“The City’s Charter should not be a substitute for the city’s budget process and decision-making by elected officials.”
CINCINNATI, OH — October 4, 2023 — Former Mayor of the City of Cincinnati and current REALTOR®, Roxanne Qualls, joins the REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) Board of Directors in opposing the recently proposed Affordable Housing Charter Amendment (Issue 24) in Cincinnati.
Roxanne Qualls, a REALTOR® with Sibcy Cline Realtors, says, “The Charter should not be used as a tool by interest groups to carve out money when dissatisfied with decision-making among elected officials. That is why there are elections. A non-elected board should not oversee the distribution of earnings tax dollars.”
The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati Board of Directors, representing a diverse group of over 6,000 real estate professionals dedicated to promoting Cincinnati’s thriving and equitable housing market, formally opposed the ballot measure last week.
“We are dedicated to contributing to an inclusive conversation about affordable housing in Cincinnati,” says Anne Uchtman, President of the RAGC Board of Directors. “Our opposition to this amendment comes from a place of deep understanding of the local housing market and a firm belief in policies that are equitable, thoughtful, and effective in addressing the needs of all residents.”
Reasons for Opposition
Tax Increase: The Board finds that the amendment would add another unwanted tax increase, imposing a heavier burden on Cincinnati’s homeowners and residents who have recently been assessed with a double-digit increase in property valuations, resulting in an increase in their property taxes. “Plain and simple, Issue 24 is a tax increase masquerading as a solution to the affordable housing problem,” says Jason Kunkel, member of the RAGC Advocacy Committee.
Misguided Policy: The amendment is perceived as a simplistic solution to a complex issue. It overlooks essential elements like sustainable development, housing market dynamics, rezoning efforts, and individual community needs, thereby making it an imprudent policy measure. Jeff Rosa, Vice Chair of the Advocacy Committee, said, “The amendment irresponsibly tries to solve the affordable housing challenge by just throwing money at it. That’s not how sustainable long-term housing solutions work.”
Contradiction to Ongoing Efforts: The Mayor and the City Council are actively working on multifaceted strategies with a broad spectrum of community stakeholders to address affordable housing challenges. The proposed amendment contradicts these strategies and could undermine the progress in creating a more inclusive and balanced housing market. Government Affairs Director Mary Huttlinger says, “Let our elected officials do their jobs and give the process its due course to play out. This amendment is a bullish strategy that disregards a broader collective effort.”
RAGC’s Commitment to Affordable Housing
While the Board opposes the current amendment, it remains committed to finding viable solutions for affordable housing in Cincinnati. The Board believes in fostering dialogue and collaboration between real estate professionals, local government, community leaders, and residents to create well-informed, comprehensive, and sustainable housing policies.
REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati urges Cincinnatians to reject Issue 24, the Affordable Housing Charter Amendment, on November 7. Instead, they encourage Cincinnatians to engage with the Mayor and City Council on the continued development of existing affordable housing proposals. RAGC remains committed to engaging in conversations and collaborations with all community stakeholders to ensure the implementation of well-rounded, effective, and sustainable solutions that genuinely address the city’s affordable housing needs.
REALTOR Alliance of Greater Cincinnati® is a not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 6,000 of Cincinnati’s area real estate professionals. The association provides various benefits, including advocacy for equal housing opportunities, property rights, and homeownership. Additional benefits include educational programs, professional standards, social and networking events, and the Multiple Listing Service.
For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Shawn Maus
Director, Marketing & Communications
REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati
513-842-3011
400 E. Business Way, Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH
cincyrealtoralliance.com