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Cincinnati City Council adopts FY26–27 budget, directs millions to neighborhoods, housing and events
Summary
The council approved the biannual FY26–27 budget after a series of final amendments, adding one‑time and programmatic funds for neighborhood catalytic projects, housing acquisition, event support and human services while directing larger capital and operating priorities for public safety and public works.
Cincinnati City Council on Wednesday approved the city manager’s FY26–27 biennial budget, endorsing a set of council amendments that direct one‑time and programmatic funds to neighborhood revitalization, housing acquisition, events and human services.
The council vote followed a lengthy meeting and a series of roll calls. Council leaders said the administration’s plan balanced the budget without relying on American Rescue Plan Act dollars and kept funding for core services while adding targeted investments.
Council amendments and supplemental allocations approved in the final package include: $2 million toward redevelopment of the Romar (Romax) site in the West End; a $6.5 million commitment for neighborhood revitalization in Bond Hill; an additional $250,000 for a property tax relief effort; funds to support Findlay Market improvements and Mercy West Recreation Center projects; added one‑time support for events including Black Tech Week and RiverRoots using repurposed Sundance funds; and supplemental investments in community programs such as Safe and Clean and Boots on the Ground. The council also added targeted economic development support, including additional resources for procurement and community nonprofits highlighted in the budget discussions.
Council members and the mayor praised the administration’s work. Several members singled out continued emphasis on public safety, street maintenance and fleet upgrades as priorities; others emphasized human‑services funding and neighborhood catalytic investments. Council member comments during the session noted a $1 million increase to a Quickstrike acquisition fund intended to let the city secure key properties in neighborhoods, and a new neighborhood catalytic improvements account for transformative local projects.
The council approved transfers and appropriations across operating and capital funds. Council motions established new permanent improvement program accounts for the Cincinnati Art Museum and for neighborhood catalytic improvements and approved several fund transfers to provide one‑time leverage support to community organizations. Multiple USDA/ HUD and other grant acceptances and appropriations were handled earlier on the agenda and folded into the city’s FY26 financial plan.
Council members said the budget aims to preserve services while creating targeted investments to accelerate housing production, support small business and neighborhood economic development, and fund cultural and civic events. Vice Mayor Kearney and others raised concerns during debate about the prioritization of some allocations versus direct funding for grassroots health and housing programs; those concerns were recorded in the roll calls and debate but did not change final passage.
The ordinance adopting the capital improvement program and the operating appropriation ordinances were approved by roll call, and the council gave final approval to a set of bond and financing authorizations associated with capital projects. Council leaders said further implementation details and carryover items will be addressed in the fall when the administration brings forward the formal carryover package.
