Cincinnati, Ohio - Today, CUFA sent an open letter to Mayor Cranley, Cincinnati City Council and the Hamilton County Commissioners to ask for them to implement a requirement for public engagement on all major projects using public money.

The letter reads, in part: 

"As one of Hamilton County’s most diverse grassroots organizations, Communities United For Action knows that local, neighborhood participation is essential for the success of public projects. We are writing to request your commitment to establish and require a public engagement process for the Metropolitan Sewer District and other major infrastructure and development projects in the City & County.  

It is of the utmost importance that the neighbors who are affected by major projects and developments be involved in the decision-making and planning of these projects. Our government agencies must be transparent about the projects and the costs and benefits to the neighbors.

[...]

We are requesting your commitment to establish a Community Engagement Policy before undertaking any new major projects associated with Project Groundwork or any new major infrastructure or development projects for which public money will be allocated. We look forward to hearing from each of you by May 31, 2020 and will publish your answers publicly."

Download the full letter here.