Share This Article
Article Summary
Hamilton County is developing its 2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, a five-year roadmap for economic development priorities. County officials presented economic data through 2024 and gathered feedback from residents during two public sessions Sept. 23. Cost of living and the relationship between wages and household expenses emerged as concerns. The county plans additional public engagement before Thanksgiving and expects to present recommendations to commissioners before the end of 2026.
Hamilton County is developing its 2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to guide economic priorities over the next five years.
County officials held two public engagement sessions Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Hamilton County Central Campus in Cincinnati to present recent economic data and hear from residents about the county’s future priorities.
Hamilton County reviews economic data
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS, is designed as a five-year roadmap for economic development in Hamilton County.
Officials said the strategy allows the county to assess economic development programming, funding and policies from the previous five years and track changes over time.
The county presented data through 2024 during Wednesday’s sessions. The information covered areas including employment, population, education, wages and income, poverty and racial economic disparities.
Officials said the county has seen signs of improvement in some economic measures, including unemployment and poverty.
Population trends also appear to be stabilizing, according to information presented during the meetings.
Residents raise cost-of-living concerns
The public sessions also gave residents an opportunity to identify issues they want addressed through the next economic development strategy.
One concern raised during the meetings was the cost of living and whether wages are keeping pace with household expenses.
County officials emphasized that the meetings were intended not only to present information but also to collect feedback.
“We are here to talk to you about some things, but we are also here to really hear from you,” a county official said.
The feedback will help county officials identify priorities as they develop the 2027 strategy.
County plans additional public input
The county is expected to hold another round of public engagement sessions before Thanksgiving.
Officials plan to use the feedback and economic data to develop recommendations for the next five-year strategy.
Those recommendations are expected to be presented to the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners before the end of 2026.
The completed strategy is expected to establish priorities related to economic development, workforce needs, business growth and quality of life across Hamilton County.
What is next for Hamilton County’s economic strategy?
The upcoming months will give residents additional opportunities to comment on the county’s economic priorities.
The county’s process will combine the economic data presented during the September meetings with feedback from residents and other community stakeholders.
The final recommendations will then go to county commissioners for consideration before the county moves into the 2027 strategy period.
FAQs
What concerns did residents raise?
Cost of living and the gap between wages and household expenses were among the concerns raised during the public sessions.
Why is Hamilton County developing a new strategy?
The county develops the strategy on a five-year cycle to assess economic conditions and track changes over time. The 2027 strategy will build on data and experiences from the previous five years.
What period does the new strategy cover?
The CEDS is designed as a five-year economic development roadmap beginning with the 2027 strategy cycle.
Will Hamilton County hold more public meetings?
Yes. County officials said another round of public engagement is expected before Thanksgiving.
