Cincinnati is embarking on a transformative journey to reinvest the proceeds from the Cincinnati Southern Railway sale. With an emphasis on underserved areas, officials aim to strategically allocate funds to enhance city infrastructure and foster equitable growth. The debate centers around how best to utilize these resources for maximum community impact.

Empowering Communities Through Targeted Investments

The city's blueprint for utilizing railway revenue offers a unique opportunity to uplift historically disadvantaged neighborhoods. This initiative promises not only physical improvements but also economic empowerment, ensuring no community is left behind.

Pioneering Infrastructure Enhancement

As part of the fiscal year 2025 budget, significant allocations were earmarked for various infrastructure projects. These initiatives underscore the city's commitment to revitalizing recreational facilities, enhancing park infrastructure, and improving street conditions. For instance, the Recreation Facilities Renovation project received a substantial $2,376,500, aimed at upgrading amenities that serve as vital community hubs. Similarly, Park Infrastructure Rehabilitation secured $2,719,000 to ensure parks remain vibrant spaces for all residents. Street Rehabilitation was allocated $12,916,500, addressing critical road maintenance needs across the city. Additional investments in Traffic Signals Infrastructure ($1,435,000), Victory Parkway Complete Street ($3,040,000), City Facility Renovations ($141,000), and Health Property Structural Integrity ($986,000) further demonstrate the comprehensive approach taken by city leaders.In the following fiscal year, new revenue streams generated from the railway sale allowed for even more ambitious projects. Outdoor and Athletics Facilities Renovation received $1.3 million, enhancing sports and leisure opportunities. City Facility Renovations and Repairs benefited from an additional $500,000, while Street Rehabilitation saw an increase of $41,000. Notably, the Price Hill Health Center Parking Lot Expansion project was awarded $2,841,000, addressing accessibility issues and promoting healthcare access.

Shaping Future Expenditures

City Manager Sheryl Long's "Cincy on Track" plan outlines a visionary strategy for future spending. Prioritizing recreation, parks, streets and bridges, public services, and health, this plan aims to channel over 80% of proposed expenditures into neighborhoods with median incomes below $50,000. As Long prepares her draft for the upcoming budget, expected May 23, City Council will scrutinize these proposals before final approval by June's end. An online dashboard ensures transparency, tracking expenditures meticulously. By April 7, approximately $532,440 had been disbursed from the committed $3.8 million, highlighting ongoing progress.

Equity-Oriented Development Initiatives

Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney, alongside Council members Victoria Parks and Scotty Johnson, championed the "Rising 15" plan. This proposal identifies fifteen neighborhoods requiring increased investment and economic development support. Central to their motion are two funds: the "Rising 15 Railroad Fund," allocating at least 10% of city investment returns, and the "Rising 15 Economic Development Fund," initially funded with $15 million plus annual contributions of $3 million from the General Fund. These designated areas include Roll Hill, Millvale, English Woods, Lower Price Hill, Queensgate, Winton Hills, South Fairmount, West End, East Westwood, Avondale, Roselawn, Mt. Airy, East Price Hill, South Cumminsville, and North Fairmount.Despite initial enthusiasm, City Manager Long advised against implementing the plan, advocating instead for a broader focus encompassing thirty neighborhoods with median household incomes under $50,000. While Kearney acknowledges this expanded scope, she remains steadfast in advocating for a dedicated economic development fund. Her persistence reflects a commitment to intentional investment strategies, ensuring underserved communities receive equitable attention and resources.

Navigating Legal Constraints

State law mandates that railway sale revenues be exclusively utilized for city-owned infrastructure enhancements. Consequently, establishing an economic development fund presents challenges. Vice Mayor Kearney proposes a "swap-out" mechanism, leveraging railway funds for infrastructure projects traditionally covered by the capital budget. This approach preserves financial flexibility while adhering to legal stipulations. However, Budget and Finance Chair Jeff Cramerding cautions against deviating from voter expectations, emphasizing the need for increased infrastructure investments rather than reallocating funds.Kearney counters this critique, asserting that maintaining infrastructure priorities does not preclude exploring innovative funding solutions. Her perspective underscores the importance of balancing legal obligations with creative financial strategies to maximize community benefits.

Data-Driven Neighborhood Selection

The identification of the "Rising 15" neighborhoods relied heavily on demographic and socioeconomic data provided by the Office of Performance and Data Analytics (OPDA). Analyzing Census information revealed intriguing discrepancies. For example, Lower Price Hill and Queensgate were combined due to their small sizes, yet separated within the "Rising 15" list. Furthermore, neighborhoods like Corryville, Walnut Hills, and CUF, despite having lower median household incomes, were excluded based on perceived exceptions justified by historical investment patterns.Acknowledging these inconsistencies, Kearney expressed openness to revising the list, acknowledging its dynamic nature intended for periodic updates. Such adaptability ensures the initiative remains responsive to evolving community needs and data insights.