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Cincinnati council approves slate of urban-forestry assessments, grants and budget reallocations
Summary
Council unanimously approved emergency ordinances and measures including two urban-forestry special assessments for 2027, a funding agreement with Groundwork Ohio River Valley, a $565,000 capital reallocation, small grants and in-kind donations supporting tree-planting and public-health programs.
Cincinnati City Council on Monday approved a package of measures that the administration and council described as targeted investments in urban forestry, neighborhood infrastructure and public-health partnerships.
Council passed two emergency ordinances levying a small frontage special assessment to fund the city's 2027 urban forestry program; council members said the assessment supports tree-planting and canopy expansion, particularly in neighborhoods with low coverage. Council member Kramerding introduced the measures and said the assessment funds the "world-class urban forestry program."
Council also approved an emergency funding agreement authorizing the city manager to accept a grant and partnership with Groundwork Ohio River Valley to support the Green Cincinnati plan. Council member Owens said the grant and partnership will help neighborhoods that lack tree canopy.
Other items passed unanimously on suspension of the rules included:
- Transfer and return-to-source of $565,000 among capital improvement project accounts to accelerate ready railroad projects, including HVAC work at the Police Academy and roof repairs at Beacon Garage.
- Acceptance and appropriation of a $2,000 American Heart Association grant to support Cincinnati Health Department participation in an ambulatory quality improvement program.
- Acceptance of an in-kind donation from Taking Root at the University of Cincinnati to fund a micro-forest planting in neighborhoods with low tree canopy.
- Acceptance of up to $11,056.91 from the Ohio Department of Commerce division of unclaimed funds to reimburse the city.
Clerk roll calls recorded unanimous "Yes" votes on the emergency suspensions and passages for these items. Council members framed the actions as part of a broader effort to invest in neighborhoods and to get capital projects underway when they are construction-ready.
What comes next: the assessments fund the 2027 urban-forestry program and the administration will proceed with the funded agreements and the reallocated capital projects; council did not add additional debate or amendments on Monday.
