Robert Bell

The regular board meeting focused on adopting the Mill Creek Triangle Feasibility Study via Resolution 2025-03, expressing support for the plan without financial commitment. Updates were provided on regional transportation projects, including the Brent Spence Bridge project by ODOT, noting completed utility relocation and planned demolitions. The Western Hills Viaduct update detailed Duke Energy's progress and the upcoming start of the first major construction phase with the Construction Manager at Risk. Cincinnati updates covered funding for the Viaduct project portion and a pilot project for raised linear pavement sections. The SORTA update announced realignments for Route 24 and Route 11, continued Bus Rapid Transit engagement, and the completion of the 2025 Metro Transit Infrastructure Funds program.

The meeting included introductions and updates on various local and state initiatives. Key discussion points included the submission of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society database of Revolutionary War Veterans Graves, promotion of the "Ohio Goes to the Movies" series starting in February, and ongoing efforts to collect submissions for the Transportation Trail until February 2. The committee noted that the City of Cincinnati would consider a resolution to become an official America 250-OH community. Updates were also provided regarding the Northwest Ordinance Conference and the "Preservation in the Park" monthly series. Furthermore, the group discussed creating a general hashtag (#AM250HamCoOH) for social media, developing media pitches, including a February story idea focused on the history of Factory 52, and creating a toolkit for local "influencers."

This document provides an update on the progress of various major transportation projects in the Downtown Cincinnati Area. Key initiatives include the multi-phased Brent Spence Bridge project, the Mill Creek I-75/I-74 Interchange Reconstruction, various Mill Creek infrastructure projects (Railroad Bridges, Pump Station, North Project), the "Thru the Valley" I-75 expansion, and several projects under the Eastern Corridor initiative. The update outlines current statuses, schedules, and upcoming activities, including construction phases, traffic impacts, and funding discussions for future developments.

The staff meeting included a health update from the health commissioner focusing primarily on influenza statistics for Southwest Ohio, noting a drastic season in hospitalizations, which were two and a half times greater than the 5-year average, though mortality numbers were 30% lower. Wastewater monitoring in Hamilton County for influenza was also discussed. Commissioners inquired about the current status and severity of COVID-19, noting that hospitalization data is the primary tracking mechanism currently available. The discussion concluded with an update on the Hamilton County American Rescue Plan Act affordable housing program, detailing goals related to new/renovated units, targeted populations (seniors, disabled, returning citizens), geographic diversity outside Cincinnati, support for emerging developers, and overall leverage achieved on county funds, with almost 1100 units financed to date.

Key discussions included the reading of a proclamation recognizing January 2026 as Stalking Awareness Month, which the Commissioners opted to postpone pending the presence of a representative. Public comment featured a presentation from a pediatrician regarding the essential health examinations provided to children entering foster care in Hamilton County and the importance of the tax levy to support these services. Commissioners' reports included commentary on attending recent community events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and memorializing two prominent community figures, Dr. Chester Prior and Betty Daniels Roseman. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the county's fiscal challenges, specifically concerning property tax dependency and the urgent need to find a new funding model due to increasing costs, especially related to placements, which reportedly caused reserves to deplete rapidly. Concerns were raised regarding potential price gouging in service placements for children, prompting calls for investigation by the attorney general and governor. The Commissioners also discussed approaches to creative financing for future projects, emphasizing that any new investment should result in a cost reduction for taxpayers.