2018 Hamilton Initiative Update

Table of Contents 3 Completed Projects 6 Downtown Redevelopment CORE Marcum Apartments Main Street

9 Economic Development

Economic Development Job Creation EMBARK & SWEL Internship Programs Champion Sports Complex Hamilton Mill

14 Quality of Life

Beltline Recreational Trail Bikeway Master Plan Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area 17Strong Promoting the Arts Identity Parks Conservancy Diversity & Inclusion Public Safety

24 Utilities & Infrastructure

Electric Utility Capital Projects Underground Utilities Capital Projects EmPower Hamilton South Hamilton Crossing Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection Improvements Main-Cereal-Haldimand-Western-McKinley Intersection Improvements

32 Planning

Plan Hamilton Hamilton River Plan

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Completed Projects Rotary Park

Marcum Park

$3.9 mm

$550 K Great Miami River Recreational Trail

Trail Connection to RiversEdge & Marcum Park

$752 K Municipal Brew Works

$1.1 mm

$3.5 mm Foundation Field Improvements

$1.3 mm

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Third St. Plaza

New Jobs Added in Last 5 Years

3,850 jobs

$1.6 mm High & MLK Intersection Improvements

East High Street Gateway Improvement Project

$2.7 mm RiversEdge Amphitheater

$1.9 mm $8.8 mm Mercantile Lofts

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$11.1 mm

Witt Way Improvements

$1.7 mm

Columbia Bridge Improvements

$348 K Artspace Lofts

$11.8 mm Small Businesses Opened in Last 5 Years

48

Public CNG Fueling Station

$2.5 mm Meldahl Hydroelectic Facility

$500 mm

Completed Projects & recent economic growth

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Downtown Redevelopment

CORE In December 2012, the City of Hamilton along with the Hamilton Community Foundation, First Financial, and U.S. Bank, launched the Consortium for Ongoing Reinvestment Efforts (CORE) to accelerate the revitalization of downtown Hamilton. Since then, CORE has made major improvements in Hamilton’s historic urban core by strategically acquiring blighted properties, returning them to productive use through rehabilitation, selling to new private owners, and working in collaboration with the city for traditional economic development. CORE has also evolved over the last five years to take on a variety of other projects, ranging from large scale commercial redevelopment to single family residential redevelopment.

2017 saw the completion of Quarter Barrel Brewery & Pub on Main Street, and in April 2018, Two Little Buds moved into a newly completed space at 17 North D Street. Two Little Buds is a boutique floral design studio that also offers farm-fresh seasonal flowers in their shop. Their space is in the back of the Davis Building at 302 Main Street, which will see continued renovation through 2018. Village Ice Cream is slated to open in the front retail space in September 2018. Work also continues in 2018 to redevelop CORE’s other Main Street real estate. Once reactivated, these key properties can have a catalytic effect on this important business corridor.

On the residential side, CORE has successfully assisted in the redevelopment and sale of three single-family homes in the City’s historic German Village neighborhood since 2016, as well as the sale of two vacant lots in German Village which should see construction of new homes beginning in 2018. Three additional residential properties have sales pending and are expected to close in 2018.

First residential property sold 2014 First Main St. property purchased & construction at 150 High St. completed 2015 First vacant residential lot sold for new construction; 254 High St. & 135 Main St. sold 2016 Pet Wants & Fleurish Home opened 2017 Quarter Barrel opened January 2018

Two Little Buds opened April 2018

Village Ice Cream opens September 2018 Closing on three residential properties Summer/Fall 2018

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Downtown Redevelopment

Marcum Apartments The Marcum Apartment project broke ground in April 2017 and is moving forward quickly. This $12 million project, undertaken by CMC Properties of Blue Ash, is located in the heart of downtown Hamilton between Marcum Park & RiversEdge Amphitheater, the Courtyard by Marriott, Municipal Brew Works, and the Hamilton Central YMCA. It is the first major downtown development in over 20 years. Once completed in summer 2018, The Marcum will add 100+ luxury apartment units and at least four commercial spaces. Two restaurants have already been announced to go into The Marcum: Loveland-based Tano’s Bistro & Catering, which focuses on wholesome food and seasonal menus, and The Casual Pint, a craft beer market with a limited food menu. Revive Salon, which will carry a full line of Aveda beauty products, has also been announced as a third commercial tenant at The Marcum.

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commercial tenant spaces

100+ luxury apartments

$12mm private investment 7

Downtown Redevelopment

Main Street Streetscape Project May to November 2018

Main Street Main Street caught its stride in 2016 and continues to build momentum. More than 20 new businesses have opened in the historic Main Street business district in the last two years, including multiple home decor and gift shops, custom furniture stores, a clothing boutique, a comic book store, a vinyl record shop, an all natural specialty pet store, and a paint-your-own-pottery shop. The CORE Fund sold their first Main Street building to Fleurish Home in 2016, and property owners continue to utilize the Upper Floor Residential Rehabilitation Program (UFRRP) to complete apartment units on Main Street.

The vision for Main Street is to increase foot traffic by adding more restaurants, shops, and housing units to reinvigorate the district, especially after 5 pm and on the weekends. In an effort to incentivize new housing units, the UFRRP provides a matching grant up to $20,000 per unit for property owners to redevelop the residential spaces above their Main Street retail spaces.

2018 will continue to see investment in the Main Street area as the CORE Fund works to partner with private entities on the redevelopment of key properties in the business district. Several new businesses are also slated to open throughout the year and the City of Hamilton is undertaking a $3.2 million streetscape renovation that will include replacing a nearly 100 year old water main, undergrounding overhead electric utility lines, installing new streetlights, and adding additional landscape improvements.

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PHASE 1: Westbound Main St. closed from D St. to Eaton Ave. Around 2 months PHASE 2: Westbound Main St. closed from B St. to Eaton Ave. Around 1 month PHASE 3: Eastbound and Westbound Main St. closed from B St. to C St. Around 1 month PHASE 4: Various lane restrictions impacting different areas of Main St. and side streets (B St. thru F St.) Around 1 month

Economic Development

Economic Development Job Creation Hamilton companies are expected to create a total of 500+ jobs in 2018. In addition to growth at existing companies, such as Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc., Barclaycard, and ODW Logistics, new companies are also moving to Hamilton and creating jobs. Kirsch CPA Group moved into their new location at the corner of Third and High Streets in early May, bringing more than 20 employees with plans to create an additional 10 to 20 jobs over the next few years. 80 Acres Farms is renovating a building on South Second Street in downtown Hamilton and will be hiring up to 6 people by the end of 2018.

500+ expected new jobs in 2018

$1.02B 2017 Citywide total annual payroll

4% 2017 average unemployment rate 9

Economic Development

Innovation Challenge EMBARK proposal 2013

EMBARK & SWEL Internship Programs

First SWEL intern Summer 2015

EMBARK

First class of EMBARK interns Fall 2015

the EMBARK interns were able to explore their own Submitted as a proposal in the City of Hamilton job interests and future career options while learning Innovation Challenge in 2013, the EMBARK (Engaging how to conduct a job search, how to search for Minds By Acquiring Real-world Knowledge) program college programs of interest, and much more. The engages high school students in the work of local City is bringing on three more EMBARK interns in the government while also exposing them to a professional summer of 2018 to work in the Planning Department, work environment. After a pilot program in 2015, the Engineering Department, and City Clerk’s Office.

Diversity and Inclusion Commission used feedback from the participating interns to make improvements.

Summer Work Exprience in Law Annually, the City participates in the Summer Work The Summer 2017 EMBARK class was the third group Experience in Law (SWEL) program. SWEL was of students to complete the program. Three interns, developed in 1988 by the Black Lawyers Association of representing both Hamilton and Badin High Schools, Cincinnati - Cincinnati Bar Association Round Table to worked for six weeks with various City of Hamilton inspire more African American students to take up an departments and divisions, including Public Works, interest in the legal field and to help these students make Economic Development, and GIS. Projects included an informed decision to enter law school and the legal conducting research, gathering benchmark data from profession. SWEL is an eight-week summer enrichment other cities, and developing interactive GIS story maps. opportunity that includes work experiences, coaching, networking, and preparing for professional school entry In addition to gaining professional work experience, the with resume and personal statement writing, as well as 2017 EMBARK interns also participated in professional LSAT preparation. The City offers one SWEL position per development through Skills Central, Butler County year, and prefers to hire high school or college students United Way’s workforce development program that from Hamilton to help grow local legal talent. The 2017 provides Hamilton-area adults one-on-one counseling SWEL intern, a Hamilton High School junior, was the and referral services to help them get the qualifications City’s third participant in the program. they need for in-demand jobs. Through Skills Central,

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Second SWEL intern & class of EMBARK interns Summer 2016 Third SWEL intern & class of EMABRK interns Summer 2017 Fourth SWEL intern & class of EMBARK interns Summer 2018

Economic Development

Champion Sports Complex The City of Hamilton is partnering with Manheim, PA-based Spooky Nook Sports LLC on the redevelopment of the former Champion Paper Mill. The project is slated to include a sports complex, fitness center, hotel, restaurants, brewery, meeting and event space, and other entertainment venues. The facility will also house tenants in various medical fields including orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, and other services that support athletics and active lifestyles. The development team is in the final stages of financing for this estimated $150 million project and expects to break ground in 2018.

While much of the work to-date may not yet be visible to those passing by the site, a lot of behind-the-scenes activity has been taking place to move the Spooky Nook Sports at Champion Mill project forward. In 2017, the Spooky Nook team was focused on obtaining Historic Registration from the State of Ohio and the National Parks Service. The City of Hamilton was overseeing environmental remediation over the past year, as well as creating a plan for the relocation of B Street. All partners involved are excited and committed to bringing this project to fruition.

45+ total acres of redevelopment

NORTH D STREET

EXISTING SHED

NO RT HB

32

64 PARKING SPACES

ST RE ET

29

7

73 PARKING SPACES

3

39

27 ELECTRONIC PLYRON SIGNAGE

WARWICK AVE

RHEA AVE

NORTH C STRE ET

CHAMPION BLVD 48 7

2548 SEATS AT 18" SEATS 2002 SEATS AT 21" SEATS

6

102 DOME FIELD (75X115 YD)

OUTDOOR FIELD (70x115 YD)

20

RO W HA AM MIL ER TO ICA N

301 PARKING SPACES

3276 SEATS AT 18" SEATS 2574 SEATS AT 21" SEATS

total investment

DN

DOME VESTIBULE 4293 SF

PARTY

GO N BANANAS

G0 N BANANAS

DOME CORRIDOR 9427 SF HARDWOOD COURTS 68529 SF

RETAIL

CLIP N CLIMB

18

BASEBALL INFIELD 15878 SF

MEMBER

RE T BR AIL C EW EN PA TE RK R/

W

PARTY

LOCKER ROOMS

DN ENTRY OU TD EV OO EN R S T S EA PA TIN CE G /

M

PARTY

BATTING CAGES (9)

PARTY

PA RK &R 13 ES 35 TA 94 4 UP UR LO PE AN W R ER D TP 62 DE ECK AR CK PA KIN PA RK G DE RK IN CK IN G S G SP PAC AC ES ES 7 21

HUNTER AVE

51 MECH

DOCK AREA

RE TA IL/B RE W

CHILD WATCH

$150mm

SIGNAGE

100

MEMBER CHECK-IN

PARTY

14

47 PARKING SPACES

SPORTS PERFORMANCE 9600 SF

SPORTS COMPLEX

FITNESS PERFORMANCE CENTER 43122 SF

VA LE TA H CC ARDS CA ES PIN S ON G LY

CORRIDOR

LOBBY

80

80

DOCK AREA & STORAGE

80

80

67

30

BOULDERING CENTER

MULTI-PURPOSE/ EXHIBIT 1 52246 SF

MULTI-PURPOSE/ EXHIBIT 2 41851 SF

SEATING AREA FOOD SERVICE

CONCESSION KITCHEN

total expected annual visitors

911 PARKING SPACES

ORTHOPEDIC 8722 SF

JC

DOCK

STOR

LOADING AREA

STORAGE/MECH

SERVICE COURT

BU 33 54 SINE PA SS RK P ING AR SP KING AC ES

HOTEL DELIVERIES

7

32 HOT PA EL 15 RK PA ING RK SP ING AC 17 ES

8

BO UT IQU EH OT EL

43 PARKING

12

SPACES

8 48

73

65

87

81

87

CHAMPION BLVD

21

TRASH ENCLOSURE

GREAT MIAMI RIVER

STORAGE

STORAGE/MECH

RE ST AU RA NT

URGENT CARE 5304 SF

35

8

ELECTRONIC PLYRON SIGNAGE

43 51

BL AC KS TR EE TB RID GE

1mm+

DENTIST 3488 SF

HO TE LE NTR Y

TRASH

HO TE L&

NO RT HB

ST R

EE 202 T PA RK ING SP AC ES

E SIGNAG

40

61

7

11 1,955 PARKING SPACES N

0' 20' 40'

80'

160'

240'

Economic Development

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current Hamilton Mill members

Hamilton Mill 2017 at a Glance

The Hamilton Mill continues to play a pivotal role in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem #StartupCincy.

With its focus on advanced manufacturing, cleantech, and associated applications, the startups that fall into this unique niche are being served by the rich mentor network and partner organizations of The Mill.

Additionally, The Mill hosts the Butler County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) which was named the best Center in the country in 2017. From a programming perspective, The Mill continues to assess new options to ensure it is providing value to its members through programs such as Pipeline H2O, a water technology commercialization platform which ran its second year of programming in early 2018.

Startups

The Mill’s goal is to move startup companies forward and turn them into sustainable businesses that will enrich not only Hamilton, but the Greater Cincinnati region as a whole. In February 2017, The Mill announced the successful exit of member company NewKnowledge United (NKU). NKU was founded in 2014 by Jack Calhoun and Dr. Danny Hoyt before merging with TiER1 Performance Solutions to strengthen their core talent base and expand their national reach. NKU’s exit from the Hamilton Mill signifies a major accomplishment for both NKU and The Mill, as exits are widely considered to be the ultimate goal of incubators and accelerators throughout the startup ecosystem. Other companies that are making great strides at The Mill include ArkSystems, Edge Prototype, Wraith Games, Searen and Perceptive Devices.

Additionally, The Mill received grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration ($500,000) and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation ($50,000) in 2017 to continue providing a rich platform for startups.

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SBDC

The Butler County Small Business Development Center (SBDC), based out of the Hamilton Mill, was chosen as the SBDC of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2017. This annual recognition is awarded based on excellence in categories including business starts, capital infusion, jobs created, and jobs retained. In 2017, the SBDC oversaw 58 business starts and $3 million capital infusion while providing guidance that created 183 jobs and generated more than $3.1 million in new sales. The Butler County SBDC was chosen out of over 1,000 Centers nationwide and is the first in the state of Ohio to receive the recognition.

The SBDC also added a new business advisor to its team in 2017. Sangmi Kim is dedicated to serving entrepreneurs and small business owners, with a specialty in developing business strategies, formulating financial projections, and providing training to new business owners.

58

SBDC new business starts in 2017

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Pipeline H2O 2018 participants

Economic Development

Pipeline H20

The Hamilton Mill announced the inaugural class of Pipeline H2O in January 2017 - six startups from around the country that will change the world. Pipeline H2O is a commercialization program for water technology companies supported by a coalition of regional cities, utilities, universities, and startup organizations throughout the Greater Cincinnati region. The goal of the program is to identify and accelerate companies working on water technologies that address the world’s water challenges, including infrastructure improvements, water reuse, and wastewater treatment and monitoring.

In 2018, six additional startups were selected among 80 applications received from 20 countries for Pipeline H2O’s second class. The culmination of the Pipeline program is a Demo Day, during which each company presents their breakthrough technologies and potential impacts to an audience of over 100 investors, innovators, university representatives, and members of the #StartupCincy community. After the presentations, two companies are selected by their fellow classmates to receive $25,000 investments. In 2017, PowerTech Water and Searen were selected, and in 2018, Drop Water and GeoInteractive received the $25,000 investments.

PowerTech has been making waves in other areas of the industry, as well. On May 9, 2017, they were selected to receive a $200,000 investment from Clean Energy Trust, a nonprofit cleantech accelerator based in Chicago.

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Quality of Life

Public input session 1st Quarter 2016

Beltline Recreational Trail The City of Hamilton is exploring the opportunity to transform 2.96 miles of railroad looping around the west side of the city from abandoned rail lines to a recreational trail. The line, which was originally used

by Champion Paper, provides a unique opportunity to connect a number of west side communities including Highland Park, Prospect Hill, and Armondale. The abandoned rail line extends from the old Champion Paper facility along the river around the west side of Hamilton to Millville Avenue.

The City is working through the process of purchasing the land rights from CSX for conversion of the rail corridor into a recreational trail. If feasible, it will provide cyclists, runners, and walkers a route safe from vehicular traffic to a number of amenities, including Combs Park, Jim Grimm Park & Sprayground, West Side Little League, Flub’s, Great Miami Rowing Center, the Great Miami River, Main Street and downtown business districts, and possible new amenities at the former Champion Paper Mill.

Recreational trails enhance quality of life and the City of Hamilton sees this as a welcomed opportunity to grow our trail system. The master plan envisions the Beltline as connected to the overall bikeway system, allowing people to connect to the Great Miami River Recreational trail system.

The City has been aggressive in trying to secure grants and other outside funding opportunities to make this project a reality. In Fall 2016, the City was offered three grants through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Clean Ohio Trails Fund, the NatureWorks Program, and the Ohio Public Works Commission’s Green Space Conservation Fund. These awards will help pay for the acquisition of the rail line and rail yard. The City and CSX conducted negotiations for the property throughout 2017 and have reached a tentative agreement, dependent upon the approval

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of City Council and the grant agencies. It is projected that the property will close during late Summer 2018.

In addition to funding for the acquisition of property, the City has also pursued grants and other outside funding opportunities for construction costs. In 2017, the City was offered two grants through the Clean Ohio Trail Fund and the NatureWorks Program for construction of phase 1 of the trail. Phase 1 construction is set to take place between Eaton and Cleveland Avenues. This section of the trail is approximately one half mile in length and will include the demolition and replacement of a bridge across Two Mile Creek. The City has determined that the former rail bridge is not suitable for pedestrian traffic and is exploring multiple bridging options. Additional project updates are expected throughout 2018.

Three grants received for property acquisition 4th Quarter 2016 Environmental comment period 1st Quarter 2017 Land appraisal & environmental studies 2nd Quarter 2017 Negotiation of land acquisition 4th Quarter 2017 Two grants received for Phase I construction 4th Quarter 2017 Land acquisition 3rd Quarter 2018 Site design, planning & begin Phase I contruction 4th Quarter 2018

Quality of Life

Bikeway Master Plan The City of Hamilton is developing a Bikeway Master Plan that will make Hamilton a more bicycle friendly city through policies, programs, and a complete network of shared roadways, bike lanes, and all-purpose trails throughout the City.

The Master Plan will identify existing bikeways in Hamilton and propose additions needed to better connect the community internally and externally to major regional trail networks. The Bicycle Master Plan will aim to increase bike ridership, raise awareness about bicycle safety, connect neighborhoods, link amenities, build a better transportation system, improve the health of Hamilton residents, and improve air quality and the environment.

As planning moves forward, the City will identify priorities and begin work to extend the bicycle network to make important connections between residential areas, areas of employment, and recreational amenities.

Sharrow

In 2018, anticipated updates to the bicycle network include continued progress on the Beltline project and completion of South Hamilton Crossing (pg. 29). The South Hamilton Crossing project will include 5-ft. wide bike lanes on each side of Grand Boulevard from University Boulevard to East Avenue/Dixie Highway. At the same time, University Boulevard from Knightsbridge Avenue to Williams Avenue will be converted from the existing four lane section to a three lane section with bike lanes on each side. In total, approximately 2.25 miles of new bike lanes will be created on Grand Boulevard and University Boulevard.

The City is also actively working with neighboring communities and regional trail advocacy organization Tri-State Trails to develop plans for the Miami 2 Miami Connector, a bike route that would link the Great Miami River Recreational Trail in Hamilton to the Little Miami Bike Trail.

Bike Lane

Existing Bicycle Infrastructure

Existing Bike Lane

Bike Path

Planned Bike Lane Existing Bike Path Existing Sharrows & Signs

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Quality of Life

Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area The City of Hamilton passed legislation in early 2018 to create a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) that encompasses most of the downtown area on both sides of the Great Miami River, including High and Main Streets and German Village. The former Champion Paper Mill site along North B Street where the Spooky Nook mega-indoor sports complex is anticipated will also be added in the future. The DORA became active in early May 2018 and allows establishments that have a liquor permit within the district to sell to-go alcoholic beverages in designated plastic cups. Visitors can enjoy their refreshments outside while they stroll between shops and restaurants within the DORA. Modeling after other Ohio cities, such as Toledo and Middletown, who have successfully implemented DORAs in recent years, the City of Hamilton DORA has already increased pedestrian traffic and will continue to create a more vibrant downtown atmosphere. City staff partnered with community leaders, local business owners, and residents to ensure input from all stakeholders was included during the planning process. Additional security and waste management plans associated with the DORA were developed as part of the implementation strategy.

DORA effort announced November 2017

Public input sessions January 2018

City Council vote to establish DORA April 2018

DORA enacted May 2018

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Quality of Life

$37,000 awarded through 15 grants in 2016

$38,400 awarded through 22 grants in 2017

$24,800 available in 2018

17Strong The 17Strong Neighborhoods initiative grew out of the Sense of Place committee which was one of the four pillars of City Council’s 2012 strategic plan. Part of the Sense of Place committee’s charge was to build a robust neighborhoods initiative. After a few years of grassroots relationship-building by resident volunteers, City Council, and City staff, the effort found structure in the 17Strong Advisory Board.

17Strong provides a framework for communication and a sense of identity within Hamilton’s 17 neighborhoods.

Intended to increase civic engagement and strengthen community pride, this initiative seeks to define neighborhoods, community third-places, and the various needs and aspirations of each neighborhood. 17Strong created the resident-led 17Strong Advisory Board and the Micro-grant program in 2016.

17Strong Advisory Board

The 17Strong Advisory Board was created to provide structure and direction to the neighborhoods initiative.

The advisory board works to assess and make recommendations to further engagement and trust between neighborhoods, within neighborhoods, and between the City and neighborhoods; leverage their leadership and neighborhood perspective to serve for the good of all neighborhoods; and develop, promote, assess, and make recommendations to the newly created 17Strong Micro-grant Program.

Made up of a diverse group of community members ranging from new to lifelong residents, the board’s structure is meant to be inclusive of all Hamiltonians. The board consists of twelve City Council-appointed residents, four members from each of Hamilton’s three neighborhood types: Urban, Traditional, and Suburban.

17Strong Micro-grant Program

In its first two years, the 17Strong Micro-grant Program awarded over $75,400 in grants to 37 community projects.

From neighborhood beautification and rehabilitation projects to community job fairs and uplifting community events, the Micro-grant Program provided funds to support a variety of grassroots projects that were created by and for Hamiltonians. There will be more than $24,800 in funding for 2018 applications.

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Quality of Life

Promoting the Arts Identity StreetSpark

As part of the City’s strategy to further the arts identity in Hamilton, an arts committee was formed in 2014 comprising arts professionals in the community and City staff. One of the ideas developed by the committee was StreetSpark, an effort to produce high-quality public art that will create opportunities for local artists and enhance the visual appeal of the city. StreetSpark launched in 2016 and over the first two summers of the program, five murals were completed in highly visible locations around downtown and Main Street. Three more murals are slated to be painted in 2018, one on Jeff Pohlman Tire & Auto on east High Street, another on North Second Tap & Bottle Shop on North Second Street, and the third on Miami University Hamilton’s campus. StreetSpark is an initiative led by the Fitton Center for Creative Arts with the City serving as an important partner in the effort.

In addition to the StreetSpark program, the Hamilton Parks Conservancy had six murals painted in six different parks in 2017, each depicting a species of bird native to Southwest Ohio. 2018 will see four new insect murals completed in the parks.

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Quality of Life

Fire Hydrant Painting

City arts strategy team formed Fall 2014

Mural program conceived April 2015

Two StreetSpark murals & pilot fire hydrants painted Summer 2016

There are approximately 2,800 City-owned fire hydrants throughout Hamilton. In 2016, a fire hydrant painting program was piloted through a partnership between City of Hamilton Purchasing, Hamilton Utilities, Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities Employment Works, ViaQuest Foundation, and InsideOut Studio. In 2017, efforts expanded with these groups, in addition to new parternships with the YMCA and Booker T. Washington Community Center to employe local students to repaint more than 220 fire hydrants ‘safety yellow’. This year, as many as 250 hydrants will be painted standard reflective yellow by local students and an additional nine hydrants located in the Lindenwald neighborhood will be painted artistically by individuals working with InsideOut Studio.

The goal is to continue at this rate with a similar number of fire hydrants per year so that all fire hydrants within the City of Hamilton would be on a ten-year painting cycle.

Creative Placemaking Immersion Program

The City of Hamilton Community Development Department and the Fitton Center for Creative Arts were selected in 2016 as partners to participate in the Creative Placemaking Immersion Program.

This year-long intensive program aimed to advance creative placemaking initiatives as well as to revitalize communities and local economies by leveraging the power of arts, culture, and creativity. Only three states were selected to be a part of the grant-funded program, with Hamilton joining Cleveland and the Buckeye HillsHocking Valley Region as the communities representing Ohio. Hamilton’s inclusion in the program was due to our growing reputation for developing creative partnerships with many arts organizations. In spring 2017, Hamilton hosted a state-wide Creative Placemaking event that aimed to develop community projects all over Ohio.

National Creative Placemaking event November 2016 Ohio Creative Placemaking event April 2016 Three StreetSpark murals, six park murals & 250 fire hydrants painted Summer 2017 Three StreetSpark murals, four park murals & 250 fire hyrdrants to be painted Summer 2018

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Quality of Life

Parks Conservancy The Hamilton Parks Conservancy was very busy in 2017. Marcum Park, the $3.9 million public greenspace in the heart of downtown Hamilton, as well as Rotary Park, located at the corner of High and North Second Streets, were both completed. A new sprayground opened at the Booker T. Washington (BTW) Community Center, the sixth sprayground in Hamilton, and six new playscapes were constructed and opened at BTW Park, Benninghofen Park, Darrell O. Pace Park, Smalley Park, Veteran’s Park, and Millikin Woods. Improvements were also completed at Foundation Field and six murals, each depicting a different species of bird native to southwest Ohio, were painted throughout the park system.

In 2018, the Parks Conservancy will be concentrating on our neighborhood parks. The Conservancy will be replacing outdated playscapes and swings, increasing accessibility, and providing a safe environment for our children. The Conservancy will also start work on an additional nine holes for the disc golf course in Millikin Woods, and will be working with the Hamilton Conservation Corps. in the Riverside Natural Area and in the construction of a Nature Center in Joyce Park. Four insect murals are also scheduled to be painted in 2018.

The Hamilton Parks Conservancy is responsible for the maintenance and improvements of the 40 Hamilton parks and green spaces. The Conservancy also maintains the Hamilton section of the Great Miami River Recreational Trail. In addition to maintenance, the Conservancy is responsible for park related activities, program scheduling, and the park system’s capital investment and planning programs.

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40

parks & green spaces

$1.65mm 2018 operating budget

$388K 2018 capital budget

Commission established by ordinance January 2015 Commission recommendations to Council January 2016 Diversity workshop facilitated by Busi Dlamini June 2016 City’s internal Hamilton Executive Leadership Program launched February 2017 Commission’s 2017-2018 Action Plan completed March 2017 City increases recruitment reach through Neogov rollout July 2017 Commission’s Hamilton Citizen Survey launched September 2017 Implicit Bias Training completed by City employees Fall 2017

Quality of Life

Diversity & Inclusion Formed in January 2015, the Diversity and Inclusion Commission is tasked with studying the internal and external barriers to diversity and inclusion and providing recommendations to City Council and Administration to address such barriers in the City’s workforce, the services the City provides, and in City staff’s interactions with the community. The commission has a strategic plan with clear goals and strategies including measures that hold the commission accountable for achieving said goals. The commission is composed of three subcommittees that carry out the work of the commission: the Internal Retention, Recruitment and Promotion subcommittee, the Marketing & Communication subcommittee, and the Citizen Engagement & Community Partnerships subcommittee.

In 2017, the Commission ramped up efforts to increase their community presence and engagement. For example, in order to further develop relationships with community stakeholders who support diversity and inclusion, the commission dedicated a portion of their recurring meeting agenda to inviting community organizations to share about the work they carry out in the community to determine if there are any opportunities for these organizations to partner with the Commission. The Hamilton YWCA, Envision Partnerships, Hamilton F.O.R.T., Pastor Shaq’s Summer Job/Mentoring Program, and other organizations have all engaged with the commission in the last year.

Commissioners also voted to adopt a revised version of their Action Plan in 2017, in response to community members’ requests to know more about the work of the Commission and its plan to make Hamilton a more diverse and inclusive community. The revised plan offers a more easy-to-understand version of the commission’s Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measures (OGSM).

Furthering its dedication and commitment to improving the conditions around diversity and inclusion in Hamilton, the City also hired a Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator in 2017 who is responsible for coordinating and supporting the City’s diversity and inclusion initiatives and programs. This position serves as the ex-officio chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Commission and helps to ensure the Commission’s Action Plan items are addressed.

Forum on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace hosted by City, YWCA, & Miami Regionals January 2018 Passport to Hamilton Multicultural Fair April 2018 Diversity Cafes held focused on diversity & inclusion in Hamilton Spring 2018

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Quality of Life

Public Safety

112 police officers in 2018

Hamilton Police Department

HPD added eight new positions in 2017, five of which were assigned as School Resource Officers during the school year. HPD is proud to work cooperatively with the Hamilton City School District to provide a safe school environment and foster positive relationships among police officers, youth, and educators. A second officer was added to the downtown walking beat to increase police presence in our business districts, a third to the traffic section, and the final new officer was added to the neighborhood policing unit.

In 2018, HPD is reconfiguring their patrol shift structure and deployment to provide more consistent and efficient frontline staffing, and will finish testing and evaluating body worn cameras for the final determination on adoption and implementation of a body worn camera program. HPD will also continue to focus on community engagement efforts in 2018 through social media, 5-stops, and community education programs, while also actively addressing neighborhood and nuisance problems through increased coordination and abatement efforts. HPD’s hiring process will continue to be updated and reviewed to ensure it reflects the opportunities and challenges of recruiting and selecting police officers in the 21st century.

The Hamilton Police Department currently employs 112 officers and handles approximately 70,000 calls for service per year.

5

assigned school resource officers

70,000 average calls for service per year

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Quality of Life

Hamilton Fire Department 12,967 HFD calls for service 2016 14,482 HFD calls for service 2017 14,400+ estimated HFD calls for service 2018

In 2017, HFD completed its hiring plan and increased staffing to 105. This allowed staffing of a fourth unit 85% of the time, improving service to our citizens and reducing the need for mutual aid calls into the city. Several facility updates in 2018 will allow for a better deployment and increased service once completed. HFD has focused on reducing fires in our city by increasing fire inspections, improving public education especially in grade schools, working with other city departments to identify and remove blight, and determining the cause and origin of all fires when possible. The increased focus on training in 2017 will continue into 2018 to improve personnel development and services. The Bureau of Fire Prevention will increase capabilities by developing staff as fire and life safety educators focused on community risk reduction and fire safety for all parts of our population.

In 2016, the Hamilton Fire Department made 12,967 calls for service. In 2017, the call volume was 14,482, an increase of 11.7%. The greatest demand for service is emergency medical calls, which accounts for more than 85% of the work performed.

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Utilities & Infrastructure

Electric Utility Capital Projects The City of Hamilton’s electric system continues to be improved. The City is in its fourth year of a ten year program to convert all streetlights to energy saving light emitting diode (LED) lights. So far, 2,500 of 9,000 lights have been converted. In 2018, $1.5 million will also be invested for continuation of a ten year Utility Pole Replacement Program, with 600 wooden utility pole replacements planned. Based on the 2016 utility pole assessment survey that was completed, over 3,800 wooden poles are presently in need of replacement. Hamilton Utilities will also continue to eliminate direct bury underground electric by replacement with conduit infrastructure for increased reliability. Additionally, a four year tree trimming cycle and tree planting program has been implemented with guidance from an on-staff professional arborist. This program is designed to improve utility service reliability by maintaining proper utility clearances and right-of-way access.

In 2017, many capital projects were completed, including replacing old electromechanical relays with new solid state relays serving the substation SOID feeders. Additionally, the electric system SCADA was improved by implementing an upgrade to the Prism operating system and installing Multispeak and DNP Net. Communication of the current status of the electrical system and outage reporting was improved in 2017 by implementing Milsoft Outage Management upgrades with voice recognition during regular business hours and adding Mobility Module to the system.

The American Public Power Association (APPA) recognized the City of Hamilton in May 2017 for providing reliable and safe electric service by awarding the City’s electric utility with a Diamond Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation. RP3 Diamond is the highest honor bestowed by the APPA, and Hamilton is one of only 43 electric utilities nationwide, out of more than 2,000, to receive the honor in 2017.

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10 year LED streetlight conversion program began 2015 Year one of Greenup rehabilitation plan 2016 4 year tree trimming cycle & 10 year utility pole replacement program began 2016 Meldahl Hydroelectric Facility dedication June 2016 Milsoft Outage Management upgrades implemented 2017 Electric system improvements & optimization of hydroelectric faciltiies continues 2018

Utilities & Infrastructure

Meldahl & Greenup Hydroelectric Facilities

Meldahl Hydroelectric Facility, Hamilton’s newest hydroelectric facility, began commercial operation in 2016. In 2018, Hamilton Utilities will continue to optimize the Meldahl Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). The CMMS programs help to improve and maintain efficient and reliable facility operations.

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mega-watt Meldahl Hydroelectric Facility

Hamilton Utilities is in year three of a ten year, $30 million rehabilitation plan for the Greenup Hydroelectric Facility on the Ohio River. In 2017, many capital projects were executed, including a major overhaul of one of the carbon seals, refurbishment of one of the downstream gates, replacement of two of the three generator cables, and modernization of the elevator serving the facility. In 2018, over $2 million of efficiency, reliability, safety, and preservation projects are planned.

Because of Hamilton Utilities’ large investments in hydroelectric power, Hamilton’s electric rates will be stable far into the future. Hydroelectric is an extremely reliable, green energy source that powers approximatley 50% of Hamilton’s electricity needs.

70.2

mega-watt Greenup Hydroelectric Facility

51.4% Hamilton’s share of energy output from each facility 25

Utilities & Infrastructure

Underground Utility Capital Projects Hamilton Utilities is committed to continually improving its utility systems. To this end, Hamilton Utilities is investing over $19 million in local utility infrastructure in 2018. Hamilton Utilities is involved in a number of important community projects, including Main-Millville-Eaton intersection improvements (all utilities), Main Street water main replacement and lighting improvements, LED streetlight conversion, and Taft Place underground electric replacement, in addition to the natural gas system, wastewater system, and water system improvements detailed below.

Natural Gas

The natural gas utility will fund $1.05 million to replace 0.75 miles of natural gas main on Van Hook Avenue, Hooven Avenue, and Clinton Avenue in 2018. Hamilton Utilities continues its investment in compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel by increasing the City’s CNG vehicle fleet. Currently there are 10 CNG City vehicles.

Wastewater

The wastewater utility will fund approximately $1.46 million for design and construction of sanitary sewer rehabilitation and replacement projects. These funds will be used to replace 2,130 linear feet of sanitary sewer mains and 1,460 linear feet of sanitary sewer service laterals on S. Third Street, Parrish Avenue, Pater Avenue, and Briarwood Drive. Additionally, 1.19 miles of sanitary sewer will be lined in 2018.

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North Water Treatment Facility improvements begin Late Spring 2018 Water main replacement begins Late Spring 2018 Natural gas main replacement begins Early Summer 2018 Sanitary sewer main & service lateral replacement begins Early Summer 2018 Sanitary sewer main lining begins Late Summer 2018

Utilities & Infrastructure

Water

The water utility will fund approximately $2.35 million via a zero interest Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) loan to replace 2.69 miles of water main on Southern Hills Boulevard and Bilstein Boulevard. Additionally, the water utility will fund approximately $2.09 million of water main replacements on Main Street, Theodore Avenue, and Heathwood Avenue totaling 1.18 miles. $400,000 of improvements are also planned for the North Water Treatment Facility and $335,000 for the South Water Treatment Facility to maintain efficiency and reliability.

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ENTERPRISE

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Exhibit #2 SOID (Bilstein) Water System Loop Proposed 12" Ductile Iron Water Main

BILSTEIN BLVD

Exhibit #2 SOID (Bilstein) Water System Loop Proposed 12" Ductile Iron Water Main

BUSWAY LN

Project Location BUSWAY LN

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2018 natural gas main replacement

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SYMM ES RD

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2018 sanitary sewer rehabilitation & replacement

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$4.44mm 2018 water main replacement 27

Utilities & Infrastructure

EmPower Hamilton Hamilton Utilities, in partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation and Salvation Army, are working together to assist Hamilton utility customers in need of utility assistance through EmPower Hamilton. EmPower Hamilton is designed to assist Hamilton residents who are in need obtain assistance with their utility bills. Many local families experiencing job loss, illness, loss of a spouse, or other financial crises can find it difficult to pay their utility bills.

This program was launched more than eleven years ago and was initially known as the “Make It Happen” fund.

In October 2016, the program was rebranded “EmPower Hamilton” and relaunched to renew awareness of the program within the community. Since October 2016, EmPower Hamilton has participated in events such as Alive After Five, the Fitton Center Season Launch, Public Energy Week Customer Appreciation Cookout, Operation Pumpkin, Hamilton Christmas Tree Lighting, IceFest, and City of Hamilton sponsored employee events.

Since the rebranding in 2016, 59 Hamilton utility customers have signed up as recurring utility donors to the EmPower Hamilton Fund and have donated $7,819.46. In addition, donations have been made directly to the Hamilton Community Foundation in the amount of $6,911.90. This is a total donation amount of $14,731.36.

Customers can contribute to the fund through one-time or recurring donation on their utility bills. One hundred percent of the money donated goes to EmPower Hamilton. The donations are administered by the Hamilton Community Foundation and forwarded to the Salvation Army, who work with qualifying customers to help avoid utility service disconnection.

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2016 EmPower Hamilton launched

59

recurring Hamilton Utilities customer donors

$14,731 total donations

Project Investment: $32 million

Utilities & Infrastructure

Partners:

City of Hamilton Ohio Dept. of Transportation Butler Co. Transportation Improvement District OKI Regional Council of Governments Ohio Dev. Services Agency JobsOhio Senator Bill Coley

Project first proposed Early 1900s Preliminary feasibility study conducted for current proposal 2006 OKI awards $2.45 million to SHX 2012 Right-of-way acquisition begins Winter 2014

South Hamilton Crossing Construction is progressing several months ahead of schedule and under budget on the South Hamilton Railroad Grade Separation Crossing (SHX) project. The project replaces an existing at-grade railroad crossing with a railroad overpass created by extending Grand Boulevard westerly to University Boulevard. Approximately sixty trains travel through the existing crossing daily, blocking the crossing and creating a delay for motorists and emergency response teams. The existing crossing does not allow truck traffic which is a significant obstacle for local companies.

In addition to the overpass, a 0.5 mile roadway extension will provide a direct connection from South Erie Boulevard (SR-4) to University Boulevard. This project will greatly improve connectivity, reduce drive times, and increase safety. Due to their close proximity to the project, SHX is anticipated to have especially important connectivity benefits for Vora Technology Park, University Commerce Park, and Miami University-Hamilton.

Hamilton received $18.1 million in grant funding and commitments from external sources for the $32 million project. Support from regional and state partners includes: $10 million in funding from ODOT, separate grants of $2.45 and $3.75 million from the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments, and $1.1 million from JobsOhio.

Construction began in June 2016 and is expected to be complete by August of 2018. In July of 2017, City Council issued a proclamation designating the project as the “Jim Blount South Hamilton Crossing� overpass, in honor of the local historian and transportation proponent who helped promote the project.

ODOT awards $10 million to SHX Spring 2015 OKI and JobsOhio commit $4.85 million to SHX Fall 2015

Construction started Summer 2016

Construction complete Fall 2018

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Utilities & Infrastructure

Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection Improvements

ODOT grant awarded 2012

Environmental studies & detailed design completed 2016 Construction plans & right-ofway acquisition completed December 2017

Restructuring of the Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection is an important project utilizing the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) safety program. During 2012, the City obtained funding through the State Highway Safety Program to upgrade the intersection of Main Street at Eaton Avenue/Millville Avenue. The project cost is estimated at $3.7 million with the State contributing 90% and the City responsible for the remaining 10%.

Electric relocation construction begins Spring 2018

The proposed improvement includes realigning the Eaton Avenue/Millville Avenue approaches to the Main Street intersection so they are directly across from each other. This will significantly improve traffic operations and safety at the intersection. Construction for electric relocation is anticipated to be underway in spring 2018 with roadway construction commencing in late summer or fall 2018.

Roadway construction begins Late Summer/Fall 2018 Construction complete November 2019

Project Investment: $3.7 million (City share $370,000)

Partners:

Ohio Dept. of Transportation City of Hamilton

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Utilities & Infrastructure Project Investment: $3.3 million (City share $600,000)

Partners:

Ohio Dept. of Transportation City of Hamilton

Main-Cereal-Haldimand-WesternMcKinley Intersection Improvements Plans are underway to improve the Main-Cereal-Haldimand-Western-McKinley intersection on the west side of Hamilton. The current intersection has five streets converging, resulting in an inefficient and confusing intersection.

The intersection has both significant vehicular and pedestrian traffic and may become an important bike thoroughfare; therefore, the new design must incorporate the needs of all three modes of transportation.

The City is currently exploring the possibility of improving the intersection through a number of different scenarios. The sketch below is a preliminary concept that would efficiently address the intersection’s challenges.

In December 2016, the City received notification of an Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Safety Program Grant for $2.7 million for construction of the intersection in year 2020. ODOT will contribute 90% of the construction cost with the City contributing the remaining 10%. The City will pay for the design and any right-of-way acquisition costs.

Concept plan completed January 2016

ODOT grant awarded December 2016

Preliminary design complete 2018 Construction plans & right-ofway acquisition complete Summer 2019

Construction begins 2020

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Planning

City partnered with Compass Point Planning and McGill Smith Punshon November 2016

Plan Hamilton

Neighborhood input meetings conducted July - August 2017

In July 2017, the City of Hamilton along with Compass Point Planning and McGill Smith Punshon began to develop a new comprehensive plan titled Plan Hamilton. This is the first master planning process the City has undertaken since Vision 2020, which was launched in the late 1990s. Vision 2020 is largely seen as the impetus for Hamilton’s most recent wave of downtown revitalization.

Interactive workshop and public open house held October 2017

Plan Hamilton is a community wide effort to create a policy document establishing the long-term vision for the physical development of Hamilton. Plan Hamilton will establish the City’s goals for elements such as land use, economic development, housing, transportation, utilities, parks, and intergovernmental cooperation, among others. Throughout 2018, City staff, along with Compass Point Planning and McGill Smith Punshon, have continued to facilitate public input to enable citizens to provide ideas that will be incorporated into the plan. More information and updates regarding Plan Hamilton can be found at www.planhamilton.com.

The comprehensive plan is set to be completed in Winter 2018.

Focus Groups and Policy Committee met to develop plan principles Nov. 2017 - Feb. 2018 Public input and draft outline completed Summer 2018

Neighborhood meetings Fall 2018

PLAN

HAMILTON

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Plan Hamilton complete Winter 2018

Planning

Hamilton River Plan Because development of the Great Miami River and the riverfront area is a primary objective for the City of Hamilton, the City partnered with W Architecture and Landscape Architecture, LLC to develop a river and riverfront area master plan. Following public meetings, processes, and collaboration that enabled citizen and stakeholder input, the Hamilton River Plan was completed in May 2018. The Hamilton River Plan considers river accessibility, recreational amenities, business attractions, urban living, and city revitalization, with a focus on establishing a high level of activity on and surrounding the river. In addition to exploring possible future development ideas, the master plan also incorporates a variety of developments already proposed for the riverfront, including the Champion Sports Complex, Miami Conservancy District’s Hamilton ponds project, the Beltline Recreational Trail, Combs Park redevelopment, the Great Miami Rowing Center, developments along Main Street, and others.

City began discussions about Hamilton River Plan Spring 2017 City partnered with W Architecture and Landsacpe Architecture, LLC Fall 2017 Public input and plan development occurred Winter 2017-2018 Draft plan presented at public meeting February 2018 Final Hamilton River Plan approved May 2018

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Thank you to the Butler County Visitors Bureau for the use of photos.

www.hamiltonohiobusiness.com