City backs Avondale business-support program developed with LISC and Urban League

Cincinnati City Council approved an ordinance to establish a capital project account and related transfers to support a business-support initiative for Avondale, a joint effort by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the Urban League and the Avondale Development Corporation.

Vice Mayor Kearney described the program as having three components: business expansion and growth, a new-business readiness accelerator, and wraparound technical assistance. She thanked local partners including LISC, the Urban League and the Avondale Development Corporation and said the program aims to help struggling businesses in Avondale and attract new ones.

Council member Johnson praised the vice mayor's work and said the initiative should be replicated in other neighborhoods such as Price Hill. The ordinance passed on roll call with unanimous support; council also approved an emergency suspension for the action.

Ending: Council members said they will look to replicate the Avondale model in other neighborhoods to support small business retention and attract new commercial activity.