In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls  invited every elected woman in Hamilton County to gather on the Courthouse steps on March 11for a bi-partisan group picture. 

Did you know that as of 2024:

• Women hold a majority of Hamilton County-wide elected seats (8 out of the 11 administrative offices) and over half of the judicial seats are held by women.
• Over 160 women hold public office county-wide.
• We have an unprecedented number of women in local office – mayors, councilmembers, commissioners, trustees  and judges.

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By Lori Jennings, Clerk of Hamilton County Courts and Bridget Doherty, Hamilton County Commissioners

America’s 250th Anniversary is less than 18 months away and Hamilton County is already gearing up to celebrate our county’s unique contributions to our national and regional history. The Board of County Commissioners officially invite Hamilton County citizens to apply to serve on the official America 250-Ohio Hamilton County Committee by visiting HamiltonCountyOhio.gov/250. This is a voluntary, uncompensated, community service opportunity for Hamilton County, Ohio registered voters. The County is seeking 10 to 20 people to join.

This special group is tasked with supporting public awareness of Ohio’s statewide initiatives, and coordinating recommendations of local events and programs leading up to the 250th anniversary.

The America 250-Ohio Hamilton County Committee is led by co-chairs Pavan Parikh, Hamilton County Clerk of Courts and Elizabeth Pierce, Cincinnati Museum Center CEO.

Hamilton County has a rich history, from its founding in 1790, the emergence of townships, and the establishment of the City of Cincinnati on the Ohio River. The County grew as the steamboat transportation transformed the movement of people and products. Hamilton County was a critical stop for the Underground Railroad.

“Hamilton County has always been a place where innovation and hard work is valued,” said Commission President Denise Driehaus. “As we prepare for America’s 250th Anniversary, this is a unique opportunity to reflect on our shared history and the contributions our region has made to the nation’s story.”

“From its role in the Underground Railroad to its lasting cultural and industrial contributions, Hamilton County holds a special place in American history,” said Commission Vice President Stephanie Summerow Dumas. “We are calling on residents to join us in making this celebration meaningful and diverse, ensuring that every voice and every story is part of this historic milestone.”

“Our county’s history is rich with stories of perseverance and progress, playing a significant role in the journey toward freedom,” said Commissioner Alicia Reece. “It’s a story that must be shared, and we encourage our residents to actively participate in bringing these stories to life, while celebrating the beautiful cultural legacy of our vibrant communities.”

“Hamilton County is a very historic place,” Clerk Parikh. “And that’s why we’re excited about this project because we have the opportunity to tell stories from every corner of the county—from the Native Americans who first lived here, to the diverse community of over 800,000 people that we are today. We encourage anyone who is engaged or even interested in local history to apply for this committee to ensure we are reflecting that diversity.”

Hamilton County is home to the first professional baseball team, the Red Stockings (1868), as well as one of the country’s most enduring manufacturing companies, Procter & Gamble (1879).

To learn more about the commission, watch the presentation of the official America 250 Flag presentation to the Board of County Commissioners on youtube.com and/or visit HamiltonCountyOhio.gov/250.

About America 250-Ohio

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years. Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. The charge of the AM250-OH Commission is to “…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” — Ohio Revised Code (149.309). More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org.

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The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners has announced the appointments of three distinguished local veterans to the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission (VSC), a move that reinforces the board’s commitment to enhancing services to local veterans. Commissioners made the three appointments after approving an increased budget that doubled the funding for the VSC.

The VSC offers a broad spectrum of services, including emergency financial assistance, transportation and expert guidance on VA claims and benefits, all aimed at improving the quality of life for veterans. The budget requested by the VSC and approved by Commissioners went from $1.4 million in 2024 to $2.8 million in 2025. This year’s budget also includes funding to support the second annual Veterans Appreciation Day at the Great American Ballpark.

The newly appointed members, all honorably discharged veterans and residents of Hamilton County, are: 

• Victoria Parks, former Hamilton County Commissioner, current City of Cincinnati Councilmember and U.S. Air Force veteran.
• Bill Burwinkel, U.S. Army and Vietnam veteran, founder and board chair of National Marketshare Group Inc. and long-time Price Hill advocate 
• Lincoln Ware, Marine Corps and Vietnam veteran, and local radio talk show host

These appointments are for five-year terms. The Commissioners adopted the resolution during their Jan. 9 meeting.

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Hamilton County Commissioners elected Commissioner Denise Driehaus to lead the Board of County Commissioners in 2025.

Each year, commissioners select a president during their organizational meeting to chair commission meetings, facilitate organizing weekly staff meetings and serve as the lead spokesperson at community and media events.

Hamilton County Commissioners oversee a $1.3 billion budget that encompasses economic development, social services, environmental protection and public safety. Driehaus was first elected to the Board of County     

Commissioners in 2016 and has spearheaded initiatives such as the Commission on Women and Girls and the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition. 

She has been a champion of environmental initiatives, including support for bike trails across the county and championing recycling, solid waste and storm water policies.

As an advocate of civil discourse, Driehaus serves as a board member on the Portman Center for Policy Solutions that encourages civility, bipartisanship and finding common ground to achieve policy solutions. She also holds leadership positions nationally and statewide as vice chair of the National Democratic County Officials, vice president of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, a facilitator for the National Institute for Civil Discourse and a board member of the Community Learning Center Institute.

Driehaus replaces Commissioner Alicia Reece who spent the last two years as president  championing “One Hamilton County” and leading groundbreaking efforts such as the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame and the 513Relief Bus that helped over 30,000 residents, traveled to 277 locations in 32 zip codes. She also launched the Office of Small Business, Small Business Day, Pitch Night and created a special SBA 504 down payment assistance program to support business owners in buying their own commercial property.

Additionally, during the board’s Jan. 9 organization meeting, commissioners designated Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas as the board vice president to serve in the president’s absence. Vice President Summerow Dumas created the INSPIRE initiative to support over 50 grassroots organizations that create real positive change for over 23,000 Hamilton County youth. She also founded Beyond Your Imagination to provide positive experiences for over 1,000 foster youth who may have otherwise missed out. Summerow Dumas led the charge in the County studying tiny homes as a possible solution to the affordable housing issues facing our region. She was an early outspoken advocate and instrumental in moving the Cincinnati Police Department’s gun range away from Lincoln Heights and Woodlawn.

The Board of County Commissioners typically meets in Commission Chambers on the sixth floor of the Todd B. Portune Center for County Government, 138 East Court St., Cincinnati OH 45202. View the commission calendar.

Commissioners invite the public to participate in public comment either in person or virtually on Thursdays during regularly scheduled Commission meetings. 

Commission meetings can be viewed online through the County website, Facebook or Youtube Channel. Commission meetings are televised by the Intercommunity Cable Regulatory Commission and can be found on cable in ICRC communities.

Feature Image: Denise Driehaus has been elected by the Hamilton County Commissioners to be the Commissioners 2025 Board President. Photo provided by Amanda Carter

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Hamilton County Commissioners, ArtWorks Cincinnati and Findlay Market residents and store owners on June 20 celebrated the new Findlay Garage mural, “Nourishing Our Community, Findlay Market.” at 1810 Logan St.

With a design by Greta McLain from Minneapolis, Minnesota, community input and support, plus the work of 10 ArtWorks apprentices and two teaching artists, the mural honors the history and energy of Cincinnati’s historic Findlay Market, representing the neighborhood and welcoming visitors.

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The state of Hamilton County Small Business is booming. 

Hamilton County Commissioners marked the first year of the Office of Small Business report on the State of Small Business by announcing a new program to increase commercial property ownership among small businesses.

Hamilton County Commissioners teamed up with Alloy Development Co. and the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce in hosting the second-annual Hamilton County Small Business Day. Over 1,400 entrepreneurs RSVP’d to grow their small businesses and startups at the Sharonville Convention Center on May 20.      

Commissioners kicked off the event by announcing a new program designed to increase the number of small businesses commercial property owners in the county. The Hamilton County Downpayment Match Program run by Alloy, offers an assistance match up to $50,000  small businesses that qualify for an SBA 504 Loan but face the common obstacle of insufficient funds for the down payment.

Alloy Development Co., based in Cincinnati, is a marketplace where organizations, businesses and communities can find the resources they need to grow. Alloy is a commercial capital lender, a growth lab for startups and an economic development partner all under one roof, which makes it an active and influential business partner, able to assist any organization at any stage of growth.

For information, visit alloydev.org or email dpmatch@alloydev.org.

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The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame is receiving recognition once again for its innovative design and construction. Messer Construction Co. has received the 2024 Associated Builders and Contractors – Ohio Valley Award of Excellence in Construction for their work on the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame.

Since the Grand Opening July 22, 2023, to a packed crowd, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame has been hitting all the right notes on its architectural design, landscaping, and immersive multimedia experiences. Ohio’s newest tourist attraction has earned a standing ovation from industry experts, including awards in:

• “Landscape Architecture & Community Planning – Implementation” from the Cincinnati Design Awards
• Merit Award in “Design | Constructed” from the American Society of Landscape Architects
• Three MUSE Creative Awards in the Experiential & Immersive categories: Augmented Reality, Diversity & Inclusion, and Outdoor Advertising

“As an award-winning, state-of-the-art tourism attraction, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame has welcomed thousands of visitors worldwide in its first year,” says Alicia Reece, Hamilton County Commission President and founder of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. “All of the recognition and accolades are testaments to the resilience of our community and outstanding partnerships.”

Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas adds, “It’s gratifying to see the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame garner recognition for its design and innovative experiences- a big thanks to the whole team including Project Manager Phil Beck. It’s yet another avenue to showcase our vibrant community to the world.”

“The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame is worth celebrating on so many levels,” says Messer Vice President Pete Bergman. “It required true teamwork to bring this immersive outdoor museum to life in such an active part of downtown Cincinnati.”

As the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame prepares to celebrate its one-year anniversary on July 27th, at 12 noon, the commissioners extend a heartfelt invitation to for all to join in the 2024 Induction Ceremony, free outdoor concert featuring Zapp and Roger, and encourage attendees to wear white during the celebration that takes place during the 2024 Cincinnati Music Festival weekend.

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By Bridget Doherty

bridget.doherty@hamilton-co.org

The 513Relief Bus, a nationally recognized initiative of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, rolled out its 2024 season on February 7 at Corinthian Baptist Church, 1920 Tennessee Ave., by teaming up with an unprecedented number of partners. Over 20 County Departments were on hand to help those in need with fresh produce, homeowner assistance, tax resources and information, medical screenings, veteran services, job resources and more.

The 513Relief Bus is designed to reach communities that may face barriers in accessing essential services. Founded by Commission President Alicia Reece, the 513Relief Bus aims to provide resources directly to residents using a “County on wheels” approach.

The Everything Hamilton County key partners and expanded services includes:

• Hamilton County Auditor’s Office (Board of Revision, Homestead Credit, Owner Occupancy Credit)
• City Link (employment services)
• Closing the Health Gap (health services and information)
• Council on Aging (Hamilton County Senior Utility and Home Repair Assistance Program, aging adult and caregiver services and resources)
• Easterseals (Disability, Veteran and Employment & Training Services)
• Economic Community Development Institute/ECDI (small business resources, bookkeeping, website, marketing, financial readiness, and access to funding)
• Hamilton County Board of Elections (voter registration)
• Hamilton County Clerk of Courts (help center/probate court, escrow, tenant rights, debt litigation)
• Hamilton County Clerk of the Board of Commissioners (notary services)
• Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls (FREE personal hygiene products)
• Hamilton County Co-Responder Deflection (CORE) (substance use education, linkage to treatment)
• Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (intake, resources, and services)
• Hamilton County Department of Economic Inclusion and Equity (vendor registrations)
• Hamilton County Human Resources (County employment opportunities)
• Hamilton County Job and Family Services (cash assistance, food assistance, Medicaid, childcare inquiries, child support modification applications and real-time case information, guidance, fatherhood support, kinship support, workforce, and jobs)
• Hamilton County Office of Reentry (intake and resources for returning citizens)
• Hamilton County Office of Small Business (coaching, business planning and connection to small business resources)
• Hamilton County Office of Youth (youth employment)
• Hamilton County Ohio Means Jobs (job search, resources and employment services)
• Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office (expungement, background assessments)
• Hamilton County Public Health (FREE birth certificates, health education, lead info, infant and child vitality)
• Hamilton County Public Library (library card renewal)
• Hamilton County Recorder’s Office (homeowner fraud alert, veteran ID applications)
• Hamilton County Resource (food boxes, fresh produce)
• Hamilton County Treasurer (property tax payment plans, prepayment plans / escrow info)
• Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (free gun locks)
• Hamilton County Veterans Services Commission (Veterans services, linkage to assistance)
• Legal Aid (tax attorneys to answer questions, self-help in real time)
• Metropolitan Sewer District (utility help, customer assistance program for seniors)
• OhioMeansJobs (workforce development)
• Sweetcheeks (FREE diapers)
• Talbert House Medical (blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings)
• Talbert House Social Services (mental health, social services, substance abuse)
• United Way (tax resources and information)
• Urban League (career development program enrollment)

How to Access 513Relief Bus Services:

Residents can find the detailed 2024 Bus Schedule on 513Relief.org. This site also provides resources for Hamilton County residents in need of some help and stability.

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By Bridget Doherty

Hamilton County Commissioners

A Hamilton County coalition is starting out the year with a free educational opportunity to make the County more equitable in 2024. The Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls (HCCWG) is teaming up with Ellequate and the Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation to announce the 2024 Pay Equity Learning Series, a virtual workshop designed to empower employers in achieving fair and equitable compensation within their organizations. Taking place on January 24 and 25, this informative series comes at no cost to participants.

“Building a just and equitable workforce is not just a goal, it’s a responsibility,” says Mary Maune, program coordinator for the Commission on Women & Girls, “By equipping employers with the necessary resources, we can collectively foster a more equitable and prosperous future for all.”

“Leaders in our region know that achieving pay equity is not a box to check; it’s part of a larger commitment to building fair workplaces for all,” says Nicole Armstrong, Founder and CEO of Ellequate, “They’re investing in the potential of every employee—a prerequisite to an engaged and motivated workforce.”

“While some progress has been made, gender and racial wage gaps persist across sectors and educational levels. Adopting equitable employment practices is a proactive way to address disparities and provides employers with a competitive advantage to attract top talent,” says Alicia Miller, Executive Director of the Women’s Fund.

The two-part virtual workshop will delve into crucial topics such as:

• Understanding the landscape surrounding pay equity
• Effective approaches for promoting pay equity
• Developing and implementing actionable pay equity plans
• Cultivating a workplace culture that champions fairness and inclusion
• Registration for the 2024 Pay Equity Learning Series is now open!

Workshop dates & times: January 24, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and January 25, 8:30 a.m – 10:30 a.m.

In 2021, the Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls developed the Hamilton County Pay Equity Commitment, a voluntary, employer-led initiative to help close the gender wage gap in Hamilton County. Employers who sign the commitment each year make a pledge to set an example in pay equity by taking steps to learn, analyze, act, and share with others. To date, 80 employers have signed the commitment.

The Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls was formed to give women and girls a seat at the table, turning rhetoric into action. The Commission is comprised of 20 community leaders and 10 high school student members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The Commission promotes the rights of women and girls and the ability to be fundamentally free in political, economic, social, cultural, and civil realms. The Commission on Women & Girls makes recommendations to the Board, facilitates community partnership and engagement, promotes women leadership, and develops educational campaigns in alignment with the Commission’s mission.

Ellequate helps HR leaders build workplaces that work for everyone with an advanced analytics platform, community of support, and national standard for workplace equity.

The Women’s Fund team and its partners are designing a community where all women can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential with the goal of eliminating gender and racial in equities in our community. Additional information on the Women’s Fund is available at CincinnatiWomensFund.org.

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Bridget Doherty

Communications Manager

Hamilton County Commissioners

Hamilton County Commissioners, community leaders and Duke Energy representatives commemorated the 100^th community stop of the award-winning 513Relief Bus at the St. Monica Community Center in Lincoln Heights. The 513Relief Bus has delivered health screenings, social services and economic relief directly to over 15,000 residents since inception two years ago. At the 100^th bus stop, County Commissioners unveiled a new free service and accepted a generous grant from Duke Energy.

In partnership with Hamilton County Public Health, residents can now receive an official copy of their Ohio birth certificate on-demand and free of charge at the 513Relief Bus.  Commissioners also accepted a $10,000 grant check from Duke Energy to supplement the offerings of the 513Relief Bus.

“We are so proud to directly help over 15,000 Hamilton County residents with what is becoming a national model and has been referred to as ‘groundbreaking’ by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries during a recent visit,” said Commission President Alicia Reece who founded the 513Relief Bus.  “We are doing business differently, this is Hamilton County on wheels- taking economic relief and health services directly to the people.”

“The 513Relief Bus is a critical resource to allow direct access to not only the County’s services but also the resources provided through our many partners,” said Commissioner Denise Driehaus. “Our county team has gone above and beyond to help thousands of families stay in their homes, keep on the lights, and feed their children.”

“The care and comfort that our team gives residents during face-to-face sessions in their own neighborhood puts a whole new face on government service delivery,” said Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas “The 513Relief Bus team has truly exceeded expectations by making comfortable connections to resources with direct outcomes such as birth certificates, help with applications, access to food and medical services.”

Working together, Hamilton County departments and other partner agencies are proactively reaching as many residents as possible with a wide variety of services. The 513Relief Bus removes barriers that might keep residents from seeking help, including accessibility, transportation, and technology.

The 513Relief Bus received a National Association of Counties Award for delivering services directly to underserved populations and was created with the support of local Civil Rights and grassroots leaders, who suggested a one-stop bus to fight Covid-19 and other health and economic disparities.

County Departments that participate include:

• Hamilton County Job and Family Services
• Hamilton County Department of Developmental Disabilities
• Hamilton County Office of Addiction Response
• Hamilton County Office of Reentry
• Hamilton County Office of Youth
• Hamilton County Public Defender Office
• Hamilton County Public Health
• Hamilton County Recorder’s Office

Other organizations participating include:

• Addiction Services Council
• Cincinnati Health Department
• Council on Aging
• Dress for Success
• Ohio Means Jobs
• Talbert House
• Trinity Debt Management
• UC Health
• Urban League
• Your Priority Healthcare

Services provided on board the 513Relief Bus:

Other periodic services include clothing, food, haircuts and more. For more information about specific services at each bus stop and the bus schedule, see 513Relief.org.

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