2025 Cincinnati Great Parks Ballot Initiative 

 

NOTE: The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati has not taken a formal position on park levy’s (see the RAGC Policy Positions HERE). This White Paper is simply an issue briefing to provide information to REALTORS® and their clients. 

 

Summary 

The 2025 ballot proposes renewing the existing 1-mill levy for Great Parks of Hamilton County for another 10-year term. This renewal will not increase current taxes but will continue the support for operations and capital improvements across the county’s 22 parks and conservation areas, totaling over 18,000 acres. The levy funds day-to-day maintenance, infrastructure, natural resource management, playgrounds, trails, and utility needs outlined in the Great Parks Master Plan. 

 

Ballot Proposal 

Renewal Levy: It is a renewal, not an increase or a new levy.  

Millage: 1 mill. 

Duration: 10 years (2025–2035). 

Typical Homeowner Cost: $22.29 per year ($1.86 per month) on a $100,000 property for the previous 1-mill levy. 

Operation and Administration: The levy funds the ongoing operation and administration of park facilities and programs. 

Maintenance & Improvements: Day-to-day park maintenance, Capital improvements to parks, trails, and facilities, Infrastructure repairs (roads, bridges, dams, utilities, parking lots), Playground upgrades and enhancements, Nature education exhibits and interpretive centers 

Natural Resources & Protection: Preserve and restore parks, forests, and natural habitats, Water quality improvement for Sharon Lake and other bodies of water, Management and restoration of wildlife habitats 

Accessibility and Recreation: Improvements to paved and natural trails, regional trail network, Expansion of recreational facilities such as disc golf courses, camping, and new play experiences, Enhance accessibility for all visitors 

 

Impact on Communities and Homeowners 

Homeowners: The renewal does not raise taxes but maintains current property tax rates. Previous levies cost homeowners around $30–$33 per $100,000 of home value annually. 

Community Benefits: Parks provide healthy, equitable spaces, and investment tends to double in the surrounding area for every dollar spent on parks. Enhanced parks contribute to increased recreational opportunities, environmental quality, and social benefits. 

Home Values: Proximity to parks in Cincinnati raises property values, often by 10-20% compared to homes in urbanized zones. This premium reflects high buyer demand for access to green spaces, making properties near parks more attractive. 

 

Impact on Property Values 

Empirical Research: Communities in Ohio that vote to renew park levies see 13% higher home values three years after the vote than similar communities that say no to park funding. Cutting Park funding can save homeowners a small amount in taxes but costs them tens of thousands of dollars in reduced property values over time. 

Local Data: In Cincinnati, homes located near parks and green spaces often command a 10–20% price premium compared to similar properties in urbanized or less “green” areas. Buyers highly value access to nature and recreational spaces, driving higher demand and prices for such homes. 

Mechanism: Parks improve air quality, provide recreation, foster health, and create attractive amenities that increase neighborhood desirability, all of which contribute to rising property values. 

 

 

Role in Future Economic Development 

Quality parks directly support local economic development by attracting residents, businesses, and tourists. Parks are cited as essential for healthy and resilient communities. Improvements funded by the levy make neighborhoods more desirable, boost property values, and contribute to the area’s attractiveness for future development and investment. 

 

Pros and Cons of the Proposal & Strategy 

Pros 

• Maintains investment in parks and green spaces without increasing taxes. 

• Supports infrastructure, natural resource conservation, and community wellness. 

• Protects and sustains real estate values, supporting homeowners and future buyers. 

• Enables future economic development by making neighborhoods attractive to residents and businesses. 

Cons 

• Adds to cumulative property tax burden, especially relevant amid recent valuation increases. 

• Possible voter fatigue with repeated levies or competing priorities (like schools or social services). 

• Questions about the long-term financial sustainability or balancing future funding needs. 

• Some residents may already feel overtaxed, especially after property revaluations. 

 

REALTOR® Perspective  

REALTORS® generally support investments in parks because these tend to increase home values and attract buyers to neighborhoods, benefiting homeowners and the local real estate market. 

Conversely, there may be concerns if the cumulative impact of property tax levies becomes a barrier to affordability, especially in the context of recent valuation increases, but a renewal (rather than a new or increased levy) is less likely to be opposed unless broader tax fatigue becomes a factor. 

 

Summary Table 

Component	Details
Type	Renewal levy
Rate	1 mill
Period	10 years (2025–2035)
Purpose	Operation, maintenance, improvements of parks/facilities
Natural Resources	Protection, restoration, water quality, wildlife habitat
Infrastructure	Roads, bridges, trails, playgrounds, education exhibits
Recreation	Trails, disc golf, camping, accessibility upgrades
Tax Effect	No increase; maintains current homeowner rate

 

 

In Summary 

In summary, the 2025 Great Parks levy renewal is designed to maintain current support for county parks, positively impact property values, and promote community and economic development—while not increasing taxes for homeowners. For most, investment in parks is seen as a net positive, though the overall property tax climate is an important consideration.