Mayor Pureval to Host Town Hall on Proposed Residential Tax Abatement Reform

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval will hold a town hall discussion on the proposed reform to Cincinnati’s residential tax abatement program on Thursday, March 23.

The program overhaul seeks to make it easier for property owners to pay pre-renovation tax prices on properties built or renovated in lower-income areas, and decreases those same tax breaks in wealthier areas. The property tax is eliminated for the amount of the additional renovations, but only for a set period of time, about 10-15 years. The program is intended for single-family homes, not apartment buildings, though some multi-family units could qualify.

Delayed votes

A vote on the program by council's Equitable Growth and Housing Committee has been delayed multiple times in 2023 after the public began voicing concerns and confusion over the program. Another vote on the program was initially scheduled to take place on March 22 but has again been delayed to March 28. If it passes in committee, it will go to a full council vote.

In the meantime, Pureval will speak at a town hall on the program on March 23, moderated by Nathan Ivey, a local host of an online daily talk show.

Doors open at 5:30 pm. Email questions to: [email protected] pic.twitter.com/9PY4wv60DM

— 💥Nathan Ivey💥🔊 (@Nathaniveytv) March 20, 2023

Doors open for the town hall at 5:30 p.m. with the program starting at 6 p.m at Corinthian Baptist Church, 1920 Tennessee Ave. You can also tune in virtually on Citicable.

The town hall is open to the public, but the questions and comments on the tax program must be submitted in advance to the host via email at [email protected] with the subject line "CRA Town Hall."

Other potential changes to housing law

This isn't the only housing change council could make in the near future. In an effort to increase the number of affordable rental options, council is considering changing the zoning laws to allow buildings that were once multi-family units to be converted back to multiple apartments in neighborhoods with single-family zoning laws.


Another ordinance could also make it easier for people to build small homes in their back yard to rent out. The rule change would also allow home owners to convert existing structures, like garages, into apartments if they meet all the basic requirements.

Community engagement on the re-zoning issue is ongoing as council members weigh long-term questions, like allowing backyard units to be used for Airbnbs.