Carl Horst Chief Executive Officer at Cincinnati Area Board of REALTORS | Official website
Carl Horst Chief Executive Officer at Cincinnati Area Board of REALTORS | Official website
The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) has announced its support for the Connected Communities initiative, a program aimed at enhancing housing opportunities and strengthening neighborhoods in Cincinnati. The regional group, representing over 5,700 real estate professionals, sees this as a crucial step for the city's future success.
"As the pulse of Greater Cincinnati’s real estate landscape, the REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati stands at the forefront of advocating for initiatives that shape the future of our communities," said Board President Tracy Dunne. "It is with this forward-thinking mindset that we wholeheartedly endorse Cincinnati’s Connected Communities Initiative."
For two years, RAGC has collaborated with the City of Cincinnati and City Council on developing this initiative. They have provided feedback and served as experts on trending housing and community planning strategies.
Jeff Rosa, RAGC's Advocacy Committee Chair, expressed enthusiasm about the proposal: "This initiative represents more than just a plan; it embodies a transformative vision for our urban infrastructure and zoning. It is a much-needed catalyst for change, addressing long-standing challenges while paving the way for future growth and development."
The Connected Communities initiative aims to reform zoning and land use comprehensively to increase density and housing inventories. This move is expected to counter current market conditions where there is less than two months' worth of available housing inventory in Greater Cincinnati—a stark contrast to what REALTORS® consider a balanced market.
"Connected Communities tackles the pressing issue of housing," said Heather Kopf, vice chair of the RAGC Advocacy Committee. "Focusing strategically on increasing housing options, it responds to growing demand while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all residents."
Concerns from neighborhood councils regarding property values have been addressed by Mary Huttlinger, RAGC’s Government Affairs Director. She cited studies showing positive relationships between increased density and home values in urban areas. According to Huttlinger, "A 10% increase in density is associated with a 1–1.9% increase in house prices per square foot."
The Connected Communities initiative seeks not only to build more housing but also to ensure more people are housed effectively.
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