Cincy Council majority has funding plan for Go Cincinnati

A Cincinnati Council majority is supporting a proposal to let the Port Authority implement and manage the “Go Cincinnati” plan.

A group developed it a couple years ago as an economic development road map for the city. But there’s never been any money to make it happen.

Five Council Members want to dedicate half of the tax money the city will receive from the Downtown casino to “Go Cincinnati.”

Council Member Jeff Berding says it’s time to take action.

“The Port Authority will become the catalytic development corporation tasked with concentrating development expertise and financial resources required to implement Go Cincinnati, creating jobs and private investment here in the city and throughout our neighborhoods,” Berding said.

That investment would come in a pilot project focused on 10 communities.

Council’s Strategic Growth Committee approved the items Monday. Mayor Mark Mallory will decide if they’ll be on the full Council agenda Wednesday.

Council Member Laure Quinlivan abstained from voting on the issues.

“But I support giving money to the Port Authority, not 50 percent,” Quinlivan said. “I support giving money to neighborhoods, but not just 10. And I think we need to talk about this a lot further.”

Quinlivan says the group backing the proposal should have talked to all Council Members, not just enough to get 5 votes.