Awards

Citizen Participation – City of Cincinnati – Balance the City Budget Game Show

As part of the community engagement efforts, the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Budget and Evaluation developed an interactive and engaging gameshow to educate community members on various aspects of the City of Cincinnati’s Budget.  “Balance:  The City Budget Game Show” was developed and utilized at the 2023 Neighborhood Summit, hosted by Invest in Neighborhoods.  Contestants from the audience participate in a series of games intended to entertain and educate.  The Game Show is repeatable and can be utilized in a variety of situations to provide community members and City employees with insight on tax rates, the real costs associated with delivering public services, and making difficult budget decisions with limited resources.

Innovation in Local Government – Montgomery County Behavioral Task Force

In January of 2023, the Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners enlisted the Office of Strategic Initiatives and the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association to facilitate a Behavioral Health Task Force comprised of multiple sectors throughout the community, including hospitals, behavioral health providers, the criminal justice systems, and administrative agencies.  This task force aims to foster in-depth discussions between these organizations and formulate recommendations for county-wide opportunities to enhance behavioral health coordination and treatment.  The impact of this work will help ensure all Montgomery County residents can access the necessary treatment and services to live healthy and save lives.

Intergovernmental Cooperation – City of Dublin – The Beta District

The Beta District, officially launched in 2020, is an innovation region that stretches northwest along U.S. 33 from Columbus Through Franklin, Union and Logan counties.  It is overseen by the Northwest 33 Council of Governments, which includes Dublin, Marysville, Union County, and the Marysville-Union County Port Authority.  The Beta District serves as Central Ohio’s hub for smart and connected mobility applications, showcasing the incredible strides made in enhancing safety, connectivity, and overall lifestyle through the strategic integration of technology.  Connected Dublin and Connected Marysville are both living labs in The Beta District and serve as proving grounds where new ideas evolve into real-world applications.  The Beta District stands as a prime example of successful intergovernmental cooperation, where strategic partnerships, leadership and substantial investments converge a connected, smart and thriving community.

Placemaking – City of Dublin – Riverside Crossing Park

Riverside Crossing Park is in the heart of Dublin, Ohio.  It is a greenspace created with nature’s beauty, innovative design, and community spirit.  Following a comprehensive public engagement process spanning from 2013-2016, the park design was made with a desire in mind for increased access to the Scioto River and natural parkland.  The impact of Riverside Crossing Park extends beyond its borders and has spurred multi-million-dollar private investments that benefit residents and businesses alike.  It is a living example of how placemaking can bridge communities, nurture nature, create opportunities for health and wellness and shape a brighter future for all.

Redevelopment Projects – City of Norwood – Factory 52

Factory 52 opened in 2023 and is a multi-phase 20 acre mixed use development of the former US Playing Card Factory in Norwood Ohio.  The phased development has now completed its $100+ million Phase I A, and has broken ground on the $25 million Phase I B.  This development includes a food hall, pickleball facilities, two breweries, an ice cream shop, small store fronts, a dog park, concert space and more than 200 residential units.  Several historic structures were saved during the redevelopment of this project.  The project also saved and refurbished the historic and iconic clock tower.