freeing families from the cycle of debt
the numbers
$25
million
invested into revenue streams for the affordable housing trust fund.
$219
million
of medical debt wiped out for 110,000 Cincinnatians, over a third our city population.
700
children
kept in their homes from eviction with access to council and emergency rental assistance trust funds.
leading in livability
No family should have to choose between food on the table and a roof over their heads. Affordability is the single greatest issue nationwide. Millions are facing the reality of a rigged system that restricts their ability to go to school, own a home, or build a family.
Instead of empty promises or failed policies, Mayor Aftab has turned Cincinnati into a national leader in creating livable neighborhoods built for people, freeing families from the cycle of debt, and keeping children safely in their homes.
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Mayor Aftab Wiped out $219 million of medical debt for 110,000 Cincinnatians—over one-third of our city's population.
Established a Baby Bond Program, investing public funds for every child born in Cincinnati to help break generational poverty.
As MAGA cuts essential services that protect our vulnerable neighbors, the Mayor and City Council have piloted a program for Universal Basic Incometo expand SNAP and EBT benefits to eradicate child hunger.
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Mayor Aftab tripled affordable housing development in the past three years compared to the previous five years.
Invested over $25 million into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and committed a dedicated source of revenue.
Reformed our Residential Tax Abatement Program to provide the largest incentives allowed by state law in the most vulnerable communities while reducing incentives in more affluent areas.
Increased funding to the American Dream Downpayment Assistance Program to boost homeownership numbers, particularly in minority communities.
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Mayor Aftab invested in access to counsel for tenants facing eviction and emergency rental assistance trust funds that have prevented over 700 children from being evicted from their homes.
Helped fund the largest family-focused homeless shelter in the region and built a tiny home complex for homeless veterans.
Funded wrap-around affordable housing for the disability community, ensuring accessible options for all Cincinnatians.
Financial Freedom Blueprint
Restoring Dignity BY breaking the cycle of poverty
“Cincinnati is in the midst of a watershed moment right now. Our city is growing, we’re filled to the brim with diverse, talented innovators, and we’re making strategic investments to thrive in the generations to come. At the same time, we face inequities that hold far too many of our residents back.”
- Mayor Aftab
In 2023, Mayor Aftab and Cincinnati put forth a bold, innovative plan to close the racial wealth gap by dismantling systemic barriers: the Financial Freedom Blueprint. Developed by city leaders, the plan is driven by existing data, with input from over 1,000 Cincinnatians, identifying key programs to begin wealth generation, including:
Investing in Baby Bonds: Research shows that children with college savings accounts as little $50 are three times as likely to pursue higher education beyond their peers. That’s why the city has partnered to create Child Savings Accounts of up to $553 for pre-school-aged children in need.
Housing Security Programs: Emergency rental assistance and access to legal counsel programs in partnership with United Way Greater Cincinnati, the Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati, and the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Help Center have saved over 700 children from eviction.
Eliminating Medical Debt: One of the leading causes of bankruptcy nationwide, Cincinnati became one of the first cities to break the cycle of debt by eliminating $219 million in medical debt for more than 110,000 residents: nearly one-third of the city’s population.
With just over a $2 million budget, Mayor Aftab and City Council have erased over $200 million in debt, and secured the priceless futures of Cincinnati’s next generation.
