Cincinnati Futures Commission
The Cincinnati Futures Commission, an independent group of business and community leaders, was established to chart a path for the city’s economic growth and fiscal sustainability over the next decade. Cohear was tasked with leading the Community Insights and Priorities Workstream, ensuring that residents’ voices and lived experiences informed the commission’s recommendations.
To develop a strategic plan that reflects the diverse needs and priorities of Cincinnati’s residents, the Futures Commission needed to gather actionable insights from community members about economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and city services.
Our Approach
Cohear facilitated an inclusive engagement process, collecting qualitative data through:
12 Focus Groups with 90 participants, representing diverse populations, including low- and middle-income residents, small business owners, commuters, and families.
Digital Recordings and Transcripts analyzed through thematic analysis, along with debriefing notes and summaries from Cohear and EY staff.
Data was organized by population group and synthesized into six themes for economic growth and four for financial sustainability.
What We Heard
Economic Growth
Beloved Parks and Culture: Residents appreciate Cincinnati’s parks, sports, and arts but want these amenities more evenly distributed.
Pedestrian Safety: Poor infrastructure prioritizes vehicles, making walking and biking unsafe and discouraging neighborhood exploration.
Affordable Housing: Rising costs are pushing out low- and middle-income families. More diverse, attainable housing options are needed.
Youth Opportunities: Limited resources for youth contribute to violence and crime. Expanding programs and recreation options is essential.
Small Business Support: Entrepreneurs need simpler processes and better financial support to thrive in the city.
Education and Transit: Challenges in school access and public transportation drive some families to live outside Cincinnati.
Financial Sustainability
Invest in Success: Continued funding for popular amenities like parks and entertainment builds trust in revenue initiatives.
Open to Small Fees: Residents are okay with modest fees but wary of significant tax increases.
Cautious Consolidation: Service consolidations are acceptable if access for vulnerable groups is protected.
Transparent Budgeting: Clear communication about the city’s budget and spending priorities is crucial.
The Impact
Cohear’s engagement provided the Futures Commission with a community-informed framework for addressing key challenges:
Actionable Insights: Community recommendations shaped strategies for housing, safety, youth engagement, and business support.
Financial Strategies: Feedback informed transparent approaches to budget communication and potential revenue changes.
Resident Empowerment: The engagement process fostered trust and ensured residents’ voices are central to Cincinnati’s long-term planning.
The Cincinnati Futures Commission, in partnership with Cohear, demonstrated the power of community-led planning. By amplifying the voices of residents and integrating their insights into strategic goals, the commission is creating a vision for sustainable growth and equity that reflects the needs of all Cincinnatians.
