DCED 2023 Annual Report

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A N N U A L

R E P O R T

I am delighted to present the 2023 Annual Report for the City of Cincinnati's Department of Community and Economic Development (referred to affectionately by staff and partners alike as "DCED"). As Director, I feel great pride reflecting on the remarkable accomplishments and strides we made this year

Our team worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for Cincinnati residents and address pressing needs, such as housing, neighborhood development, job creation and retention

Our efforts yielded thousands of new employment opportunities and the growth of many existing businesses Securing Cincinnati as the location for pharmaceutical giant Medpace Inc 's major expansion was a notable win; our staff's dedicated work played a key role in the success of this project, which will create over 1500 high-quality, full-time jobs in our city

We matched these large-scale deals with equally robust programming targeting small, local, and minority-owned businesses, underscoring the importance of entrepreneurial diversity By fostering a supportive environment for large and small businesses to thrive, we lay the groundwork for long-term economic prosperity and sustainability

From revitalizing public spaces to enhancing the vibrancy and resilience of our communities, we worked diligently to support unique community development projects that create a sense of belonging, pride, and identity in our neighborhoods The projects that came out of this year's NBDIP and NCCIP programs will inspire and influence residents for decades to come, and we cannot wait to see them unfold

This year marked a renewed focus on housing creation initiatives By harnessing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, such as our LIHTC and NOFA programs, we spearheaded the construction of hundreds of new housing units, many of which targeted lower- and middle-income residents This work is important to our collective regional work to expand affordable housing options and ensure access to safe and secure shelter for people across all socio-economic backgrounds

In 2024, we face a new market landscape that presents both challenges and opportunities However, with our staff’s unwavering devotion to public service, I know DCED will navigate these changes successfully Our primary goal for the upcoming year is to enhance support for our partners and stakeholders and more efficiency and effectively engage them in the advancement of projects By streamlining internal processes and integrating feedback, we are better equipped to meet evolving demands as we work together to invest in the people and places shaping Cincinnati's future

I am excited and optimistic for what lies ahead. With your support and collaboration, I am confident that we will achieve even greater success in strengthening Cincinnati’s vitality, vibrancy, and sustainable economic growth for years to come

MARKIEA CARTER

The Department of Community and Economic Development (“DCED”) improves the lives of residents, increases business investment, and revitalizes City Neighborhoods by providing financial and technical resources, facilitating strategic partnerships, and promoting efficient use of the City's on and off-street parking assets through parking management

Project: Clifton Cultural Arts Center (“CCAC”)

Project: Griffon Apartments

VISION STATEMENT (THE “WHY” FOR US)

Project: Carthage Commons, Carthage Civic League

Investing in the people and places shaping Cincinnati’s future.

MISSION STATEMENT (THE “WHAT”)

To improve the lives of residents, increase business investment, and revitalize City Neighborhoods.

VALUE STATEMENT (THE “WHY” FOR PARTNERS/CLIENTS)

Invest in Cincinnati today, build our shared tomorrow.

SINCE 1970

6 DIVISIONS HUNDREDS OF PROJECTS MANAGED YEARLY

45+ EMPLOYEES

DCED encompasses 46 full-time staff* across six divisions, with an annual fund management of approximately $65 million.

THE DIRECTOR’S OFFICE leads all divisions, as well as Small Business, Communications, Monitoring, and Compliance functions, ensuring responsiveness to the needs of partners, constituents, Administration leadership, Mayor + Council, and implementing efficient, innovative, and transparent policies

FISCAL & OPERATIONS handles the fiscal procedures, department workflows, human resources, the budget, and payment processing

PARKING manages all aspects of on and off-street parking services, including asset management, residential permit parking, and utilizing parking as a development tool

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

maximizes the City’s impact on high-profile development opportunities, overseeing business attraction and retention, projects in the CBD, and providing support in site selection, permitting, and incentive financing structures

HOUSING enables proactive, targeted, and transformative residential development, executing the City’s role in creating, preserving, and maintaining an abundance of diverse housing options and supportive housing services

NEIGHBORHOODS serves the needs of residents and businesses through job creation, implementation of public infrastructure projects, urban redevelopment initiatives, and revitalization activities

DEPARTMENT

MAYOR AFTAB PUREVAL

COUNCIL MEMBERS

CITY MANAGER SHERYL M M LONG

VICE MAYOR JAN-MICHELE LEMON KEARNEY • PRESIDENT PRO TEM VICTORIA PARKS • JEFF CRAMERDING • REGGIE HARRIS • MARK JEFFREYS • SCOTTY JOHNSON • LIZ KEATING • MEEKA OWENS • SETH WALSH

MARKIEA CARTER DCED DIRECTOR

Markiea Carter is a seasoned economic development professional with extensive experience in public service and a focus on effective strategy and equitable, high-quality deployment of services. She has dedicated over 15 years to the City, serving numerous leadership roles across varying departments before finding her home at DCED.

DAN BOWER DCED DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Dan Bower leads all department initiatives, executing the vision of the Director. He began his career in public service over 13 years ago; in the time since, he has worked across many City departments, focusing on neighborhood revitalization, development finance and community initiatives, economic inclusion initiatives, and contract compliance.

MEET THE DEPARTMENT

ALL STAFF

ROY HACKWORTH DIVISION MANAGER, HOUSING

BOB BERTSCH DIVISION MANAGER, NEIGHBORHOODS

ANTHONY CADLE DIVISION MANAGER, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

DAN FORTINBERRY DIVISION MANAGER, PARKING

Michael Banish Chris Brown

Marlena Brumfield Angélica Camacho Eric Denson Gerald Forston

Taylor German Shanda Green

Justin Halter Leatha Howard Danny Jones

Greg Koehler

NOTPICTURED

RAJESHRANJIT(DIVISIONMANAGER,FISCAL&OPERATIONS),CHARLESBATES,MATTHEWFLOYD, SHANNONJOHNSON,CAROLYNNEIHEISEL,LAWRENCETAYLOR,CAROLYNTHOMAS,SCOTTWOLFE

Morgan Rahe Dejah Rawlings

Evette Reed Darby Schozer

Nyemah Stark

Diana Vakharia Marc Von Allmen

DeAngela Weakley Shyrell Waters Breanna White

Kate Luebkeman Joseph Malek Clint McIntosh Kira Palmer Sharon Patterson

Mary Poole

Katrina Stallworth

The Port, Economic Development, Neighborhoods, Housing

The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority ("The Port") is a public agency that partners with economic development organizations, municipalities, and foundations to bring underutilized manufacturing and residential real estate back into their highest and best use DCED partners with The Port in various functions; most commonly, in major land acquisitions, complex demolition projects, and commercial property sales More on Port Acquisition projects: pages 15, 33

REDI Cincinnati & JobsOhio, Economic Development

The Regional Economic Development Initiative Cincinnati ("REDI" or "REDI Cincinnati") is a regional affiliate organization of JobsOhio that acts as the first point-ofcontact for companies locating to or growing in the Greater Cincinnati Region JobsOhio is a private nonprofit economic

development corporation driving job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention, and expansion The organization works with local economic development organizations, for-profit partners, foundations, and municipalities to create jobs for Ohioans and attract out-of-state talent to Ohio's industries DCED partners with REDI and JobsOhio on largescale economic development incentive initiatives, business retention and expansion ("BR&E") efforts, as well as various other projects that benefit from regional collaboration or cross-organizational resources More on BR&Es: pages 12, 25

Homebase, Neighborhoods

Homebase supports the work of Community Development Corporations ("CDCs") across Cincinnati as they strengthen their neighborhoods through affordable housing, place and space development, quality of life improvements, and economic development DCED works with Homebase in several capacities, most notably partnering on neighborhood-led development projects, and contracting them for NBDIP programming. More on NBDIP: page 15, 2023 projects mapped on page 33

3CDC, Economic Development, Housing

The Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation ("3CDC") is a private non-profit corporation dedicated to strengthening the core assets of downtown by revitalizing and connecting the Central Business District ("CBD") and Over-the-Rhine ("OTR") neighborhoods through creating and managing public spaces, high-density mixed-use development, historic preservation, improved streetscapes, and diverse local businesses DCED works with 3CDC on major development and housing projects in the CBD and OTR.

Grow America, Housing, Economic Development, Small Business

Grow America (formally "the National Development Council" or "NDC") is one of the oldest and most comprehensive community and economic development nonprofits in the nation. They've worked for over half a century to increase the flow of capital to low-income communities through job creation and training, small business lending, development and preservation of affordable housing, and social infrastructure The City of Cincinnati has partnered with Grow America since 2015 when the Grow America Fund of Cincinnati was created for small business lending; DCED maintains and strengthens this relationship through a myriad of local initiatives, consulting, and collaboration

Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative GCMI, Small Business

The Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative ("GCMI") is an entrepreneurial education program designed to help individuals and small business owners develop business models and plans, while providing them access to small business lending, one-on-one technical assistance, and many other small business resources. DCED gives input and direction to GCMI on their MicroCity Loan program,

which distributes flexible microloan financing to facilitate growth and retention of emerging small businesses within Cincinnati

$30,220,237

4200+

jobs created & retained

763 housing units preserved & created

$4.1 Million+ awarded to fund neighborhood projects

of which are AMI-restricted

60+

new projects managed by DCED staff over the year

22 neighborhoods touched by projects producing housing & jobs

Project: NEST Mural Project, Northside

DIRECTOR’S OFFICE + FISCAL & OPERATIONS DIVISIONS

DCED staff in the Director’s Office and Fiscal & Operations divisions worked hard this year to define the vision for departmental goals; retain healthy relationships with key partners and coalitions; improve communications between DCED, City Administration, Council, and the Public; and, above all, strengthen the systems and processes that make up the backbone of all other programming across the department

COUNCIL & LEGISLATIVE BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

DCED oversees the Tax Incentive Review Council (“TIRC”), responsible for completing annual reviews of all property tax exemption agreements Additionally, in 2023, DCED Director Markiea Carter sat on several boards, commissions, and councils, including the Housing Advisory Board, Banks Community Authority, Alloy Development, Workforce Council of SW Ohio, Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District, REDI Cincinnati, and the Management Operations Committee for Uptown Consortium

MONITORING & COMPLIANCE

DCED staff monitor active development leases and loans for the City of Cincinnati, maintain and control hundreds of parcels (grass cutting, taxes, and utilities), and oversee compliance for tax incentive agreements (TIFs, CRAs, JCTCs) and affordable housing

2023 DCED MONITORING & COMPLIANCE NUMBERS:

45 lease agreements

53 project TIF agreements

380 commercial CRA agreements

54 JCTC agreements

40 loan agreements

40 AMI-restricted (“affordable”) housing agreements - for both housing quality & tenant income qualifications

The year marked the final steps of DCED’s internal implementation of legislation to streamline the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits process Additionally, DCED was proud to join the Mayor, Council, and City Manager in overhauling the City’s Residential Tax Abatement program, leading the effort to improve user equity and experience. In the FY24 budget cycle, DCED successfully advocated for the inclusion of several critical community and neighborhood programs DCED also played a supportive role in the Connected Communities’ discourse and the advancement of upcoming legislation

Director Markiea Carter presenting at the Black Developers Conference

2023 ‘REPORT OUT’

COMMUNICATIONS

In response to feedback from Council and the Public, DCED began a major refresh of communications expectations and procedures in 2023 This included updating brand standards and social media platforms, increasing frequency and reach of open programming announcements, and more. These interventions proved impactful, resulting in increased online interaction e.g. our Instagram followers rose by a rate of over 90% and increased interest in programming e.g. BR&E inquiries went up over 40% following the creation of new digital resources Local partners took note; we received positive feedback from organizations like Homebase and NEST on our expanded digital outreach Continued efforts to improve communication will roll out in 2024

ADDITIONAL INTERNAL

Several DCED applications were transitioned to digital platforms, improving accessibility for those interested in programming This includes applications for letters of support for both the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) program and the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit (“OHPTC”) program, two incredibly impactful programs for housing creation Also, process elements of the robust and beneficial partnership between DCED and the Department of Economic Inclusion (“DEI”) were improved for the benefit of both departments’ working relationship.

DCED participating in the City’s inter-departmental league with the Department of City Planning & Engagement, as the “Groundbreakers” team

DCED 2023 Halloween Party!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (“ED”) DIVISION

BR&Es*

BR&Es involve conducting productive inperson meetings with local businesses, consulting on their needs and goals, problem-solving issues they may be facing, removing barriers to growth, discussing industry insights, and connecting them with potential financing, partners, and regional and statewide resources Between ED & the Small Business Team (“SBT,” made up of staff from the Director’s Office and Neighborhoods divisions), DCED conducted 47 BR&Es in 2023

More on BR&Es: page 25

DORAs

Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (“DORAs”) permit residents in specific spaces to openly consume alcoholic beverages; they are an effective economic development tool that enhances public use of space. ED staff manage all four DORAs across the City of Cincinnati as of 2023.

CRA: COMMERCIAL TAX ABATEMENTS*

DCED oversees the negotiation and execution of Community Reinvestment Area Commercial Tax Abatements (“Commercial CRAs”), a development tool for companies making property improvements through renovation or new construction Between ED, Neighborhoods, and Housing, DCED carried out 23 new Commercial CRA projects in 2023

JCTCs

Job Creation Tax Credits (“JCTCs”) are an incentive tool for companies expanding in, or moving to, Cincinnati, in consideration of net, new jobs created In 2023, the most notable and impactful JCTC was the expansion of pharmaceutical giant Medpace Inc , which will lead to the creation of at least 1500 high-quality, full-time jobs.

More on Medpace: page 23

PACE

Property Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) is a ‘green building’ incentive program that provides financing to cover the upfront costs of energy improvements to commercial properties DCED is responsible for reviewing the materials submitted by applicants and advancing legislation for PACE assessments to City Council; in 2023, two PACE projects were advanced

More on PACE: page 46

PROJECT TIFs*

Parcel Tax Increment Financing (“Project TIFs”) are a tax increment structure applied to large-scale development projects that include public infrastructure improvement In certain circumstances, this incentive can be used to develop private projects of similar scope Similar to TIF Districts [more on Districts TIFs: page 15], Project TIFs allow the City to exempt a percentage of the real property taxes resulting from the increased property assessment value. The owner then makes payments in lieu of taxes, also known as service payments, which can be used to assist the developer in funding the project through debt payments or equity attraction The City of Cincinnati’s ED staff typically oversees Project TIFs 2023 TIF Projects mapped on page 33

RFP/RFQs*

DCED releases Requests for Qualifications (“RFQs”) and Requests for Proposals (“RFPs”) for City-owned vacant or under-utilized land parcels in order to solicit competitive development concepts and plans, returning non-productive property back to tax revenue-generating, productive use. DCED typically issues RFQs and RFPs for DCED-controlled sites, but sometimes assists other departments with the procurement of buyers and disposition of land through this program Between ED, Neighborhoods, and Housing divisions, DCED oversaw seven RFPs & RFQs in 2023, resulting in a number of awards

*Denotes that this division shares responsibilities for this program with other divisions

Project: Findlay Recreation Center (TIF project)

NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION

CDC OPERATING SUPPORT/NSP

Community Development Corporations ("CDCs") are non-profit organizations incorporated to provide programs, offer services, and engage in other activities that promote and support neighborhood development. They're a great resource and link for citizens to become involved in their communities DCED works with CDCs in several ways, through NBDIP grants, specific neighborhood projects, and the direct provision of operating support funds In 2023, 47 neighborhood development organizations received operational support grants through DCED's Neighborhood Support Program (“NSP”)

2023 NSP mapped on page 33

CEDs

Community Entertainment Districts ("CEDs") are bounded areas that include or will include a combination of entertainment, retail, educational, sporting, social, cultural, or arts establishments within close proximity to hotels, restaurants, retail sales establishments, enclosed shopping centers, museums, performing arts theaters, movie theaters, sports facilities, etc., that provide similar services to the community. Because state law limits the number of liquor permits allowed within a jurisdiction through various regulatory measures, the supply of such permits becomes constrained, making their cost and availability an impediment to the establishment of new restaurants DCED can establish CEDs to create a new, geographically limited allocation of permits, thus helping potential small businesses In 2023, Neighborhoods staff oversaw all 26 CEDs across Cincinnati

*Denotes that this division shares responsibilities for this program with other divisions.

NBDIP

One of the City of Cincinnati’s longestrunning community development programs, the Neighborhood Business District Improvement Program (“NBDIP”) is a competitive funding program available to recognized Neighborhood Business Districts (“NBDs”) The purpose of the program is to support projects that strengthen the viability of NBDs for example, increasing the availability of products and services, helping to develop small businesses, promoting business district branding, ensuring safety and accessibility for customers and visitors, and improving public spaces

DCED received 22 project proposals for 2023-2024 NBDIP, for a total funding request of $3,474,950 After an extensive review process, staff from our Neighborhoods division recommended a total of 13 major and minor projects for funding, for a capital budget allocation of approximately $2,000,000

DISTRICT TIFs*

NCCIP

The Neighborhood Catalytic Capital Investment Program (“NCCIP”) was created in 2022 with the passage of Ordinance No. 3312022; City Council allocated approximately $1.9 million in the carryover budget to fund transformative neighborhood projects across the City of Cincinnati, and an additional $500,000 in 2023 To deploy these funds effectively, DCED oversaw two rounds of a competitive application process, receiving a total of 59 applications and ultimately awarding over 19 projects across a broad range of neighborhoods and project types. As we see construction begin to unfold on many of these projects, their positive impact will reverberate across the region

PORT ACQUISITIONS*

DCED manages the City’s $7 million budget for the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority (“The Port”) to acquire and prepare large industrial sites These funds are used to facilitate the revitalization of long-vacant and underutilized sites into productive sites for advanced manufacturing uses.

Tax Increment Finance Districts (“District TIFs”) are a tax increment structure covering an area of up to 300 acres - typically centered on neighborhood business districts or several sites - wherein new property values contribute to a public improvement fund instead of typical taxing jurisdictions. The increment collected in these districts is used to make public improvements that benefit or serve that district. ED staff oversee most TIF-funded projects, with Neighborhoods and Housing staff collaborating on relevant projects

All NBDIP, NCCIP, Project TIFs, and Port Acquisitions are all mapped on page 33

HOUSING DIVISION

AHLF/AHTF

The Affordable Housing Leverage F (“AHLF”) is an aggregation of funds managed by the Cincinnati Develop Fund to finance the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing in Cincinnati. Fu sources include public, private, corp and charitable funds, including mon from the City of Cincinnati’s Afforda Housing Trust Fund (“AHTF”) By combining funding sources, it can b more effectively leveraged and dep for meaningful projects across Cinci DCED is the City of Cincinnati’s departmental contact for projects utilizing City dollars from the fund. I 2023, DCED Housing staff helped C with reviewing and approving four affordable housing projects

ADDI

American Dream Downpayment Initiative (“ADDI”) provides down payment assistance of up to $14,000 to first-time homebuyers earning at or below 80% of the area median income (“AMI”), buying a single-family property in the city of Cincinnati. The goal of the program is to help address one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership, helping increase homeownership among lower-income households In 2023, DCED pre-approved 109 ADDI applications, with 23 household ultimately being funded through the program

CRA: RESIDENTIAL TAX ABATEMENTS

DCED oversees Community Reinvestment Area Residential Tax Abatements (“Residential CRAs”), a development tool that reduces taxes for residents seeking renovations, improvements, or new housing construction The program aims to reduce the financial burden on those hoping to improve their home or build a new home DCED helps review and determine eligibility of applications. In 2023, Housing staff approved a total of 400 projects for assessment by the County Auditor

Additionally, this year DCED was proud to join the Mayor, Council, and City Manager in leading the reforms to this program to improve user equity and experience This effort included working extensively with Office of Performance & Data Analytics (“OPDA”) and CAGIS to create an updated, transformed, online application process, and several new resources (including written and video “how-to” guides, FAQ documents, and more)

CLRP

The Cincinnati Land Reutilization Program (“CLRP”) provides opportunities for qualified individuals or entities to obtain the title to/or development rights of a Cityowned CLRP property. DCED facilitates the sale of CLRP properties for redevelopment projects that revitalize neighborhoods, increase affordable housing opportunities, and stimulate economic development within the City of Cincinnati In 2023, DCED housing staff awarded one CLRP property

HISTORIC TAX CREDITS

Historic tax credit programs such as the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit (“OHPTC”) help to leverage private redevelopment of historic buildings. These programs are typically run through the state or federal sources; DCED Housing staff are responsible for writing letters of support to give Cincinnati projects a more competitive application In 2023, 18 projects in Cincinnati were awarded OHPTC from the State (almost 40% of the total projects across Ohio!), amounting to a total credit amount of $13,629,406.

LIHTC

FAIR HOUSING SERVICES

Fair Housing Services is a program run in collaboration with Housing Opportunities Made Equal (“HOME”) for addressing housing needs of all federally protected classes. DCED Housing staff work with partners to increase consumer awareness of fair housing laws and discriminatory practices, monitoring of the Cincinnati housing market through ongoing testing, investigation of discrimination complaints through testing, and monitoring City funded housing programs for their fair housing impact and compliance.

LEAD PAINT GRANT PROGRAM

Funded by a federal grant to address lead paint hazards in low-income housing built prior to 1978, the City’s Lead Paint Hazard Control Program addresses substandard housing conditions that contribute to childhood lead poisoning DCED Housing staff helps local organization People Working Cooperatively (“PWC”) with program intake, scheduling contractor walk-throughs, and managing the bidding process In 2023, 42 units were fullycleared of all lead hazards!

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”) is a highly competitive tax incentive program intended to increase the supply of high-quality, affordable housing by helping developers offset the costs of housing developments for individuals with low- to moderateincome The City of Cincinnati can provide various letters of support to developers who plan to apply for LIHTC Two LIHTC projects were approved in 2023, creating 92 housing units, all income-restricted (“affordable”)

*Denotes that this division shares responsibilities for this program with other divisions

NOFA

The Notice of Funding Availability (“NOFA”) program provides residential developers with various subordinate financing options for transformative housing projects that fulfill the City’s housing priorities (affordability, availability, sustainability, and more). Funding sources may include Home Investment Partnership Program (“HOME”), Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”), City Capital, and TIF District dollars In 2023, DCED Housing staff launched two rounds of NOFA, ultimately funding five projects, all affordable housing, with a total of $2,563,633

PHFO

DCED allocated a portion of HOME funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) to create a one-time funding program called Public Housing Funding Opportunities (“PHFO”) to help residential developers develop quality rental housing geared toward Cincinnatians facing homelessness. The goal of the program was to support projects that will make positive impacts on the lives of some of Cincinnati’s most vulnerable citizens through the provision of affordable housing and case management, along with supportive services In the 2023 program year, DCED received six applications for PHFO, totaling approximately $11.6 million in funding requests. A committee comprised of City staff from DCED and a third-party consultant from Grow America reviewed the applications, and four affordable housing projects were awarded with a total of $7,500,000

In addition to these programs, DCED also oversaw Emergency Mortgage Assistance & Tenant Representation programming and Housing Repair programming in 2023 Moving forward, these will be handled by the City Manager’s Office and the Department of Buildings & Inspections, respectively.

NOFA, PHFO, Historic Tax Credit, and LIHTC projects are all included in the Housing Creation & Preservation section on page 41

Photos from the 2023 NOFA bus tour (seeing potential projects applying to the program)

PARKING SERVICES DIVISION

The mission of the Parking Services division (“Parking”) is to deliver high-quality services to parking customers and promote a healthy downtown and local economy by providing professional facility management of the City’s parking assets Parking is an essential part of development activities, and having Parking within the Department of Community and Economic Development allows for a more efficient and effective coordination during development processes

Unlike the rest of the department, Parking has both general fund obligations and operates as an enterprise fund The efficiencies

ON-STREET PARKING OPERATIONS

Parking staff manage and oversee on-street parking enforcement, meter maintenance and repairs, and meter collections In 2023, Parking continued its efficient deployment of new on-street parking infrastructure, with an emphasis on multi-space meters and pay-by-cell zones. Single-space meters accepting credit cards were cutting-edge technology ten years ago but have since proved prohibitively expensive to maintain long-term compared with alternative parking methods Thus, parking is consistently implementing updated programming that replaces single-space meters with multi-space pay stations that reduce ongoing operation and maintenance costs

OFF-STREET PARKING OPERATIONS

Parking maintains City-owned parking facilities through a structured maintenance program, which includes regular condition assessments and completing capital repairs and restoration In 2023, Parking undertook various cost assessments of the Town Center Garage, including determining the costs associated with its restoration and the demolition. As the City decides on the future development it would like to see at this location moving forward, Parking will oversee short-term repairs to the garage to allow for its continued use, while DCED will continue engaging community stakeholders on envisioning future development in 2024 and beyond

DIGITAL ASSETS (EZPARK & PAYBYPHONE)

In 2021, Parking made several major updates to the digital accessibility of Cincinnati’s public parking ecosystem This notably included the rollout of PayByPhone Inc as a second vendor for mobile parking in order to expand mobile payment options and flexibility for businesses, employees, and visitors and the launch of the Cincy EZ Park website — which acts as a resource for questions on parking needs, pay citations, appeal citations, on and offstreet parking locations, mobile payment app information, and more Two years on, these improvements have proven impactful, with mobile payment apps bringing in over $3 8 million of revenue in 2023, and the Cincy EZ Park website receiving over 121,958 visitors (a 39% increase from 2022).

2023 ‘REPORT OUT’

2023 PARKING HIGHLIGHTS

CLIFTON MULTI-SPACE KIOSK INSTALLATION

In 2023, Parking extended the Mobile-only Parking Pilot Program to Clifton and surrounding business districts The City first deployed this program in OTR around TQL Stadium in 2022, recognizing the need for quick and easy access to payment solutions in all-weather scenarios that didn’t inconvenience parkers. Its expansion reflected the success of the program and

the need for similar interventions in more neighborhoods. Recognizing the overwhelming preference for digital parking payment options, Cincinnati joins a list of progressive municipalities adopting modern and convenient mobile public parking solutions This fall, Parking staff finished updating all Zone # parking signage in the area to allow consistent and reliable operation for both providers and began removing outdated single-space parking meters in the CUF, Heights, and Coryville areas The City remains committed to parking accessibility for all those who seek it, which is why physical multi-space pay stations were strategically relocated and positioned for parkers that don’t wish to use parking apps, and a map was created and distributed [see above] to assist with location.

OTR NORTH PARKING PLAN*

Due to increased population growth and much-needed area investment, OTR North is facing an increased demand for finite curb parking spaces from visitors, businesses and residents that will only increase over time, necessitating the City of Cincinnati address the issue Following direction from City Council, DCED’s Director’s Office and Parking divisions began working on a multi-faceted Curb Parking Plan for OTR North in 2023 that aims to increase turnover and balance availability for residential use, paid public use, and flex use in areas of mixed demand So far, this process has involved extensive community engagement with the OTR Community Council Board, Findlay Market and the OTR Chamber of Commerce, as well as completing an inventory of existing parking conditions, conducting public meetings to gain feedback on drafts, presenting to Council, and more

2024NextStepsInclude:

Follow-upmeetings withstakeholdersand communitygroupsto reviewDraft#2

Parkingconsultant beginsdatacollection andengagementwith FindlayMarket businesses

CurbParkingPlan finalization,and legislationdraftedfor Councilapproval

*Denotes that this division shares responsibilities this program with other divisions

*Denotes that this division shares responsibilities for this program with other divisions

The City of Cincinnati is passionate about seeking and expanding job opportunities and economic benefits for Cincinnati residents; DCED plays a huge role in this. Throughout the year, we deploy a wide array of development tools and resources to create jobs, improve the local economy, and enhance quality of life

MEDPACE

In 2023, international clinical pharmaceutical research giant Medpace inc. (“Medpace”), founded in Cincinnati in 1992, announced a massive expansion of their Medpace campus in Madisonville! Described by Mayor Pureval as “truly unprecedented” and “groundbreaking,” the expansion is expected to generate millions of dollars of revenue for the City of Cincinnati as well as a myriad of benefits for local Cincinnatians

This win was made possible due to the hard work of DCED's Economic Development division and our partnership with REDI, JobsOhio, and the state of Ohio our coordination around a lucrative incentive package for the company ensured Cincinnati came out ahead of competing cities Irving, Texas and Denver, Colorado, in the exhaustive national search

Per the terms of the Jobs Creation and Retention Tax Credit ("JCTC") agreement between Medpace and the City of Cincinnati, the expansion guarantees:

the creation of 1500 new, high-paying jobs in varying fields

$90Million an associated payroll increase of ayear

308,000 square ft. of new office space + structured parking to support new roles

$150Million capital investment from Medpace for extension of their Red Bank & Madison campus

However, more recent estimates show Medpace far exceeding their required numbers, suggesting the potential of roughly 2700 new jobs. This reflects a mutually beneficial, longstanding, and committed relationship between this company and the City Furthermore, new capital investment estimates also increased 53% in price, from the original $150 million announced in December of 2022, to $230 million

This project is expected to be completed by 2026 and follows Medpace’s previous expansion phases in 2015 and 2017, wherein they worked with DCED to create and retain nearly 2100 jobs with a $211 million payroll This growth phase now makes Medpace the twelfth largest public company in the Cincinnati region

DCED is proud of our role in the ongoing strong relationship between the City of Cincinnati & Medpace and will continue to advocate for high-quality jobs and benefits for Cincinnati residents in all existing and future agreements

WHEN ASKED WHY THEY CHOSE CINCINNATI, MEDPACE PRESIDENT JESSE GIEGER ATTRIBUTED THE SELECTION TO THEIR "STRONG BELIEF THAT CINCINNATI IS AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK ”

THE MERCANTILE

A historic landmark dating back to the early 1800s, this building at 414 Walnut Street is home to one of the oldest membership libraries in the country: the Mercantile Library MCA Center LLC and Model Group are undertaking the momentous project to bring the unique building back into full-use, preserving and expanding the library into two floors while creating 156 apartments and 74,000 feet of commercial space The project retains 182 FTE jobs and creates 72 new FTE* jobs, 1101 construction jobs, and a yearly payroll of $2 5 million

FINDLAY EXCHANGE

In response to an RFP put out by the City of Cincinnati to develop the upper floors of a number of buildings located in Findlay Market, 8K Development Company is converting them into 10 housing units while building out 4680 feet of commercial space The project retains two FTE jobs and creates 55 new FTE jobs, 67 construction jobs, and a yearly payroll of $1 9 million

FINDLAY PARKSIDE

Findlay Parkside LLC is completing a complex historic rehabilitation of ten buildings surrounding the historic Findlay Market, creating 51 housing units and 16,456 commercial spaces for local businesses

The project retains five FTE jobs and creates 48 new FTE jobs and a yearly payroll of $1 08 million

HOME 2 SUITES HOTEL

Lot 3 Local Oakley LLC (an affiliate of Keystone Management Group) is constructing a 73,621 square foot, 116-room Hilton hotel in the former Cast Fab (“Local Oakley”) subdivision in the Oakley neighborhood In addition to being critical for helping address the increasing demand for hotel units in Cincinnati, this project creates 20 new FTE jobs, 70 construction jobs, and a yearly payroll of $600,000 a year

ALLEZ BAR & BAKERY

Beloved local bakery Allez is remodeling an existing building at 6012 Madison Road in Madisonville into 5,056 square feet of commercial space, creating 15 new FTE and a yearly payroll of $499,200

FAIRFIELD INN/TOWNEPLACE SUITES HOTEL

Fair Oak Enterprises, LTD is constructing a 71,000 square foot, 117-room dual-brand Marriott Hotel in the mixed-use Oakley Station development. The project creates 18 new FTE jobs, 200 construction jobs, and a yearly payroll of $850,000

At DCED, we know the vitality of our region depends on both new investment and the growing success of Cincinnati’s existing businesses That’s why we streamlined and expanded our Business Retention and Expansion (“BR&E”) Program this year, which ensures existing local businesses have what they need to thrive.

BR&Es involve conducting productive in-person meetings with local businesses, consulting on their needs and goals, problem-solving issues they may be facing, removing barriers to growth, discussing industry insights, and connecting them with potential financing, partners, and regional and statewide resources

47 BUSINESSES SERVED BY DCED BR&ES IN 2023

18 OF WHICH WERE CERTIFIED WOMEN-OWNED OR MINORITY-OWNED

20

NEIGHBORHOODS SERVED BY DCED BR&ES IN 2023

2023 HIGHLIGHT: FROM A BR&E VISIT TO FACILITY EXPANSION, JOBS

AIRECON

In 2022, Airecon Manufacturing a company specializing in the design and fabrication of industrial ventilation systems sought to expand their footprint in Cincinnati. Through ongoing BR&E visits, DCED worked with Airecon to align City resources with their business expansion objectives. In 2023, these plans came to fruition, with DCED closing on the sale of several Cityowned properties in Madisonville to Airecon. The property sale enabled Airecon to move forward with construction plans for a 5,000-square-foot manufacturing building adjacent to their existing facility; this project will activate previously unused land, create 6 new high-quality, full-time jobs, and help retain 45 full-time jobs This is an example of how a BR&E can mark the start of a mutually beneficial relationship between the City of Cincinnati and local businesses

FULL LIST OF BUSINESSES SERVED BY DCED BR&ES IN 2023

10XTS*

ACCENTURE*

AJL GROUP

ANU SUSHI

AVUITY*

B&H ELITE COMPLETE LAWN AND GARDEN CARE

B&R RAILROAD SERVICES

BERNARD LABORATORIES*

CECO ENVIRONMENTAL*

CONSOLIDATED GRAIN & BARGE CO *

CUSTOM PRO LOGISTICS

DESTINY BEAUTY ACADEMY

DONOVAN ENERGY*

EDURANCE INDUSTRIES*

GOLDEN GLOVES

GOLDEN HANDS BEAUTY SPA

KAIKER DEVELOPMENT + CONSTRUCTION

KAISER PICKLES*

KK&L JANITORIAL SERVICES

LLOYD LIBRARY

LUCHY'S KITCHEN

LW OFFICE FURNITURE WAREHOUSE*

MESSER CONSTRUCTION*

NEHEMIAH MANUFACTURING

NY'S TRANSPORTATION

ONE LOGISTICS NETWORK

*Denotes additional attendance from staff of BR&Es partners REDI and/or JobsOhio

OSBORNE COINAGE CO.*

PARSEC*

QUEEN CITY PALLETS*

QUEEN CITY SAUSAGE*

REALLY GOOD BOXED WINE*

RESERVE SQUAD

ROEHR INSURANCE

SUN CHEMICAL*

SWATH DESIGN

THE VOICE OF YOUR CUSTOMER

THORDRIVE*

TIRE DISCOUNTERS*

U STUDIO

UNDER THE WEATHER, LLC*

USI INSURANCE*

WEGMAN COMPANY*

WOMEN OF STYLE SALON & DAY SPA WOOLPERT*

YOUR PRIORITY HEALHCARE

At DCED, we know that small businesses serve as anchors for communities and developing neighborhoods, so the more the City of Cincinnati can do to facilitate their support and development, the better Throughout the year, our department’s Neighborhoods, Economic Development, and Small Business teams oversee programming targeted toward small businesses, helping them retain stability, grow, create jobs, and catalyze more vibrant, engaged, and equitable communities. This includes BR&Es [more on: page 25], economic incentives [page 12], neighborhood grants & misc. one-time funding opportunities [page 33], as well as the following:

GROW AMERICA FUND

The Grow Cincinnati Loan Fund is a unique economic development partnership between the City of Cincinnati and Grow America [more on GrowAmerica: page 8] The Grow Cincinnati Loan Fund provides USA Small Business Association ("SBA") 7(a) Loans to businesses experiencing growth Grow America spent much of 2023 developing updated strategies to more effectively utilize this fund in the Cincinnati community

MICROCITY FUNDS

The MicroCity Loan Program, administered through GCMI [more on GCMI: page 8], provides loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses in Cincinnati. In 2023, a loan was given to Coffia, a Colombian coffee shop owned by Colombia native Christian Gonzalez The funding allowed them to open in OverThe-Rhine in Summer 2023

In 2022, the City of Cincinnati launched a digital tool called “The Cincinnati Entrepreneur Resource Network,” a web portal designed to be a centralized solution for navigating the local ecosystem for entrepreneurial resources. The project is an ongoing collaboration between the DCED’s Small Business Team, Cintrifuse, Main Street Ventures, and LISC Greater Cincinnati

The portal is an important tool for budding entrepaneuers across Cincinnati, and our Small Business team is always looking for ways to enhance user experience & opportunities

NEW PORTAL USERS IN 2023

TOTAL RESOURCE* CLICKS IN 2023

*(e g service providers such as AACC, Cintrifuse, UC Accelerator, Mortar, etc)

EVENTS* THROWN ADDED TO THE PORTAL

**(e g trainings, networking, workshops, etc )

2023 SMALL BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

OURSHOP

In partnership with the City Of Cincinnati, the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation ("CHCURC") launched the Ourshop College Program in November 2021 The program provides small business owners a rent-free space for six months, as well as job skills and entrepreneurial training, financial education, mentorship, marketing, sales data analysis, and storefront activation support to 12-16 small business owners

Its multi-pronged creative approach to economic development both activates previously-blighted spaces along Hamilton Avenue and spurs needed development of the neighborhood business district while also removing barriers for small business owners to test out their concepts in a low-risk opportunity, build a sustainable business model, and grow a dedicated consumer base.

THE SECOND ROUND RECEIVED OVER 80 APPLICATIONS; 3 BUSINESSES WERE ULTIMATELY SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE

BRANDONHILL “InFlyWeTrust”

Hill’scoloringbooksdrawfrom anime,hip-hop,westerncomicbooks, popcultureinfluences,philosophy, Afrofuturismandmore,tocreate vibrantvisualtextsthattouchon mentalwellness,empowerment, identity,andself-discovery

ZONIEKEALSTON-BETTS “PourCandleBar”

The program's first round was in 2021 and all five of the first-round participants “graduated” into their own storefronts in College Hill or elsewhere Due to the overwhelming success, CHCURC ran a second round from April 2023 to October 2023.

All participants ran impressive shops over the 2023 round Following their participation, Alston-Betts was able to secure long-term space in College Hil for Pour Candle Co , with the help of DCED grant programming Hodge said the opportunity allowed LearningCURVE to "gather critical sales data from various groups to make better product assortment decisions.”

FINDLAY LAUNCH 2023

PourCandleCo isaluxurylineof candlesandhomefragrance productsinspiredbyallthingswine andcocktails Alston-Betts’shop providedauniquecandle-making experienceforprivatepartiesand corporateeventsthatcaterto customers’wantsandneeds

BRENTHODGE “LearningCURVE”

Hodge’slearningtoolsandtoys targetparentsandteacherswho wantqualityinthedesignand executionofteachingresources fortheirchildren Histoyshop providedtoys,space,andtools forthosewantingtoengage childrentheylove

In 2018, the Small Business Team orchestrated a funding agreement with the Corporation for Findlay Market to provide $200k for the creation of a 'restaurant incubator' in two separate spaces on Elm Street The 'incubators' would be leased to businesses at a below-market rate on a 9month rotating basis, giving small businesses a chance to build a consumer base, try out their concepts, and received support and training as they grew. In 2023, Chacabanas and Eliza Jane’s Bake Shop operated in those spaces

DOWNTOWN VIBRANCY

Investing in the economic, cultural, and architectural fabric of Cincinnati’s downtown is a core tenant of ensuring the success and sustainability of our region. The City of Cincinnati is making huge investments and decisions regarding our Central Business District (“CBD”), and DCED staff are critical to the success of these projects. Check out some of the major projects our Economic Development team is actively playing a role in...

DOWNTOWN VIBRANCY

CBD PROJECTS: 2023 UPDATES

ASCEND WELLNESS

In 2023, regional cannabis dispensary Ascend Wellness opened a flagship location in downtown Cincinnati With locations spanning the Midwest and East Coast, their new store's location in the easternmost section of 8th Street will serve as an effective force for economic activity in an area in dire need of more mixed-use development. Ascend experienced some permit and zoning approval delays that pushed construction back So, to ensure they could complete construction and open for business by the deadline given to them under their dispensary license, DCED provided a letter of support to the State Board of Pharmacy for an extension DCED also helped them do community engagement with the Downtown Residents Council and the Mt. Adams Civic Association.

MACY’S BUILDING

The redevelopment of Macy’s former headquarters space has been an anticipated project since it was vacated in 2020 after corporate consolidation In coordination with the City of Cincinnati and The Port, Victrix Investments is undergoing a substantial office to residential conversion, creating 341 housing units, 109,300 feet of residential common space area (including a ground-floor lobby, an eighth-floor rooftop terrace, a top-floor amenity space), and ground-floor retail In 2023, DCED closed on the construction financing for the project, effectuating the Project TIF

COURT STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT

In the 1800s, Cincinnati had nine public markets; the Canal Street Market was the largest and most popular, located on present-day Court Street between Vine and Walnut. After years of losing the market and surrounding buildings to disinvestment and car-based infrastructure, the City of Cincinnati partnered with 3CDC and other organizations in 2020 to restore vacant storefronts into usage and make Historic Court more pedestrian friendly again The final projects of this work culminated in 2023

DOWNTOWN VIBRANCY

SAKS BUILDING

Formerly operated as a Saks Department Store, this two-story property sits near the Duke Energy Convention Center district and serves as a key connector to Fountain Square In 2023, DCED acquired the building and partnered with 3CDC to begin developing plans to renovate the building. The project will include new office space, 12,700 square feet of first floor commercial space, and more.

TERRACE PLAZA

One of the “most important Modernist buildings in Cincinnati,” the redevelopment of the iconic former Terrace Plaza Hotel has been years in the making. Vacant since 2008, the building is being developed by Birkla Investment Group into a multi-use building called The Terraces, which will include residential units, a gourmet restaurant, over 30,000 square feet of amenities (including a pool), and a rooftop space with 360degree rooftop views of downtown Cincinnati Bringing this building back in use will effectively catalyze Sixth Street, going a long way to making this area a bustling urban corridor once again. In 2023, DCED worked with the developer to deploy City funds in order to bring the building into a safe condition while plans and financing are secured for its overall redevelopment

WHEX GARAGE

Gaining site control of this 753-space six-story parking garage is a critical piece of ensuring the future success of the Convention Center, the Convention Center Hotel, and the broader Convention District In 2023, in collaboration with the County and the Port, DCED aided 3CDC in its acquisition of the garage

550 AT LYTLE PARK

This 50-year-old multi-family building located in the Lytle Park Historic District is being renovated to bring it to market standards and to achieve LEED Silver certification The renovated building will help attract residents to and facilitate vibrancy of the urban core. In 2023, DCED facilitated the passage of a commercial tax abatement in support of the project

More on THE MERCANTILE on page 24, 41

One of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Cincinnati is its identity as a “City of neighborhoods ” Spanning across the City borders are 52 unique neighborhoods – each with their own history, environment, landmarks, and personality

Throughout the year, DCED staff lead a variety of programming centered around facilitating vibrancy, stability, growth, and community-building in our beloved neighborhoods This work is possible due to strong relationships and partnerships with community groups, neighborhood advocates, and residents across the City

ENGAGE

SOME OF

PROJECTS OUR STAFF WAS

OF THIS YEAR!

TIF: EMERY THEATER RESTORATION AND RENOVATION

TIF: OAKLEY MADTREE PUBLIC PARKING PROJECT

NCCIP: AMERICAN SIGN MUSEUM FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR PHASE II OF FACILITY EXPANSION

TIF: FINDLAY RECREATION AREA PARK AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

NCCIP: COMMUNITY MATTERS MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

NCCIP: ARTWORKS CREATIVE CAMPUS REDEVELOPMENT

NCCIP: IMPERIAL THEATRE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

TIF: SAKS BUILDING ACQUISITION

NCCIP: CAMP WASHINGTON URBAN REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CWURC): 2965 COLERAIN AVE

NCCIP: CARTHAGE CIVIC LEAGUE PARKING LOT AND COMMUNITY SPACE

NCCIP: CLIFTON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY URBAN REDEVELOPMENT: 495 RIDDLE RD

NCCIP: MT AUBURN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MIXED-USE MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT

NCCIP: PRICE HILL WILL DEVELOPMENT AND HISTORIC DESIGNATION: 3509 WARSAW AVE

NCCIP: SEVEN HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSES FIRST GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH PREDEVELOPMENT

NCCIP: UPTOWN CONSORTIUM INC: MLK AND READING INNOVATION GREENWAY (PUBLIC GREENSPACE, CONNECTING WITH CROWN BIKE NETWORK) DESIGN

NBDIP: CWURC COLERAIN PARKING LOT FOR BUSINESSES

NCCIP: RIVERSIDE CIVIC AND WELFARE CLUB COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

NCCIP: ROBERT O’NEAL MULTICULTURAL ARTS CENTER (ROMAC) + KATALYST REGAL THEATER COMMERCIAL REDEVELOPMENT

NCCIP: OTR A.D.O.P.T. RENOVATION (COMMUNITY CENTER + OFFICE SPACE FOR ACTION TANK)

NCCIP: WEST END SPORTS BAR AND GRILL REDEVELOPMENT

NCCIP: VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION POCKET PARK IMPLEMENTATION

NBDIP: EAST PRICE HILL PUBLIC WIFI DIGITAL EQUITY PROJECT IN BUSINESS DISTRICT

NBDIP: NORTHSIDERS ENGAGED IN SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION (NEST) “REFRESH” PROGRAM

NBDIP: COLLEGE HILL COMMUNITY URBAN REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CHCURC) ALLEYWAY SAFETY AND ACTIVATION PROGRAM

NBDIP: HYDE PARK SQUARE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: HYDE PARK SQUARE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CROSSING

NCCIP: YWCA RENNOVATION FOR NEW SHELTER AND OFFICE SPACE

NBDIP: CINCINNATI TYPE AND PRINT MUSEUM LOTS ACQUISITION

NBDIP: KENNEDY HEIGHTS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT

NBDIP: NEST SPRING GROVE POCKET PARK

NBDIP: PRICE HILL WILL STABILIZATION AND ACQUISITION: 3509 WARSAW AVE

DCED IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS

NBDIP: PRICE HILL WILL STABILIZATION AND BLIGHT

REMOVAL: 4942-4950 GLENWAY AVENUE

NBDIP: WALNUT HILLS REDEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION PARAMOUNT SCREETSCAPE PROJECT

PORT ACQUISITION: 3327 COLERAIN

PORT ACQUISITION: 3289 SPRING GROVE

NBDIP: PLEASANT RIDGE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (PRDC) RIDGE AND MONTGOMERY ACQUISITION AND SITE CONTROL

CARTHAGE PROPERTY ACQUISITION

PORT ACQUISITION: 3245 COLERAIN

PORT ACQUISITION: 3406 COLERAIN

NBDIP: SEVEN HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSES LINN STREET STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

GLENWAY BREWERY & IMPROVEMENTS AND OVERLOOK LOT

PORT ACQUISITION: 3154 SPRING GROVE

PORT ACQUISITION: 1857 DREMAN

2023 NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTS

CARTHAGE COMMONS

Led by the Carthage Civic League ("CCL"), the catalytic, neighborhood-led Carthage Commons Project ("Carthage Commons") sits on the former site of St. Charles Borromeo Church and Catholic School. In 2018, the buildings were torn down due to deteriorating structural conditions and insurmountable deferred maintenance costs. The vacant lot that replaced them gave the Carthage community a blank slate for a plethora of potential opportunities to create a productive gathering space. In 2023, DCED helped CCL acquire both lots at the intersection of Fairpark and Seymour Avenues Quickly after, CCL tapped Cincinnati-based urban design and development firm YARD & Co ("YARD”) to lead the site development, and DCED granted them a $100,000 implementation grant for the neighborhood’s new community space through NBDIP funding In December of 2023 CCL and YARD unveiled finalized concepts for the site designed in more detail to position the project fo

The Warsaw Creative Campus ("WCC") is a $10,000,000 revitalization project located in the 3100 block of the East Price Hill business district Price Hill Will is heading up this work, which will be monumental in creating a thriving commercial section of the neighborhood focused on the arts, artisan resident-led cooperatives, and non-profits, and setting the tone for future development along the commercial corridor on Warsaw Avenue WCC encompasses eight historic buildings, including an old fire station that will house its anchor tenant MYCincinnati (a free youth orchestra) Partner developer Model Group has created 13 affordable residential units for this project so far, as well as rehabilitated six storefronts and an old Masonic temple that will serve as the new headquarters of Price Hill Will Funding for the project came from several private and public partners, including Fifth Third Bank, and funding from DCED in the form of various grants totaling roughly $1,450,000 Construction started in December of 2021 and the first phase of the Warsaw Avenue Creative Campus opened in 2023

WARSAW CREATIVE CAMPUS

GLENWAY & ILIFF

In 2023, Price Hill Will, in partnership with 8K Construction and the City of Cincinnati, broke ground on a historic community-led development in the West Price Hill neighborhood The $4,200,000 mixed-use development will include affordable residential units, office, and commercial space, with plans to add familyfriendly brewery and restaurant space in future phases This level of investment has not been seen in the neighborhood for over 20 years and marks a turning point in future development for the area. The enhancement and revitalization project focuses on rehabbing vacant buildings on the neighborhood’s main street, starting with the Rosemont Bank building and streetscape improvements in the surrounding area. City Council authorized funding in the amount of $2,000,000 to the project, and DCED has reappropriated an additional $100,000 in forgivable loan payments to the project. Because of unwavering commitment from Price Hill Will and the West Price Hill Community Council, the two existing local, minority-owned neighborhood small businesses in the current building are being retained and integrated into the development plan. Los 3 Amigos Tienda and Custom Cutts Barbershop are working with architects and developers to design updated custom new spaces for their businesses, and the City's financial investment allows partners Price Hill Will and 8K Construction to keep the rents for these businesses affordable.

LESTER & MONTGOMERY

The positive cooperation between multiple community and development organizations including E. Levental Companies, Towne Properties, and the Pleasant Ridge Development Corporation and DCED, is transforming multiple abandoned commercial buildings and blighted lots in Pleasant Ridge into a five-story Tudor Style apartment complex in the neighborhood business district. Current plans include 82 apartments, a parking lot, a dog run, rooftop deck, coworking space, bicycle maintenance station, EV charging locations, and a fitness center. A grant from the EPA in 2023, administered by the Port, allowed for the brownfield demolition assessment, which was the first step in this process.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

The current Boys and Girls Club in Roll Hill operates out of an elementary school and can only host 50 children in their after-school programming, despite 50% of the neighborhood being under 18. After several years of delays due to financing issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more, plans for a new recreational center are finally underway, with a ceremonial groundbreaking held in November of 2023, and expectations for the center to be functional near the end of 2024. This exciting 20,000 square-foot project is expected to serve over 700 families over 130 children each day and 300-400 kids a year! It will have a gym, a game room, classrooms, separate entrances for teens and children, extended operational hours. The expanded facility will also offer summer and teen programming, something that was severely lacking in the Roll Hill community for years. DCED neighborhood staff worked on this project for years, helping to ensure the $7 million development project received the $3 million in federal stimulus funding needed from the City of Cincinnati to fill their funding gaps.

KEYMARK

Located along the College Hill neighborhood business district, Keymark refers to a multi-pronged revitalization project with a focus on eliminating blight, creating quality affordable housing units, and preserving and activating historical structures. The $9,500,000 development encompasses four buildings Mergard Lanes, the Ruth Hellen Building, the Knight Building, and 5920 Hamilton Avenue and will ultimately create 5 commercial spaces, 26 residential units priced at 50 to 80% of the area median income, and 89 jobs. As their business district grows, College Hill's need for density and affordable housing grows deeper. This project, led by College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation ("CHCURC") in collaboration with 8K Construction, and financed through varying sources including DCED programming, recognizes and addresses that. In 2023, construction at the Mergard Lanes building was completed and several new businesses opened

NORTHSIDE MURALS

In 2023, Northsiders Engaged in Sustainable Transformation (“NEST”) commissioned seven murals utilizing funding allocated by DCED’s NBDIP program in previous years The project intends to create a more interesting environment for communities and businesses to thrive in, while attracting outsiders to the neighborhood It helps to attract, retain, and support small businesses in Northside The completed murals vary in their themes of civic pride, equity, inclusion, and social justice, and represent a collaboration of artists from around the Cincinnati region

THE FLATIRON BUILDING

Built in 1895, the iconic Flatiron Building in Mount Auburn is the only surviving building from a larger row of 19th century tenement buildings along the hillside Following years of population loss and disinvestment, it fell into disrepair in the 2000s An effort to save and re-purpose the building grew led by the Mount Auburn Community Development Corporation ("MACDC") and in 2018, the building was stabilized by The Port and Structural Systems Repair Group ("SSRG") Neyer Holdings ("Neyer") invested nearly $1 3 million in the building and DCED worked with the project's successful application for an Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit According to the developers, there would have been “no way we could do this project without [the historic tax] credits ” Because of the collaborative work of The Port, SSRG, Neyer, MACDC, and DCED, in 2023, the building now holds two apartment units, a rooftop deck, a garden-level rathskeller that is available for private events, and the Flatiron Café, a coffeeshop and wine bar

Cincinnati has a housing supply shortage; matched with increased demand, this leads to higher housing costs and a deficit of affordable housing options for residents. In recognition of this, DCED aims to activate and encourage proactive and targeted housing development, supporting quality and diverse housing options, as well as supportive housing services for a variety of income levels.

23

NEW HOUSING PROJECTS*

UNITS CREATED*

763 OFUNITSAREAMIRESTRICTED*

44% $12M

TOTALCITY INVESTMENTIN HOUSINGPROJECTS

$212,589,756

TOTAL FUNDING LEVERAGED BY PARTNERS FOR HOUSING PROJECTS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE DEPLOYMENT OF CITY DOLLARS

TOP FOUR UNIT-PRODUCING PROJECTS OF 2023 The

HOUSING CREATION AND PRESERVATION

FULL LIST OF 2023 HOUSING PROJECTS

THE MERCANTILE

MCA Center LLC and Model Group will preserve the historic nature of the unique Mercantile Library building at 414 Walnut Street in Downtown Cincinnati, expanding the library while creating 156 apartments and 74,000 feet of commercial space

Project: mixed-use

Current status: under-construction

PARAMOUNT LAUNCH

Model Group and the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation will construct a new development at 954 E McMillan Avenue in Walnut Hills, creating 56 units of new housing, 29 of which are AMIrestricted ("affordable"), and 6790 feet of commercial space This project also received one or more 'green building' certifications (e g LEED, HERS, NBSG, and others)

Project: residential

Current status: underconstruction

VICTORY VISTAS

Victory Vistas LLC wil a new building on vac 4106 Victory Parkway Hills into 50 new hous of which are affordabl

Project: residential

Current status: underconstruction

GATEWAY LOFTS

Moerlein Properties LLC will construct 103 units of muchneeded student housing at 115-125 W McMillan Street and 124-142 Lyon Street in the CUF neighborhood. This project helps address the housing shortage for students at the nearby University of Cincinnati

Current status: pre-development

VANDALIA POINT

Urban Sites and Over-The-Rhine Community Housing will construct one new building and rehab two existing buildings (1601 + 1609 Blue Rock Street) in Northside, creating 52 housing units, all of which are affordable.

Project: residential

Current status: underconstruction

NATIONAL BANK

Birkla Investment Group will convert the iconic historic former office space at 830 Main Street, in Cincinnati's Downtown neighborhood, into 60 apartments and 5000 feet of commercial space This project also received PACE financing for sustainable energy efficiency improvements to the property

Project: mixed-use

Current status: underconstruction

FINDLAY PARKSIDE

Findlay Parkside LLC is completing a complex historic rehabilitation of 10 buildings surrounding the historic Findlay Market; this project will create 51 housing units, 26 of which are affordable, as well as 16,456 feet of commercial space for local businesses This project also received one or more 'green rtifications xed-use

JOSEPH HOUSE

tus: undern

Joseph House New Horizons & Model Group will construct a truly transformative project; their building at 3304 Colerain Avenue in Camp Washington will create 46 housing units, all affordable singleroom-occupancy, to provide shelter for homeless and formerly homeless veterans

Project: residential

Current status: under-construction

HOUSING CREATION AND PRESERVATION

MCHENRY HOUSE

National Church Residences will undergo foundation repair of their building at 3600 McHenry Avenue in East Westwood, bringing 43 housing units for lowmiddle income seniors, all affordable, to the neighborhood

Project: residential

Current status: underconstruction.

56 E MCMICKEN

56 E McMicken LLC will create 13 housing units in the Over-TheRhine neighborhood, ten of which are affordable

Project: mixed-use

Current status: underconstruction

LOGAN COMMONS

Logan Commons LLC (a CMHA Affiliate) will construct a new senior housing development at 1750 Logan Street in Over-TheRhine, previously a parking lot, creating 42 units of new housing, all of which are affordable, and 2000 feet of commercial space for community and non-profit operations

Project: mixed-use

Current status: underconstruction

LA VENTURA

Yolo Investments will complete a historical rehabilitation of the 700 Chalfonte building in the Avondale neighborhood into 23 housing units

Project: residential

Current status: underconstruction

129-131 W. ELDER

MOERLEIN MANSION

NET ZERO URBAN VILLAGE

Working In Neighborhoods will begin phase I of the Net Zero Urban Village project in South Cumminsville, constructing seven new single-family homes, all of which will have three-bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the goal of net-zero energy usage Units range from 1,297 square feet to 1,450 square feet The units will be LEED Certified and strive for the goal of net-zero energy usage At least four of the homes will be 'visitable ' This project also received one or more 'green building' certifications

Project: residential

Current status: underconstruction

In response to an RFP put out by the City of Cincinnati to develop the upper floors of a number of buildings located in Findlay Market (129-131 W Elder Street), 8K Development Company will convert them into 10 housing units, six of which are affordable

Project: mixed-use

Current Status: predevelopment

In order to preserve the historical structure, Moerlein Mansion LLC will complete a historic gut renovation of 18 Mulberry Street in Mt Auburn, ultimately bringing nine housing units online

Project: residential

Current status: underconstruction.

HOUSING CREATION AND PRESERVATION

1007 DAYTON STREET

8K Development Company will complete a notable historic rehabilitation of two buildings on the iconic Dayton Street in the West End neighborhood (10011007 Dayton) This project will result in eight housing units, all affordable, and 935 feet of commercial space

Project: mixed-use

Current status: underconstruction

1901 BAYMILLER

Common Ground Community Development will restore a vacant building on Baymiller in the West End's Historic Dayton District into seven housing units and 1580 feet of commercial space

Project: mixed-use

Current status: pre-development

1634 Hewitt Avenue LLC will renovate two buildings in Evanston into seven housing units, all affordable, as well as a functional and high-impact storefront

Project: mixed-use

Current status: underconstruction.

312 W FOURTH STREET

312 W Fourth Street Holdings will complete a historic renovation of the 4-story building in the heart of the rapidly developing Fourth St Historic District, creating seven housing units and 3672 feet of commercial space in Downtown Cincinnati

Project: mixed-use

Current status: underconstruction

West End Empire LLC will remodel an existing building in the West End neighborhood into approximately 4500 feet of residential space; a total of six housing units, all affordable Current status: pre-development

GLENWAY & ILIFF

Pleasant CAKE LLC will construct a new residential building in the Over-The-Rhine neighborhood, creating five housing units with seven on-site parking spaces

Project: mixed-use

Current status: underconstruction

In partnership with the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority and Price Hill Will, 8K Development will redevelop a few existing properties along Glenway Avenue in West Price Hill, as well as some land directly adjacent, to create two residential units and 2205 feet of commercial space This project will be a key activator in the neighborhood Project: mixed-use Current status: under construction

1634 HEWITT

2151 COLERAIN

1527-1531 PLEASANT ST

HOUSING CREATION AND

“AFFORDABLE” (AMI-RESTRICTED) HOUSING BREAKDOWN

almost

ofallunitscreated orpreservedinDCED-involved housingunitswere AMI-restricted

55 UNITSAT 50%AMI

163UNITSAT60%AMI

256 from2017-21the Cityaveraged L O O

K

BACKAT PROGRESS AFFORDABLEHOUSING UNITPRODUCTIONPERYEAR in2022, theCityproduced500+ in 2023, t he City produced 7 00 + THISYEAR...

68

UNITSAT 80%AMI

As we experience the increasing impacts of climate change, the City of Cincinnati has imbued values of sustainability and environmental conservation throughout all departments in the Administration

In DCED, this means playing an active role in supporting policies that encourage denser, transitoriented development, as well as utilizing and enabling federal, state, and local incentive options for green building practices.

OTHER PACE

105

TOTAL “GREEN” PROJECTS*

Property Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) is a specialized incentive that gives property owners additional financing for qualifying energy efficient and renewable energy building improvements Property owners petition the City to levy the special assessment against their property; DCED is responsible for reviewing the materials submitted by petitioners and advancing it to City Council

IN 2023: 2

PACE projects were *awarded incentives, grants, contracted, or otherwise made possible by DCED staff

LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) is the most widely used green building rating systems, created by the United States Green Building Council in the mid1990s It’s the nationally accepted certification standard for commercial and institutional buildings in the US

LEED is one of several green building certifications that enables us to incentivize qualifying projects

IN 2023:

103

LEED projects were awarded incentives, grants, contracted, or otherwise made possible by DCED staff (includes Residential CRAs)

37 of which were LEED Platinum, the highest level certification

56 of which were LEED Gold, the second highest level certification

Additional green building certifications that enable us to incentivize qualifying projects include National Green Building Standard (“NGBS”), Home-Energy Rating (“HERS”), Enterprise Green Communities, and Living Building Challenge

IN 2023:

We did not have any projects with alternative (non-LEED) green building incentives were awarded incentives, grants, contracted, or otherwise made possible by DCED staff, but due to revamped incentive structures for CRA Residential Tax Abatement, we expect to have more in the coming years

GROUNDBREAKINGS & RIBBON CUTTINGS

With the time, energy, and effort our staff gives to each project, it’s always fun to be invited to groundbreakings & ribbon cuttings, sharing in the joy of these milestones Not all projects have ceremonies, but in 2023, DCED staff had the honor of attending more than a few...

LINCOLN & GILBERT

HALE TOWNHOMES STATION COURT

TRO BUS STOPS

MAINT STREET POP-UP POP UP PROGRAM

BLAIR LOFTS

LINN ST. METRO BUS STOPS

WARSAW AVENUE CREATIVE CAMPUS

ADDITIONAL:

EmergeManufactoring

MelrosePlace

Woodward&Yukon (ZieglerPark)

CincinnatiPublicRadio

FindlayGarage

GAN

OURSHOP COLLEGE HILL

VANDALIA POINT

GRIFFON

WEST PRICE HILL GLENWAY & ILIFF

STAFF DEVELOPMENT & ACHIEVEMENT

Supporting DCED staff in growth, development, and networking opportunities is key to expanding and retaining our wonderful and diverse team of people committed to public service.

Here are just a few conferences and events our staff attended and/or helped organize this year, as well as some awards and nominations received...

BLACK DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE

Cincinnati’s first-ever Black Developers Conference welcomed over 400 people at the Duke Energy Convention Center in fall of 2023 The gathering was dedicated to identifying, expanding, and providing resources to Black and minority developers DCED Director Markiea Carter and Housing Division Manager Roy Hackworth were both speakers and panelists, and DCED staff ran a resources booth to educate attendees on relevant programming

OHIO HOUSING CONFERENCE

Several DCED Housing division staff members attended the Ohio Housing Conference in Columbus in fall of 2023

Throughout the conference, they networked with hundreds of industry peers and attended sessions and workshops focused on issues such as affordable housing, new state tax credits, policy updates, workplace adaption, and more!

Development Manager

TAYLOR GERMAN received the City Manager's Excellence in Service Award in recognition of six years with DCED.

Having served in both our Neighborhood and Economic Development divisions, she has proven herself an invaluable and unwavering public servant

We couldn't be prouder!

WE MEAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE

In summer of 2023, the Ohio Minority Business Assistance Centers (“MBAC”) and the African American Chamber of Commerce hosted the “We Mean Business” Conference to provide underutilized small to medium-sized businesses (especially minority-owned businesses) the opportunity to improve their competitive advantage by engaging in thought-provoking workshops DCED Small Business Development Manager Eric Denson hosted a resource booth for attendees to learn about relevant programming

NATIONAL BROWNFIELDS CONFERENCE

The National Brownfields Training Conference is the largest event in the nation focused on environmental revitalization and economic redevelopment It attracts over 2,000 stakeholders in brownfields redevelopment and cleanup, sharing knowledge about sustainable reuse and celebrating the EPA brownfields program’s success DCED Economic Development Manager and brownfields ‘pointperson’ Taylor German attended in 2023

2023 NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT

DCED staff joined Invest in Neighborhoods for their annual Neighborhood Summit, which focused on healthy neighborhoods. Topics covered included equitable access to opportunities, sustainability, safe and healthy housing, affordable food, health care, green spaces, public transportation, community, and resiliency Economic Development Manager and brownfields ‘pointperson’ Taylor German sat on a panel about brownfield development

STARTUPCINCY WEEK CONFERENCE

The annual StartupCincy Week brings more than 1,000 attendees together for a gathering focused on technical innovation, supporting budding entrepreneurs, and small businesses

In 2023, DCED Small Business Development Manager Eric Denson attended

OHIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (“OEDA”) ANNUAL SUMMIT

OEDA’s Annual Summit is the state’s premier economic development conference and the largest gathering of economic, workforce, and community development professionals in Ohio DCED staff from two divisions (Economic Development and Neighborhoods) attended, bringing back a plethora of knowledge on diverse areas of economic development.

EMERGE MANUFACTURING WINS MULTIPLE DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

In 2022, DCED Economic Development staff worked tirelessly with partners REDI Cincinnati, The Port, and CEO Cynthia Booth to ensure the success of the Emerge Manufacturing project; a Black & women-owned, 50,000 sq ft personal protective equipment (“PPE”) manufacturing facility that transformed a vacant, unused site into 100 full-time jobs in the Bond Hill and Roselawn neighborhoods.

In 2023, Emerge was named as runner-up for 'Best Project' at the Ohio Economic Development Association’s (“OEDA”) Annual Excellence Awards, and was also recognized as a bronze winner in the public-private partnership category at the International Economic Development Council’s (“IEDC”) Annual Conference