Friday, Jan. 9: Juvenile Shootings + Affordable Housing + Political Campaign
Friday, Jan. 9
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Juvenile shootings stay high despite Cincinnati gun-violence drop
Despite a historic drop in overall gun violence across Cincinnati in 2025, the number of juvenile shootings has barely budged, with 41 minors shot—just one fewer than the year prior. New data from the city highlights deep disparities in crime trends by neighborhood. While violent and property crimes declined citywide by 4%, areas like Kennedy Heights, Evanston, and Over-the-Rhine saw sharp increases. Meanwhile, parts of the West Side reported double-digit drops. Public safety remained central to political debate, especially after a high-profile mayoral race and the tragic killing of an 11-year-old girl in the West End.
Model Group’s $44M Reid Flats adds 91 affordable units
After years of delays, Model Group is moving forward with its $44 million Reid Flats redevelopment, a scattered-site project that will bring 91 affordable and workforce housing units to Cincinnati’s urban core. Set to break ground in April, the project spans downtown and Over-the-Rhine, transforming 10 historic buildings. Backed by $7.2 million in state historic tax credits, $2.2 million in city tax-increment financing, and loans from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the development aims to serve residents earning between 60% and 120% of area median income.
Councilman Seth Walsh launches campaign for Ohio treasurer
Cincinnati City Council member Seth Walsh has announced his candidacy for Ohio Treasurer, just a day after being sworn in for his second full term. Walsh, a Democrat, was first appointed in 2022 and later elected in both 2023 and 2025. A seasoned community development leader, he previously headed the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. Walsh says he’ll balance campaign duties with Council responsibilities and has named Meeka Owens as his successor designee if he wins. The Republican primary features four candidates, with the general election set for November.
Arts Vibrancy Index ranks Cincinnati top 5% nationally
Cincinnati’s thriving arts scene has earned national recognition in the 2024 Arts Vibrancy Index, which ranks the region 42nd among the 100 most arts-vibrant communities in the U.S. Published by SMU DataArts, the index evaluates arts ecosystems based on supply, demand, and public support, placing Cincinnati in the top 5% nationally. The city has appeared on the list at least three times since 2020, underscoring its sustained commitment to the arts. Local leaders credit widespread civic, donor, and institutional collaboration.
Midwestern Lesbian opens quiet LGBTQ+ community hub in OTR
A new LGBTQ+ community space has opened in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Midwestern Lesbian, a local organization supporting lesbians and sapphic people, has set up its new office at 1447 Walnut Street. Co-owners Kelsey Ference and Caitlin Dunkley envision it as a welcoming hub for gatherings, resource-sharing, and club meetings. The space—open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—is designed to be quieter and more accessible than bars, with plans for game nights and other events. Ference founded the group in 2021 to connect and uplift the local LGBTQ+ community.
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