FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REALTOR ® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati Supports Connected Communities
“Regional group representing 5,700+ real estate professionals applaud initiative as
a critical, necessary step for the City’s future success.”
Cincinnati, OH [May 20, 2024] – The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) supports
Cincinnati’s Connected Communities initiative, a program designed to bolster housing
opportunities and build stronger neighborhoods throughout the city.
“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.”
The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati has been working with the City of Cincinnati and
City Council for two years in the development of the initiative, providing feedback and serving
as subject matter experts on nationally trending housing and community planning strategies.
RAGC’s Advocacy Committee Chair, Jeff Rosa, is excited 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 addresses comprehensive zoning and land use reform to
increase density and housing inventories. This is a welcome proposal to reverse current market
conditions. REALTORS® view six months of available housing inventory as a healthy, balanced
market; yet today in the Greater Cincinnati region the market barely offers two months of
inventory.
“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 the growing demand while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all residents.
By fostering diverse housing opportunities, from affordable housing units to mixed-income
developments, we take steps to stem rising prices and recreate inclusive neighborhoods that
thrive.”
While the proposed changes may alarm some neighborhood councils, especially regarding
property values, Mary Huttlinger, RAGC’s Government Affairs Director, says the data tells stories
of success.
“According to a 2022 study published in the Land Use Policy Journal, there is a positive
relationship between density and constant quality home values in the (urban) core area,”
Huttlinger noted. “A 10% increase in density is associated with a 1–1.9% increase in house
prices per square foot. And another study from the Urban Institute showed a small but
statistically significant increase in property values near properties receiving Low Income
Housing Tax Credits. According to these studies, single-family homeowners in areas that see
higher density development are likely to see an overall increase in their property values.”
The 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. Learn more at
www.cincyrealtoralliance.com.