Unlock the secrets of Cincinnati’s ambitious journey towards sustainability with our latest episode on the Green Cincinnati Plan. Explore the intricate evolution of this environmental roadmap, beginning with the pioneering Climate Protection Plan of 2008, courtesy of Mark Mallory, and how it has morphed through the years into a complex, far-reaching strategy for 2023.  From the target of 100% renewable energy for city operations by 2035 to encouraging a shift towards plant-based diets, we dissect the bold visions and the challenges of maintaining consistency and accountability.

Join us as we spotlight Mayor Aftab’s unique focus on equity and climate, and the transformative goals driving the city’s environmental ambitions. Yet, the journey isn’t without its mysteries. We unravel the enigma of the missing $5 million originally meant for green initiatives, now puzzlingly rerouted to the city’s fleet needs, with no clear explanation in sight. Despite poring over Cincinnati’s epic 186-page Green Plan, we find it conspicuously empty of cost indicators, raising questions about the financial transparency of these initiatives. For those eager to understand the broader implications and priorities of the city’s environmental strategies, we recommend a visit to their website for a more digestible perspective. This episode is just the beginning, with more revelations and discussions promised in upcoming installments.

Greater Cincinnati is shrouded in political secrecy, but the truth can no longer stay hidden. This episode exposes the clandestine forces at play in the heart of local governance, where sales tax dollars intended for public landmarks are ominously repurposed by shadowy 501c4 groups. With insights from Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, we peel back the layers of obfuscation surrounding a controversial new arena proposal.

The discussion doesn’t stop there; we draw parallels to Norfolk Southern’s murky railway sell-off and scrutinize Mayor Aftab’s entanglements in this political quagmire. The stakes are high as we highlight the influence of undisclosed donors and question the ethical fortitude of decision-makers in the region.

Accountability in city politics is not just a necessity—it’s an urgent call to action. We spotlight the glaring lack of oversight from key city institutions as mega-million-dollar projects proceed without transparency. With upcoming elections on the horizon, the demand for reform is more pressing than ever. The conversation challenges the status quo, urging a re-evaluation of how political funds are handled and advocating for public scrutiny at every level of governance. We consider reaching out to the city’s ethics officer to shed light on these covert initiatives, stressing that the citizens of Greater Cincinnati deserve nothing less than honest and transparent leadership.

This episode sheds light on the city’s own DEI efforts, highlighting the strides and struggles of the Department of Economic Inclusion in supporting minority and women-owned businesses. Despite the city’s dedication, a 2023 Disparity Study Report has pointed out significant gaps, prompting a deeper examination of the city’s financial commitments and grants to foster equity and inclusion within the community.

Unlock the secrets of Cincinnati’s audit oversight as we expose the challenges and gaps in the city’s internal audit function. From the startling revelation of the internal audit manager’s non-compliance with Municipal Code requirements to the alarming absence of comprehensive risk assessments since 2014, this episode promises a deep exploration of the systemic failures impacting city governance.

We delve into the impact of insufficient resources on audit transparency and question the city’s dedication to maintaining robust oversight, shining a light on the crucial yet missing peer reviews that could ensure adherence to government auditing standards. Our journey doesn’t stop there. We confront the hurdles faced in engaging with local government, recounting the silence met when trying to communicate with the city’s internal audit manager and the mayor’s office for committee appointments.

Despite these challenges, we recognize the audit division’s efforts in conducting follow-up audits and acknowledge the potential for positive change with new City Council appointments. Experience a compelling narrative that not only questions the current state of Cincinnati’s internal audit but also contemplates the future possibilities of reform and accountability. Tune in for an episode that seeks to uncover the truth behind the city’s audit processes and the barriers that stand in the way of effective governance.

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.