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  • The ARC Program and Its Impact on Public Safety
    2025/02/21
    Forget everything you know about typical emergency response systems. Our city is breaking new ground with the ARC (Alternative Response to Crisis) program, a revolutionary approach to handling non-violent 911 calls with social workers and mental health specialists instead of police officers. This initiative, which became a permanent fixture in FY23, is stirring up controversy with unions and raising questions about resource allocation and public safety. We dissect how the city's strategic use of tax credits from a railway sale is fueling investments in social justice and mental health, and we don't shy away from addressing the outcry from the Fraternal Order of Police and the Firefighters Union over being left out of negotiations.

    But there's more to this story. We dive into the heavy burden placed on dispatchers who must navigate these new procedures while maintaining their crucial role in emergency response. The tragic 2018 Kyle Plush incident serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved, prompting a deep look at the integration of the ARC program with the existing 911 system. We ponder whether the Qualified Settlement Fund, which oversees 911 operations, was adequately consulted. This episode is a compelling exploration of the city's balancing act with public safety, resource reallocation, and community needs.
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    9 分
  • Rethinking Crime Strategies in Cincinnati
    2025/02/21
    Crime isn't just a statistic; it's a reality that hits close to home for West Price Hill residents. Officer Kroger recently shared shocking crime figures, including aggravated robberies and even a murder, urging us to question the effectiveness of the city's Act for Cincy plan. Does the plan truly fight crime, or does it merely help residents live with it? Our discussion peels back the layers of this plan's lengthy documentation, scrutinizing its financial transparency and the role of the Human Services Violence Prevention Fund. Could a return to the successful practices of the 2002 Collaborative Agreement be the answer to enhancing community safety?

    As we navigate the intricate web of community funding and oversight, we assess the relationship between Act for Cincy and the Collaborative Agreement. Both aim to involve the community, yet they differ notably in their approach to law enforcement and social justice. With Act for Cincy funneling substantial sums to various nonprofits and support groups, we examine the complexities of tracking these funds and the city council's involvement. This episode invites listeners to engage deeply with the Act for Cincy report, revealing the financial and social implications of these initiatives on our broader community.
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    10 分
  • Ensuring Accountability: How the Cincinnati Railway Trust Fund Board is Transforming City Fund Management
    2025/02/13
    Todd unlocks the recent meeting of the Cincinnati Railway Trust Fund's Board of Trustees. Discover how the board is stepping up its game with initiatives to ensure accountability and transparency, pressing the city to make the most of the $56 million set for quarterly disbursement. Todd reveals the pressing question: what happens if the funds aren't used efficiently? The conversation sheds light on the proactive measures being taken to track city projects, and the potential decision to withhold future disbursements if progress lags.

    Journey with Todd as he discusses the board's promising plans to rebrand and launch a new website, a move designed to pressure the city into timely project completion. Hear firsthand how the board's oversight might fuel future improvements and propel the city toward more efficient fund management. Alongside insights from a city representative, we paint a picture of a transformative relationship between the trust and the city, underscoring the importance of vigilant spending and effective governance. This episode offers a glimpse into a future where community projects are not just planned but delivered, thanks to the unwavering watch of the Board of Trustees.
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    8 分
  • Unraveling the Rising15 Motion Hidden Truth Behind Urban Funding
    2025/02/12
    Unlock the secrets behind the Rising 15 motion and gain insights into the complexities of city governance with our latest episode. Todd promises to unravel the confusion surrounding the missing Exhibit A, pivotal in identifying neighborhoods based on race and median income, and to scrutinize the implications of such narrow criteria in governmental funding. As Todd examines the Rising 15 Railroad Fund and Economic Development Fund, expect to uncover discrepancies between the motion's language and the vice mayor's statements. Transparency and fiscal responsibility take center stage as we advocate for a reevaluation of the motion to ensure funds are allocated appropriately.

    Join Todd as he tackles the city's hefty $65 million budget surplus and the ongoing challenges in efficient infrastructure spending. The conversation shines a light on potential solutions, such as boosting staffing levels and refining the contracting office, to better manage these substantial funds. We'll share our plans to address these financial concerns with the city board and promise updates on any progress. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the nuances of city governance, fiscal strategy, and the broader implications of the Rising 15 motion.

    Document link below

    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10YucXEXeLbtRzNeW8HflOJXD1ugOvvZr?usp=drive_link
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    10 分
  • The Railroad Money and the Rising 15
    2025/02/07
    The Cincinnati Southern Railway Trust’s latest proposal: a breakthrough or a smokescreen? Todd Zinser unravels the intricate layers of Hamilton County’s contentious city council motion, the spotlight turns to two proposed funds designed to uplift economically disadvantaged neighborhoods: the Rising 15 Railroad Fund and the Rising 15 Economic Development Fund. Though the plan projects a façade of equity, we probe deeper, questioning if it genuinely serves community interests or merely placates vocal constituencies eager for their slice of railway proceeds. With terms like "money swap" cropping up, the complexities multiply, urging a critical assessment of whether these financial strategies are the right move or if simpler, more straightforward solutions could better foster infrastructure development.

    The episode intensifies as we shine a light on the city’s ambitious "On Track Plan" and the debates it ignites. Vice Mayor Kearney’s interpretation of the financial maneuver labeled as a "money swap" raises eyebrows and concerns about transparency and the responsible management of railway trust funds. With accountability at the forefront, we suggest improvements in how the motion is presented and scrutinize its potential outcomes. Tune in to discover the broader implications of these financial machinations and why tracking these developments is crucial to keeping city leaders in check.

    Links to “Rising 15” reference documents:

    Link to “Council Proposal: Dedicate railway money to 15 ‘underserved’ neighborhoods.”Cincinnati Enquirer, February 6.20.25

    https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2025/02/05/some-city-council-members-want-railway-money-for-underserved-areas/78220698007/

    Link to the council meeting page containing the Rising 15 Motion

    https://cincinnatioh.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7107465&GUID=1A7FA9DB-3F74-40E0-9038-974D44BC791F
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    9 分