The agenda for the meeting of the Budget, Finance and Governance Committee on April 6, 2026 contains a memo from each member of council concerning their FY 27 Budget priorities. The Committee Chairman, Councilmember Cramerding, did not submit a memo. The members’ priority memos are posted below. I have a quick story about “earmarks.” […]
Chief Theetge investigation report It is too bad that this “investigation” involving Chief Theetge is such a serious matter and that the city has allowed what looks like a management problem to be handled (or mishandled) in such a public way. I am not going to criticize the attorneys who carried out the investigation except […]
Todd Zinser discusses the various grant programs administered by the City of Cincinnati, highlighting the complexities and challenges associated with funding distribution. He outlines the four primary mechanisms through which the city allocates funds, emphasizing the risks involved in grants and contracts. The conversation delves into the lack of transparency in the funding process, […]
Todd Zinser explores the complexities of local government investments, focusing on how public funds are managed, invested, and overseen, including the Cincinnati Southern Railway Trust Fund. Guest Ralph Hodge shares insights on investment strategies, transparency, and fiduciary responsibilities in the public sector.
City of Cincinnati Resident Survey Findings 3.16.26. One of the highlights of yesterday’s (3.16.26) meeting of the Budget, Finance, and Governance Committee was the presentation of the results of the bi-annual Resident Survey. The reaction of two council members in particular (Albi and Owens) was worth the price of admission. They were more than a […]
The city council’s evaluation of the city manager’s performance was added to the agenda 30 minutes before today’s (3.9.26) meeting of the Budget, Finance and Governance Committee. The following related documents have been posted below. The city council’s process (1.20.26) The city manager’s 34-page power point presentation about her performance – essentially her self-assessment. […]
Most Frequently Funded External Recipients 3.8.26 For the past 7 -10 years, Cincinnati has steadily outsourced city functions to nonprofit organizations. Since 2020, the city’s budget has evolved to include tables in the annual budget for “Leveraged Support,” “Funding for Competitive Grant Programs,” and “City Operations Programmatic Support and Recipients.” These categories represent funding […]
March 2, 2026 Email to council re CSRT
https://55krc.iheart.com/featured/brian-thomas-wkrc/content/2026-03-05-citizen-watchdog-the-rising-15-motions-reparations-their-implications/ In this episode, Todd Zinser discusses the Rising 15 neighborhoods in Cincinnati and the proposed reparations program aimed at addressing historical injustices related to housing discrimination. He explores the historical context of Cincinnati’s housing policies, the various motions related to the Rising 15, and the implications of the reparations motion introduced by city […]
In this episode, Todd Zinser discusses the Rising 15 neighborhoods in Cincinnati and the proposed reparations program aimed at addressing historical injustices related to housing discrimination. He explores the historical context of Cincinnati’s housing policies, the various motions related to the Rising 15, and the implications of the reparations motion introduced by city officials. […]