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Cincinnati income tax is now a major focus for Mayor Aftab Pureval and the newly sworn-in City Council as they enter the first weeks of 2026.
At his Jan. 6 inauguration, Pureval announced he plans to propose an income tax increase. It is designed to boost public safety and fund affordable housing and anti-poverty programs.
The proposal would require City Council approval to place on a ballot for voters later in 2026, possibly in May or November, and would not take effect without public consent.
Pureval’s announcement came as city leaders acknowledged a looming budget deficit and the need for stable revenue sources. The mayor said the additional tax revenue would target public safety investments. It would also focus on broader community reinvestment. This makes Cincinnati’s income tax a key lever for future funding, according to a report by Journal News.
Moreover, WVXU reported that the City Council members have signaled interest in the proposal but have also asked for more detailed plans on how the funds would be allocated and what the exact rate change would look like before making firm commitments.
What Cincinnati income tax increase could mean
Officials have not yet released an exact number for the proposed Cincinnati income tax rate increase. However, recommendations from the 2024 Cincinnati Futures Commission suggested raising the current 1.8 percent income tax by small increments. This includes 0.05 percent for public safety and 0.1 percent for economic development. Together, these changes could generate roughly $33 million annually if adopted.
If implemented, the increase would still keep Cincinnati’s income tax lower than those in many peer cities in Ohio, like Columbus or Cleveland at 2.5 percent.
WCPO 9 reported that supporters argue the additional revenue could help stabilize core services and expand programs that address long-term needs in high-need neighborhoods.
Community response has already been mixed. Some residents have said they would support paying more if the revenue went directly toward public safety and neighborhood improvements. Others, particularly those who work in Cincinnati but do not live in the city — and therefore cannot vote on the issue — have expressed concern about paying more without clear guarantees of measurable benefits.
City manager review delayed amid policy debates
While the Cincinnati income tax debate gains traction, City Manager Sheryl Long faces a delayed performance review that Council members are pushing to complete early in the new term. Under the city charter, the City Manager’s performance and salary review is supposed to occur annually. However, officials did not finalize one for 2025 before the end of the year.
Council member Mark Jeffreys and others filed a motion in late 2025 to initiate an evaluation process. They outlined a rough timeline that would have included self-evaluation, committee review, and final deliberation by mid-December. However, that motion did not move forward on schedule and will be refiled in January 2026.
Long’s leadership has drawn both praise and criticism from members of Council. In a year-end presentation before a committee, she highlighted accomplishments such as expanding violence prevention programs and advancing affordable housing unit approvals. However, some council members have indicated they have additional questions about her decisions and leadership priorities.
Context: Public safety, housing and broader priorities
The Cincinnati income tax conversation did not arise in a vacuum. City leaders also mentioned other pressing issues as the new term began. Violence prevention, neighborhood economic development, and affordable housing remain central to local government priorities, according to coverage from WVXU.
City Council recently welcomed its youngest ever Black member, Ryan James, who highlighted affordability as a key issue in early planning for 2026. James said affordability challenges — including housing, childcare, utilities, and transportation — require focused attention. These are alongside public safety and fiscal stability.
In addition, local news outlets report that ongoing public safety concerns and recent tragedies have helped frame discussion around city budgeting and tax policies. Leaders are trying to balance community needs with fiscal constraints, making the Cincinnati income tax debate especially consequential this year.
Where things stand now
Mayor Pureval has committed to laying out a formal proposal for a Cincinnati income tax increase in the next 60 days. The City Council will hold hearings and discussions before determining whether to move the proposal to voters. If placed on a ballot, Cincinnati residents will ultimately decide whether the tax increase becomes law.
At the same time, the Council’s effort to finally complete City Manager Sheryl Long’s performance review stands to shape administrative priorities and accountability expectations for the city’s top appointed official.
Summary
Cincinnati City Council is beginning its new term with two major priorities: a proposed income tax increase and a delayed performance review of City Manager Sheryl Long. Mayor Aftab Pureval announced at his Jan. 6 inauguration that he plans to propose an income tax hike. This would fund public safety, affordable housing, and anti-poverty programs. The proposal would require City Council approval and voter approval later in 2026. The city faces a looming budget deficit and seeks more stable revenue sources.
While no specific tax rate has been announced, recommendations from the Cincinnati Futures Commission suggest modest increases. These could generate about $33 million annually, while keeping Cincinnati’s rate lower than those of peer cities like Columbus and Cleveland. Supporters say the revenue could stabilize city services and address long-term neighborhood needs. Critics, particularly non-resident workers who would pay the tax but cannot vote on it, want clearer guarantees on how the money would be used.
At the same time, City Council is moving to complete a performance review of City Manager Sheryl Long that was not finalized in 2025, as required by the city charter. Council members plan to restart the evaluation process early in 2026, amid mixed opinions about Long’s leadership. Together, the tax proposal and the city manager review are shaping early policy debates. City leaders balance public safety, affordability, and fiscal stability in the new term.
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