In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls  invited every elected woman in Hamilton County to gather on the Courthouse steps on March 11for a bi-partisan group picture. 

Did you know that as of 2024:

• Women hold a majority of Hamilton County-wide elected seats (8 out of the 11 administrative offices) and over half of the judicial seats are held by women.
• Over 160 women hold public office county-wide.
• We have an unprecedented number of women in local office – mayors, councilmembers, commissioners, trustees  and judges.

The post Women’s History Month: Celebrating local elected women appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Thomas Beridon

Tiana Johnson has been appointed to the position of Chief Probation Officer for the Court of Common Pleas. Johnson is the first African American in history to serve in this position. The historic appointment reflects the Common Pleas Court’s commitment to diverse, transformative leadership and impactful service to the community.

For Johnson, she knows the role and profound responsibility of such a position. “To be appointed as Chief Probation Officer, and the first African American to serve as such, is humbling and inspiring. It represents not only a professional achievement, but a historic step forward, and it is my hope that as young people consider career choices, they see the limitless possibilities for future leaders from underrepresented backgrounds in all parts of our judicial system. I am committed to serving with integrity and honoring the trust Presiding Judge Wende Cross, and all the Common Pleas Judges have placed in me. We have an amazing probation department, and will continue to build upon our department’s foundation of evidence-based practices and cognitive-behavioral interventions, ensuring our work aligns with best practices and the shared goal of reducing recidivism and promoting long-term positive behavior change.”

A Journey of Service and Dedication

Johnson began her career in 2006 as a General Division Court of Common Pleas Adult Probation Officer, working in various units, including neighborhood Community Substations and the Presentence Investigation unit. In 2013, Tiana Johnson was promoted to Probation Officer Supervisor in Municipal Court, her first major leadership role in the department. In January 2022, Johnson was appointed to Assistant Chief Probation Officer for the Court of Common Pleas. Her implementation of evidence-based interventions to modify offender behavior, reduce recidivism, enhance community safety, and prioritize protection of victims’ rights, helped to shape the probation department’s current operations.

In May 2024, Johnson was appointed Interim Chief Probation Officer for the Court of Common Pleas Adult Probation Department. Now with her appointment as Chief Probation Officer, the highest step in a long and impactful career, Tiana Johnson officially is the first African American to hold this impactful position.

“With almost 20 years of experience, Tiana has been a steadfast advocate for rehabilitation, public safety, and community engagement. Her leadership and dedication have played a pivotal role in shaping evidence-based practices and fostering equitable outcomes for those under probation supervision. Tiana will also be instrumental in shaping the future of our probation services, fostering innovation, equity, and excellence” said Judge Wende C. Cross, the Administrative Judge of the Common Pleas Court, General Division.

An Inspiring Leader for the Future

As Chief of Probation, Tiana will oversee critical initiatives aimed at strengthening community partnerships, improving rehabilitation programs, and ensuring justice is served with fairness and integrity. Tiana’s journey from General Probation Officer to Chief Probation Officer exemplifies what can be achieved through discipline, perseverance, hard work, and a deep commitment to public service.

This historic appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Adult Probation Department and the criminal justice system as a whole. With Tiana Johnson at the helm, the department is well-positioned to continue leading the way in effective and impactful rehabilitation programs and probation supervision, Cross said.

The post Hamilton County appoints 1st African American chief probation officer appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Bridget Doherty
Bridget.Doherty@hamiltoncountyohio.gov

    Hamilton County Commissioners have approved a $2 million expansion to their historic investment in affordable housing initiatives. This latest commitment increases the County’s overall housing strategy to nearly $50 million including a partnership with the Cincinnati Development Fund (CDF) under the Affordable Housing Leverage Fund, which now totals $36.4 million.

     In an effort to support sustainability along with affordability, commissioners are also reserving $1 million of this investment for the potential inclusion of tiny homes as part of the County’s affordable housing strategy. A feasibility analysis will be conducted in early 2025 to determine whether tiny homes present a realistic and sustainable solution to Hamilton County’s housing challenges, particularly with veterans.

      “Hamilton County remains deeply committed to addressing the growing need for affordable housing- especially among seniors, people with disabilities, returning citizens and veterans,” said Alicia Reece, President of the Board of County Commissioners. “By expanding our funding and exploring innovative approaches like tiny homes, we’re working to ensure more families have access to stable and affordable housing options.”

    The results of the feasibility study will be presented to the Board in the second quarter of 2025, after which the Commissioners will determine next steps.

     This expansion builds on Hamilton County’s use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that must be obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026. The Affordable Housing Leverage Fund, managed by CDF, aligns multiple public and private funding sources to drive impactful, coordinated investments into the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing units throughout the County.

     “We are grateful for the commissioners’ continued support of this innovative public-private partnership. This new investment in the Affordable Housing Leverage Fund strategically bolsters our effort to bring quality, affordable housing to as many residents of our County as possible,” said Luke Blocher, Chief Strategy Officer, Cincinnati Development Fund.

Key Highlights of the Investment:

• Historic County Housing Commitment is nearly $50 million including:
  • Affordable Housing Funding with CDF: Increased to $36.4 million. Of which, $1 million reserved for Tiny Homes pending feasibility analysis in 2025.
  • $5 million in homeless prevention
  • $6.5 million in mortgage assistance
  • $1.3 million in home repair programs

Affordable Housing Results to Date:

• $21.9 million in awards is being deployed to create or preserve 745 units of affordable housing (516 units of new affordable housing + 229 units of renovated/preserved housing)
  • 69 units of single-family homes
  • 36 units dedicated to residents with developmental disabilities
  • 173 units will be for seniors
  • Four projects awarded to smaller developers

The post County Commissioners expand housing investment by $2 million appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Amanda Carter, M.A., Office of Media & Engagement

The Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners has approved a $389.7 million County Budget for 2025 following a unanimous decision at the December 12 public meeting.

To ensure the County’s financial health, the 2025 budget prioritizes core services and strategic investments amid a complex fiscal landscape, marked by the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds, slower revenue growth, and inflation. The 2025 Approved Budget is lower than the 2024 budget by about $6 million primarily due to nonrecurring expenses in capital and the cost of running the presidential election in 2024. Commissioners are maintaining essential services, finding ways to transition critical ARPA programs to alternative funding sources, while also investing in our growing economy through infrastructure and technology.

Key points of the 2025 Budget: Transitioning Targeted ARPA Programs: Hamilton County is strategically utilizing the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address critical needs and ensure program sustainability. Key ARPA-funded initiatives that will continue into 2025 include: affordable housing and home repair; mental health and crisis services; economic development; workforce development / job creation; and childcare.

In addition, the County is transitioning several popular and impactful ARPA-funded programs to sustainable funding sources such as levies. The Senior Utility Assistance Program, the 513Relief Bus, and the INSPIRE Program will continue beyond the ARPA funding expiration.

“As we enter a period of transition, we successfully closed a $53 million gap, provided the full 30% property tax rollback, fully funded public safety, continued investments in affordable housing, expanded critical services like the 513Relief Bus, supported small business districts, economic development, and tourism.” said Commission President Alicia Reece.

Investments Continue in County Infrastructure

A key priority of the County over the past several years has been addressing capital improvements in critical County facilities. The 2025 Budget allocates $5 million in annual investment in County infrastructure.    Additionally in 2025, the County continues progress on core infrastructure improvements and on projects such as the Hamilton County Regional Safety Complex, Hillcrest, Emergency Management/9-1-1 Facility consolidation, Justice Center improvements, animal care facility improvements, capital improvements at Paycor Stadium, and a Facility Condition Assessment at Great American Ballpark.

Public Safety

Continued investments in law enforcement and emergency services, with new allocations to modernize facilities and improve response capabilities.

Community Investments

The 2025 Budget continues to invest over $2 million in partnerships with local communities to drive infrastructure and economic development improvements. It allows for the continuation of grant funding for large and small events and the use of onetime resources to enable the County to play a role in catalytic community and economic development efforts being proposed such as attraction of a National Women Soccer League franchise and the community’s effort to attract Sundance Film Festival to Greater Cincinnat 

Technology Improvements to Drive Efficiency

While growth in the 2025 Budget is limited, strategic investments continue to be made in technology to drive efficiency and improve service. Nowhere is this truer than in public safety where enhanced camera technology was installed in 2024 to facilitate real-time crime analysis and response and where drones have been employed to provide law enforcement with new ways of tracking and intervening in public safety threats. The 2025 Budget continues to support technology investments across the organization where they can drive efficiencies.

Core Services are Maintained & Taxation Remains at Current Levels

The 2025 budget prioritizes core services while exercising fiscal responsibility. While there are limitations on new programs and initiatives, the County remains committed to maintaining essential services at levels comparable to 2024. This includes public safety, public health, and social services.

“This budget prioritizes core services that we know work and provide great benefit to our citizens while finding new ways to sustain programs like INSPIRE.” said Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas. “We’re ensuring that our residents continue to receive the support they need.”

Feature Image: Cincinnati skyline from Covington, KY. Herald file photo

The post County Commissioners approve 2025 budget appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed by

Cincinnati NAACP

On Feb. 12, Cincinnati NAACP was the first chapter in the United States to launch V.O.T.E., a comprehensive voter and civic engagement strategy that includes a mobile unit to engage Hamilton County residents directly in the voting process.  

The first Cincinnati NAACP Mobile Civic Engagement Unit outreach event was held in April, with monthly events with community partners scheduled afterward. Cincinnati NAACP leaders, mobile unit sponsors, and community partners discussed strategic priorities and bus appearances and showed the mobile unit. 

Cincinnati NAACP Mobile Civic Engagement Unit is 24 ft long X 10 ft wide X 11 ft. tall. Retrofitted with six computer stations, printers, and Wi-Fi, the vehicle travels to historically marginalized neighborhoods with low voter engagement.  

Trained volunteers are educating residents about the voting process, distributing instructional materials, printing their sample ballot, providing absentee ballot request forms, and assisting in online registration (paper voter registration forms will also be available). Additionally, residents are being instructed to verify their registration status, track their mailed applications and ballots, find polling locations, and identify their elected officials.  

“We could not have been more excited to launch the first in the nation NAACP civic engagement strategy and mobile unit in Cincinnati on the 109th charter day of our branch, said Joe Mallory, Cincinnati NAACP President. For 109 years, our chapter has been a local leader and national role model in our organization’s mission to advance policies and practices that expand human and Civil Rights. Thank you to sponsors and partners, Fifth Third Foundation, McElrath Slade Wholeness Institute, Kroger, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, J. Phillip Holloman, and the Urban League of Southwestern Ohio. The Cincinnati NAACP is leveraging technology and mobility to reach residents more easily to empower, engage and educate them on voting.” 

David Whitehead, Cincinnati NAACP Political Action & Voter Empowerment Chair, said, “We look forward to elevating and continuing to do the work of the Cincinnati NAACP by taking the mobile unit into communities, educating residents about civic engagement, and training volunteers.” He went on to say, “Our goal is to make our model scalable and sustainable beyond the election cycle.” 

Community partners can request the Cincinnati NAACP Mobile Civic Engagement Unit. Requests are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on unit and volunteer availability. 

The post Community empowered by Cincinnati NAACP’s voting initiative appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Hamilton County will use a 513Relief Bus stop on Oct. 15 to spotlight the state of cancer in our community and connect accessible health services like cancer screenings, education, and support services to residents.

The State of Cancer Forum will kick off the day at the Holloman Center for Social Justice at 3459 Reading Road from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., with UC Health presenting the latest cancer statistics and trends impacting the region. A moderated panel discussion led by the Health Collaborative will follow with key partners in cancer education, awareness, and advocacy on the latest efforts to spark community action in advancing cancer research and resources for Hamilton County.

Immediately following the forum, the 513Relief Bus will be stationed nearby at 3458 Reading Road from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to provide critical cancer screenings and health services. 

The mobile health bus, a national model for community-based health care delivery, will offer lung cancer prescreening, HPV self-collection kits, and prostate and head/neck cancer screenings.

The event will also feature health services from the Pink Ribbon Good Trailer, Healthy Moms and Babes, and AmeriHealth.

Free mammograms are available courtesy of the UCHealth Health Bus. 

Registration is required. To schedule a mammogram, call (513) 584-PINK; financial assistance is available.

Presenters/Facilitators: Melinda Butsch Kovacic, MPH, PHD) from UC Health will present the regional state of cancer with data/statistical information obtained through the UC Health Cancer Center. The Health   Collaborative will be the lead facilitator of the community impact discussion featuring the participants below.

• Hamilton County Public Health Commissioner: Greg Kesterman

• City of Cincinnati Health Commissioner: Grant Mussman

• CEO Interact for Health/Survivor: Kate Schroder

• Mercy Health Physician: Dr. Keith Melvin

• Assistant Chief Nursing Officer UC Health/Cancer Survivor: Dr. Ruby Crawford

• UC Health Division Director of Survivorship: Elizabeth Shaughnessy, MD, PhD

• The Health Collaborative: Deirdre Beluan/Tiffany Mattingly — Lead Facilitators of Community

Live remote broadcast Radio One’s Lincoln Ware

Onboard services;

• Lung Cancer Pre-Screening/Education

• HPV Self-Collection Screening and Cervical Cancer Prevention

• Prostate Screenings

• Head/Neck Cancer Screenings

Specific Service Vendors

• UC Cancer Survivorship

• Clinical Research Center

• Cancer Family Care /survivorship resources

• Cancer Justice Network/patient navigation services

• Cancer Support Community

The post Mobile health bus offers cancer screenings appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Matthew Berning,

Legislative Aide to Rep. Isaacsohn  

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) and Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) were joined by Hamilton County Auditor Jessica E. Miranda, Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, and other elected officials have addressed the need for the state to take action and reduce skyrocketing property taxes in Ohio.

“Property taxes are way too high for way too many people. Ohioans deserve relief from their legislature, and they need it now. We have solutions that are bipartisan and will help people who are hurting, so now it’s up to Republican leadership to pass the bills by the end of the year,” said Rep. Isaacsohn.

“Targeted property tax relief is critical to help workers, families, and senior citizens. We have a choice at the Statehouse to solve this property tax issue and make sure the elderly can keep their homes, young couples can afford to own a home and Ohio’s strong communities remain intact. I implore my colleagues to work together to address this issue that matters to all Ohioans,” said Rep. Baker.

The elected officials outlined their commitment to aid and support to those impacted by the new valuations and will advocate for legislative action in Columbus to aid seniors and homeowners with rising costs. 

“Let’s be clear: property taxes are too high, and this is a direct result of choices made by state lawmakers,” said Hamilton County Auditor Jessica E. Miranda. “For over two decades, certain Republican politicians in Columbus have systematically shifted responsibility for funding essential services away from the state and onto our local communities, and therefore, onto our property owners. The people of Ohio deserve better, and these legislators should be held accountable.”

House Democrats have introduced bipartisan legislation to help Ohio’s lower their property taxes: 

• HB 60 (Troy) — Expands the homestead exemption to cover an additional 75,000 seniors and raises its value to $40,000, providing nearly $250M in targeted relief.
• HB 263 (Isaacsohn/Hall) — Freezes over $400M in property taxes for over 700,000 seniors making $50K or less.
• HB 274 (Dell’Aquila/Matthews) — For individuals who qualify and have owned their homes for more than 20 years, this bill increases the exemption from $26,200 to $50,000.
• HB 645 (Isaacsohn/Hall) — Legislation that provides a $1K property tax rebate to help more Ohioans afford their tax bills, targeting $1B in tax relief to over 1.3M middle-class homeowners and renters after their tax payments exceed 5% of their income.

The post Ohio legislators address rising property taxes and urge action appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Amy Humphrey

Hamilton County’s scheduled General Election ballot this year will include 24 new or renewing property tax levies. Early voting begins October 8; Election Day is November 5.

“The Auditor’s office provides levy information on our website (www.hamiltoncountyauditor.org) as a service to the citizens of Hamilton County,” said Miranda. “We want to ensure that we are transparent, and that people have access to this information prior to voting.”

Details for the proposed levies can be found by accessing property information for a specific parcel on the website, and then clicking “Levy Information” on the right side column.

Current property values, tax amounts, and how these amounts are distributed can be viewed by clicking on the tax distribution tab when viewing a specific parcel.

General real estate tax information, including tax rates, prior levies, and a percent of total value chart can be accessed on the Auditor’s website by clicking on Departments, and then clicking on the Real Estate Tax Department icon.

The summary of the proposed levies including the estimated cost for an owner-occupied residence currently valued at $100,000 may also be found on the Auditor’s website under the News and Notes section of the website.

The post Auditor Jessica Miranda announces tax levy estimates appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed by All-In Cincinnati

Welcome to this month’s edition of the ‘All-In Cincinnati Policy Agenda.’ Stay connected with the latest updates on our advocacy efforts, and learn about the impactful work we’re doing across health, housing, education, economic mobility, and justice.

HEALTH

Expanding Health Equity with Community Health Workers (CHWs)

Our CHWs are at the forefront of health equity, delivering vital services in both traditional and non-traditional settings across Hamilton County. Their work ensures that Black women have access to the healthcare resources they need, no matter where they are.

We’re also in the final stages of developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure these efforts are consistently applied and impactful.

GOALS

• CHW Integration: Ensure Community Health Workers (CHWs) are integrated into both traditional and non-traditional settings.
• SOP Development: Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for CHWs in hospital settings.

PROGRESS

• Our CHWs continue to thrive in diverse environments, reaching more Black women through non-traditional service areas. The SOPs, once finalized, will further strengthen this work by providing a clear framework for consistent, high-quality care.

STAY INFORMED

• Support our mission to advance #healthequity by staying informed about our CHW initiatives and the ongoing work to uplift Black women in Hamilton County.

HOUSING

Driving Change for Fair Federal Appraisal Practices

Our dedication to achieving equity in housing appraisals is taking significant strides as we continue our advocacy efforts. The ‘Black Women Appraisers Think Tank’ remains a central force in our strategy, bringing together experts to advocate for systemic changes that uplift Black women in the appraisal industry.

We are proud to be working closely with Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, whose leadership and support have been instrumental in ensuring that our mission not only resonates but also becomes feasible and actionable at the federal level.

GOALS

• Licensure Reform: We are actively advocating for federal changes to appraisal licensure to include the implementation of a mentorship component specifically designed to support Black women across the nation.
• Training Initiatives: Our focus is on establishing a comprehensive national training plan tailored to Black women appraisers, ensuring they have the necessary skills and support to excel in their careers.

PROGRESS

• Through close collaboration with Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, we’ve solidified our approach within the Black Women Appraisers Think Tank. This partnership has enabled us to hone in on practical policy recommendations, ensuring our efforts are both targeted and achievable.

GET INVOLVED

• Take our survey here, and join us in our commitment to advancing fair appraisal practices and drive policy change that uplifts Black women in Hamilton County and beyond.

EDUCATION

Elevating Black Women’s Voices Through Enhanced Civic Participation

This month, we’re intensifying our efforts to ensure Black women in Hamilton County are fully prepared for the upcoming elections.  Our goal is to equip Black women with comprehensive voter education tools, including diverse methods to vote, effective strategies to reach the polls, and timely updates on any changes that may impact your voting experience.

In collaboration with the League of Women Voters and W.I.N. (Women in NAACP), we are offering targeted resources that align with our five priority areas: health, housing, education, economic mobility, and justice. These resources will help navigate the complexities of voting and stay informed about the latest changes in policies and procedures.

GOALS

• Voter Education: Disseminate clear and impartial information through various guides and panel discussions that explain critical electoral issues in straightforward, accessible language.
• Policy Awareness: Educate on the specific issues that are on the ballot, breaking down complex policy changes and their impacts on the community to make them accessible and understandable to all.

PROGRESS

• Our updated initiatives are designed to prepare Black women for a seamless voting experience. By integrating voter education with our focus areas, we are providing the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions and effectively navigate the voting process.

ENGAGE

• Join us for our next Coalition Meeting on Thursday, September 26, where practical tools and insights will be offered to help attendees stay informed and engaged. This is a prime opportunity to get ready for the elections with all the necessary resources and support. Register now to be part of this powerful event.

ECONOMIC MOBILITY

Supporting Business Growth with Strategic Resources

Our focus is on advancing the growth of businesses within our Economic Mobility Cohort. We’re dedicated to assisting our current business owners and cohort members in scaling their ventures with support from our policymakers. This initiative builds on feedback and innovative ideas shared by Coalition Members at our August meeting.

With funding from our policymakers, we are providing critical resources and strategic guidance to help overcome barriers and capitalize on new opportunities for business expansion.

GOALS

• Capital Access: Advocate for policies that improve access to capital for Black women entrepreneurs, ensuring we have the resources needed to grow our businesses.
• Community Engagement: Encourage active participation in advocacy by showcasing real-life examples and success stories of Black women policymakers and entrepreneurs on the show.

PROGRESS

• Our commitment to scaling businesses within the Economic Mobility Cohort underscores our focus on facilitating growth and development. By incorporating insights from Coalition Members and utilizing policymaker support, we are advancing significant progress in the economic landscape for Black women.

GET INVOLVED

• Stay updated on our efforts to support business growth and connect with our mission. Follow us for the latest updates and opportunities to get involved and support Black women entrepreneurs in Hamilton County.

JUSTICE

Youth Justice Fund: A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Change

We are excited to spotlight the Youth Justice Fund, a significant initiative that exemplifies our commitment to justice and racial equity. Led by All-In Cincinnati Core Team Member Iris Roley, this initiative harnesses collaboration across our priority areas to support and uplift young Black women in Hamilton County.

The Youth Justice Fund brings together diverse expertise and resources from our focus areas—health, housing, education, and economic mobility—to address the unique challenges faced by young Black women. This effort aims to create safe, supportive environments that foster growth, identity, and opportunities for future success.

GOALS

• 3 P’s Implementation: Creating spaces and opportunities through paid apprenticeships (Paying), positive reinforcement of cultural identity (Pride), and identifying talents and abilities among young Black women (Purpose).
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with local organizations to develop policies that support holistic growth in safe, inclusive spaces.

PROGRESS

• Engaged in meaningful dialogue at Cincinnati City Hall, gathering community support for effective policy changes that ensure safe third spaces and supportive environments for our young Black women.
• Contributed as a sponsor of the Police Accountability and Public Safety Regional Conference, partnering with Iris Roley to involve community leaders and policymakers in critical discussions on justice reform. This ongoing collaboration supports young Black women and promotes safer, more inclusive communities.

GET INVOLVED

• Explore the featured video highlighting Iris Roley and her powerful impact. Join us in supporting this vital youth initiative and contributing to meaningful change in Hamilton County.

The post September edition of All-In Cincinnati’s Policy Agenda appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed

By participating in the Hamilton County Pitch & Empower event, a small-business owner can gain invaluable pitch practice, expand business visibility, compete for grant money and receive specialized coaching — because it’s the event’s business to help small businesses thrive.

The perfect candidate for the Hamilton County Pitch & Empower event is a growth-oriented small business located in Hamilton County with at least one year of operation, currently operating out of a brick-and-mortar space, that has demonstrated revenue and a commitment to expanding the business within the local community.

Apply online through the Hamilton County Office of Small Business through Sept. 6. Pitch Night will be on Oct. 22. The finalists will deliver a three minute pitch in front of a live audience at Memorial Hall.

Pitch Awards are first place: $5,000; second place: $3,000; third place: $1,000’ and audience vote: $1,000.

The post A pitch event for small businesses in Hamilton County appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .