entering an era based on the freedom to build
the numbers
25%
INCREASE
in city contracts with women and minority-owned businesses
$600
million
invested in reimagining the Convention Center and building a new headquarters
$1.6
billion
secured for the Brent Spence Bridge in the country’s largest federal grant in history
USHERING FREEDOM TO BUILD
Cincinnati is entering an era based on the freedom to build:
• To build homes.
• To build businesses.
• To build a dignified life in a beautiful city.
Under Mayor Aftab's leadership, Cincinnati is experiencing unprecedented investment and population growth while ensuring prosperity reaches every neighborhood.
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Cincinnati is bucking national trends, ranking 2nd in the nation for converting office space into housing and 3rd lowest in the country for office vacancy rates.
Invested $600 million to reimagine the Convention Center and build a new headquarters hotel, with ambitious inclusion goals for minority and women-owned firms that we expect to exceed.
Won the largest federal grant in our country's history to fix the Brent Spence Bridge and redesigned it to recapture 11 acres of developable land directly west of the convention center.
Raised Cincinnati's profile by hosting national events including Red Bull Flugtag, BLINK, Forbes 30 Under 30, Black Tech Week, and River Roots.
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In the last six months alone, the city spent $28 million on women and minority-owned businesses via contracts—a 25% increase from four years ago.
Created the Lincoln & Gilbert fund to help minority businesses bounce back after the pandemic with the goal of doubling minority businesses.
Launched an Access to Capital Bootcamp in partnership with the Urban League to equip minority entrepreneurs with the skills and capital needed for success.
Built the first Black-owned grocery store, along with the first market-rate houses, pharmacy, and bank in decades in Avondale, a historically Black community.
Invested in the Building Futures Program to create a pipeline from minority communities to the trade unions.
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Since taking office, Cincinnati has become the first city in Ohio to comprehensively rezone its code to incentivize affordable and commercial development, support public transportation, and empower small businesses.
Legalized accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to help families age in place with dignity and create naturally affordable housing options.
Tripled affordable housing development in the last three years compared to the prior 5.
Significantly expanded youth employment opportunities to ensure our young people can build careers right here in Cincinnati.
The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project
Building the Future
For three presidential administrations, the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project has been a symbol of bureaucratic red tape and broken promises. After nearly two decades of neglect and infrastructural decay, Cincinnati is finally getting the long-overdue upgrade it deserves. One poised to lead Ohio and the country into the 21st century of commerce and transportation.
Today, the Project marks one of the most significant infrastructure investments in American history. Funded by the largest federal bridge grant ever awarded ($1.6B), the plan will modernize the Brent Spence Bridge and redevelop 11 acres of land just west of the Convention Center. What was once a symbol of congestion and decay is becoming a vibrant gateway to Cincinnati, opening spaces for housing, local businesses, green space, and public amenities, while improving one of the most important transportation corridors in the nation.
Beyond its engineering achievements, the project emphasizes inclusion, opportunity, and progress. Cincinnati has set ambitious goals for participation by minority and women-owned businesses, ensuring that local residents share directly in the economic benefits of this historic transformation.
But this is about more than a bridge. It’s about the freedom to build. Build businesses. Build homes. Build a dignified life in a city as bold and resilient as its people. It embodies a vision of progress rooted in equity, history, and shared prosperity—a future Cincinnati is ready to build together.
