Candidates propose rental licenses, zoning updates and developer requirements to retain residents

Housing dominated early questions at a North College Hill candidate forum. Moderator David Whitehead asked how candidates would "reverse the tides of residents moving out" amid limited housing options and rising rents. Several candidates pointed to the city’s newly adopted comprehensive plan as a starting point.

Mary Jo Zorbb described the comprehensive plan and urged a rental licensing program "that will incentivize the landlords that have code violations to quickly correct that violation in order to maintain their license." Annalisa Clear said she would support legislation resembling a block-grant program to fund home-maintenance assistance and volunteer teams to help homeowners remain in place. Multiple candidates urged updating the city’s zoning code and working with Hamilton County planning resources so the city can require affordable and income-based units in developer contracts.

Victor Wilson, identifying himself as chair of recreation and community development, said the comprehensive plan "allows us to start taking a look at bringing a solution to that problem." Kangore Jackson and others emphasized holding landlords accountable for property upkeep to prevent blight and turnover.

Candidates placed equal emphasis on process: Clear and others urged leaning on outside housing experts and county resources because the city currently lacks a dedicated housing staff person. Zoning changes, Clear said, would allow mixed-use and larger-family housing beyond the “starter homes” stock the city now has. No candidate proposed an enacted ordinance in the forum; proposals were framed as policy priorities for an incoming council.