Santosh Menon to the Cincinnati Board of Health for a three-year term. 

Item 8 was passed. 

Item 9: Reappointment of Councilmember Mark Jeffreys to the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments for a one-year term. 

Item 9 was passed. 

Item 10:  Reappointment of Key Beck to the Cincinnati Accessibility Board of Advisors for a two-year term. 

Item 10 was passed. 

Item 11: Appointment of Andria Carter to the non-party affiliated seat on the Cincinnati Elections Commission for a four-year term

Item 11 was passed. 

Item 12: Appointment of Liz Keating to the Board of Downtown Cincinnati Special Improvement District for a four-year term. 

Item 12 was passed. 

Pureval noted that Items 13, and 17-45 are as indicated. Item 16 would be referred to the Equitable Growth & Housing Committee (EGH). 

Item 46: Motion fromJeffreys, Albi, and James. The Budget, Finance & Governance Committee recommended that the city administration work with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) to report back within 60 days on which CRC locations are currently ineligible to serve as childcare facilities. 

Comments from council: 

• James: Called it a creative solution to improve child care availability and equity. Noting that CRC child care is more affordable than private options and citing the current rate (on average ~$20/hour). 
• Albi: Explained that facilities meeting licensing standards allows them to be eligible for vouchers and can improve equity citywide. 
• Kearney: Praised progress, noting increase from one to 13 licensed CRC facilities under Director Betts. 

Item 46 was passed. 

Item 47: Motion by Council members Owens, Jeffreys, Cramerding, Nolan, Walsh, Albi, James, and Vice Mayor Kearney requesting the city administration and Cincinnati Police Department to provide an update on the $5.42 million allocated in Motion #202501648 for public safety, with the report to be given to the Budget, Finance & Governance Committee on January 26, 2026.

Comments from council: 

• Owens: Emphasized public safety as a top priority and transparency in funding allocation. 
• Albi: Stressed the importance of quickly deploying funds and improving city procurement processes. 
• Cramerding: Noted that Assistant City Manager, John Brazina, and Captain Hennie will go through the report Jan 26, and encouraged councilmembers in emailing questions in advance to help facilitate the meeting. 

Item 47 was passed. 

Item 48: An emergency ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2-2025 to provide funding to the Hamilton County Land Reutilization Corporation for remediation services at the West Fork Incinerator site. 

Item 48 was passed. 

Item 49: An emergency ordinance authorizing payment of $136,586.53 to University of Cincinnati Physicians Company, LLC for paramedic training and related services provided to the Cincinnati Fire Department in the final months of FY 2025.

Item 49 was passed. 

Item 50: An emergency ordinance authorizing multiple payments from Cincinnati Fire Department funds to cover outstanding obligations for services and expenses incurred in 2025, including vehicle rentals, training, cellular services, emergency operations support, data services, equipment, and fire cadet programming.

Item 50 was passed. 

Item 51: An emergency ordinance authorizing a $857.06 payment to ASCAP to cover outstanding music licensing charges incurred by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission.

Item 51 was passed.

Item 52 was brought into suspension. 

Item 52: An emergency ordinance amending Ordinance No. 231-2025 to allow bond funds to be used for the purchase or construction of solar facilities related to installing a solar photovoltaic array at the former Center Hill Landfill.

Comments from council: 

• Owens: Praised administration for advancing the project. Highlighted the benefits for residents and the alignment the project has with the Green Cincinnati Plan. Emphasized the energy cost reduction, equity, and sustainability goals. 
• Jefferies: Noted that landfills are major city liabilities with limited reuse options and that this project turns a liability into an asset. Stating the project is expected to generate several hundred thousand dollars per year in net revenue, and will provide more predictable energy costs for the city and taxpayers. 

Item 52 was passed. 

Item 53 was brought into suspension. 

Item 53: An emergency ordinance establishing a new capital project for the Center Hill Solar Power Array, authorizing funding transfers to support the project, and appropriating $12.1 million for installation of a solar photovoltaic array at the former Center Hill Landfill to expand renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Item 53 was passed. 

Item 54 was brought into suspension. 

Item 54: An emergency ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a $1,000 donation from the Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati and appropriate the funds for Cincinnati Fire Department team-building and promotional events.

Cramerding thanked the Rotary Foundation for its continued generosity while also encouraging council members to personally thank donors when possible. 

Item 54 was passed. 

Mayor Pureval stated Item 55 was as indicated. 

Item 56 was brought into suspension. 

Item 56: An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to work with the Ohio Department of Transportation to support bridge maintenance activities for the State Route 32 bridges over the Little Miami River in Cincinnati.

Item 56 was passed. 

Item 57 was brought into suspension.

Item 57: An emergency ordinance adopting the revised Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan for the Connector, as recommended by the streetcar’s Accountable Executive and Chief Safety Officer.

Item 57 was passed. 

Item 58:  A motion directing the administration to work with council to create a “Buy the Building” program to help small businesses purchase the buildings they occupy, with progress tracked and reported quarterly by the Office of Opportunity.

Mayor Pureval noted that an initial version presented before council was the wrong version. 

The motion was amended to request a report within 60 days. 

Kearney explained program benefits, including equity, ownership, income generation, and stabilizing costs for small businesses. 

The amended motion was passed. 

Item 59 was brought into suspension. 

Item 59:  A motion directing the administration to report back within 90 days on opportunities to include income-restricted housing in new city facilities planned over the coming years.

Comments from council: 

• Jefferies: Highlighted the housing crisis and innovative opportunity to use city-owned space efficiently.
• James: Noted the creative approach to create affordable housing in safe, secure locations. 
• Albi: Emphasized efficiency and cost leverage.

Item 59 was passed. 

Item 60 was brought into suspension. 

Item 60: An emergency ordinance authorizing the city manager to amend the Community Reinvestment Area tax exemption agreement with E.M.A. Freeman L.L.C., removing the requirement for LEED certification for improvements at 2022-2024 Freeman Avenue in the West End.

Jeffreys said the company is moving forward despite losing money. He praised their efforts. 

Item 60 was passed. 

The business portion of the meeting was concluded. 

Announcements: 

Cramerding: Provided an update on the carryover process for the city’s operating budget. 

Deadlines for councilmembers: 

• Jan 27: Submit proposed changes to the “waterfall” (budged allocation structure). 
• Feb 2: Finance Committee votes on structure.
• Feb 9: Submit motions for carryover allocations. 
• Feb 27: Budget Committee discusses proposals 
• Feb 23: Final comprehensive motion expected (Ideally 9 votes but at least 5 votes) 

Albi: Highlighted Cincinnati native Rose Lavelle, named U.S. Soccer Federation Player of the Year. 

Vice Mayor Kearney and President Pro tem Johnson honored Betty Daniels Rosemond, freedom rider who passed away Jan 5, noting her civil rights contributions. Johnson stated “The needle in America has still got a far, far, way to move and go.” 

The city manager advised residents to stay off the street during the expected severe weather. Emphasizing that driveways should be used to help keep streets clear. 

The meeting was adjourned.

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