Caught up in the “Kelo Backlash”, after the Supreme Court ruled that a community may acquire property through eminent domain for economic development, many states rushed to alter statutes to limit or even ban all uses of eminent domain by local jurisdictions.

Foreclosed properties and the impact they have on community fiscal health, individual finances, and surrounding property values are creating a growing crisis across Hamilton County. Ohio has the dubious distinction of having one of the highest property foreclosure rates in the nation.

There is a national movement to minimize nonrenewable energy consumption, using environmentally safe products, conserving water and enhancing indoor air quality. This trend is sweeping the nation and “infiltrates” every aspect of our lives. From energy efficient vehicles to green computing to green buildings.

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Hamilton County is a 5-year plan that outlines strategies and specific projects aimed to create jobs, foster more stable and diversified economies, and increase the quality of life in Hamilton County. The last CED plan was prepared in 1997 under the name Overall Economic Development Plan or OEDP.

During the 1990s, many smaller communities experienced the pressures of tax revenues shortages due to population and businesses loss. In turn the provision of city services dwindled. Some communities started considering different options to make more efficient use of the tax dollars while providing quality services to its residents.

Every year communities count on federal dollars to pay for improvements to the local road infrastructure and other transportation related expenses. Metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) have devised scoring systems that prioritize transportation projects in an effort to compete more successfully with other MPOs around the State and bring transportation dollars to the region.