Commissioner Reese decries lack of transparency in arena petition, warns against taxing county residents

During the March 20, 2025 Hamilton County County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Reese criticized a newly announced petition by an arena advocacy group that seeks use of county sales tax to finance a new arena.

Citing a news report, Reese said the group — identified in media coverage as the Hamilton County Growth Alliance and led by political consultant Jay Kincaid — had disclosed endorsements but not financial backers. Reese said, “I want to be clear that I've not been against an arena. My question has always been who's gonna pay for it?” She added she would not support raising taxes “on the backs of taxpayers” without clear funding commitments.

Reese characterized the petition campaign and related editorials as an attempt to pressure the county and said outside, unelected groups should not dictate county spending. She told the board the county has delivered a slate of programs and investments — including affordable housing funding, a 5 13 relief bus, and the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame — and said those accomplishments reflected her voters’ priorities.

The Inquirer article Reese referred to named several public figures and critics supporting the advocacy group’s plan and reported the group’s intent to seek to repurpose sales-tax funds now used for Paycor Stadium and Great American Ballpark maintenance. Reese urged county staff to push back if necessary and asked for clarity from county leaders about any conversations with the petition group.

No motion or formal county action on the arena proposal was made at the meeting. Commissioners and staff indicated they would continue to monitor public discussion and any formal proposals that would require board action.