Hamilton County, Ohio 

Recovery Plan Performance Report

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

2021 Report
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Table of Contents

Executive Summary............................................................................................................................................................. 2 

Uses of Funds ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Promoting Equitable Outcomes............................................................................................................................................ 8

Community Engagement......................................................... ......................................................................................... 10 

Labor Practices.................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Use of Evidence................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category..................................................................................................................... 14

Project Inventory................................................................................................................................................................ 16

Community Engagement and Transparency.................................................................................................. 27 

Board of County Commissioners Resolutions...................................................................................Attachment A 
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Hamilton County, Ohio (“County”) is recipient of $158.7 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funding from the 

American Rescue Plan (ARP). The ARP is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package signed into law on March 11, 2021, with 

the goal of expediting the nation’s recovery from the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first 

half of the County’s award has been received and totals $79 million. The second half will be comparable and will arrive 

approximately one year after the first payment. 

Throughout the second quarter of 2021, the County held stakeholder sessions and two public hearings to help develop its 

planned uses for ARP funding. At the conclusion of these efforts, on July 1, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners 

(“Board”) approved the allocation of ARP funds, with an amendment on August 26, 2021 (Attachment A). The County’s Plan 

(“Plan”) is a strategic allocation of the $158.7 million to help the County recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and become 

a stronger community. It builds on the County’s momentum to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control under the 

CARES Act; addresses the urgent needs of residents, families and neighborhoods hardest hit by the COVID-19 public health 

emergency; and makes investments to catalyze broader economic recovery and rebuilding. 

The County’s Plan (that continues to be refined) includes projects that fall into the following four broad categories: 

- Strengthening Public Health Systems - $24,500,000 

o $10,000,000 to disproportionately impacted communities 

- Strengthening County Finances and Departments - $33,000,000 

- Addressing Negative Impacts - $70,000,000 

- Enhancing Community Infrastructure - $19,000,000 

The County’s Plan is further divided into two categories: 1. Programs that will be initiated in 2021; 2. Programs that require 

additional stakeholder engagement and expertise. The stakeholder process, further described under Community 

Engagement, will begin in September with specific program recommendations anticipated by the 4th quarter, 2021. 

Table 1 provides a summary of the programs that are described in more detail throughout this report. The County’s Plan 

contains a reserve balance of approximately 8 percent to allow for future programs and changing community needs. In 

addition, there is recognition that the funding levels associated with each program described in this report, and the programs 

themselves, may fluctuate as the programs are further refined and reviewed again when U.S. Department of Treasury’s 

(Treasury’s) Final Rule is published. These projects are consistent with Treasury’s Interim Final Rule and related regulations 

and guidance. 
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USE OF FUNDS 

Receipt of ARP funding provides the County with a 

once-in-a-generation opportunity to address the most 

significant impacts of the pandemic while ensuring 

that the community emerges more resilient and 

prepared for future negative shocks. The following 

section outlines the County’s planned use of ARP 

funding to address the emergent needs of the 

pandemic as well as transformative opportunities 

made possible through this funding. 

After a stakeholder process and two public hearings 

(described in more detail under Community 

Engagement), the Hamilton County Board of County 

Commissioners established the following programs for 

its ARP funds. The County’s Plan includes programs that 

are ready for relatively immediate release with others 

requiring additional stakeholder and expert input to 

ensure the most effective and transformational use of 

the funds. 

STRENGTHENING PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEMS 

Provision of Services to Disproportionately Impacted 

Communities: The COVID-19 pandemic has been 

particularly insidious inasmuch as it has preyed, most 

heavily, on individuals with comorbidities spurred by 

various social determinants of health. The County’s Plan 

includes funding to help address health disparities in 

disproportionately impacted communities, as described 

below: 

Table 1. ARP Program Summary 

Programs to Begin in 2021 Budget 

Strengthening Public Health 

Community Outreach to Vulnerable Populations 

(including the mobile tech bus) 

$5,000,000 

Vaccine Incentives – County Employees $500,000 

Strengthening County Finances 

Staffing $1,500,000 

Premium Pay $3,000,000 

Emergency Management Agency $1,000,000 

Revenue Replacement $25,000,000 

Capital Project Allocation $2,500,000 

Addressing Negative Economic Impacts 

Mortgage Assistance $5,000,000 

Non-Profit Assistance $6,500,000 

Arts/Cultural Assistance $2,000,000 

Hospitality Assistance $2,000,000 

Small Business Grants $3,000,000 

Small Business Admin. Support $1,500,000 

Programs Requiring Additional Stakeholder and 

Expert Input 

Budget 

Strengthening Public Health 

Public Health/Community Resiliency $6,000,000 

Strengthening Mental Health $8,000,000 

Relocation of Cincinnati Police Gun Range $5,000,000 

Housing Production & Preservation $30,000,000 

Homelessness Prevention $5,000,000 

Workforce Development and Youth Employment $15,000,000 

Enhancing Community Infrastructure 

Broadband $10,000,000 

Sewer and Stormwater $9,000,000 

TOTAL $146,500,000 

REMAINING BALANCE $12,284,547 
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o Community Outreach to Vulnerable Populations 

Funding is allocated to ensure health and social 

service information is more effectively provided to 

underserved populations in the County. This program 

will include acquisition, programming and marketing 

for a permanent tech bus and ongoing outreach to 

educate minority and underserved populations to 

improve health outcomes. Services provided via the 

tech bus include: vaccines, other medical screenings, 

and access to assistance programs such as rent and 

utility relief. This program builds upon the County’s 

current mobile tech bus that launched in June 2021, 

in partnership with the University of Cincinnati 

Medical Center. 

o Relocation of Cincinnati Police Department Gun 

Range: ARP funding is allocated to help Hamilton 

County and the City of Cincinnati partner to relocate 

the Cincinnati Police Department gun range given its 

impacts on communities such as Lincoln Heights. The 

movement of the gun range will improve the health of the childhood environment and address a longstanding problem on a disproportionately affected population. 

Vaccine Incentives for County Employees: Hamilton County employees who are able to verify their vaccine status are 

eligible for a $100 incentive payment to be paid as part of the regular payroll process. The goal of this incentive program 

is to increase the number of employees who have received the coronavirus vaccine, thus further protecting employees 

and visitors to County buildings. 

Addressing Emergent Needs, Health Infrastructure, and Community Resilience: The County’s Plan allocates funding to 

strengthen community resilience to future health emergencies. To determine the best uses for this priority, the County 

will work with stakeholders to define those community needs which, when addressed, will strengthen the County’s ability 

to successfully resolve the final stages of the COVID-19 pandemic while establishing Hamilton County as a more resilient 

community when faced with future public health threats. This may involve a range of activities including: public-private 

partnerships to strengthen the ability of health care facilities to address pandemics, additional COVID-19 testing and 

ongoing surveillance programs, planning for alternative care facilities, additional physical improvements to address 

homeless or congregate care shelters, or improvements to public health data systems. As already noted, additional 

stakeholder input and expertise will determine the specific programs to be implemented. 

Strengthening Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programming: Recent studies have found a 

significant increase in the incidences of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues over the course of the 

pandemic. The County’s Plan recognizes this and includes funding to ensure the community is prepared to respond to the 

anticipated surge in demand for mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse issues spurred by the health 

pandemic and its associated economic impacts. This may include funding for additional surge staff to provide the capacity 

to provide these services where deemed most urgent based upon community demand, strengthening the County’s mobile 

crisis unit to facilitate the quick response to emergent situations, increased bed capacity, and technology improvements to 

facilitate the ability of mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse response providers to provide these critical 

In 2021, Hamilton County launched its mobile bus to 

bring resources and vaccines to the community. ARP 

funds will be used to procure a permanent bus and 

expand program offerings.
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services efficiently and remotely. There will be a specific focus on preventing teen suicide. Additional stakeholder input 

and expertise will determine the specific programs to be implemented. 

ADDRESSING NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACTS 

Mortgage and Utility Assistance: To mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19 and help residents remain in their homes, 

the County has allocated $5 million for mortgage and utility assistance to eligible homeowners. It is anticipated that this 

program will be targeted to low and moderate-income residents.

Non-Profit Assistance: Hamilton County has a robust non-profit sector providing a wide range of critical social services to 

the community. These include organizations providing services related to food security, youth engagement, employment 

and training, housing, counseling services, senior services, addiction treatment, medical care and so many others directly 

related to addressing the social and economic ramifications of COVID-19. Given the continued demand many non-profits 

continue to face due to the pandemic, grant funding will be available to support the services provided by these 

organizations and consistent with Treasury’s Final Rule. 

Arts and Cultural Assistance: The arts and humanities industry in Hamilton County, and nationally, has been significantly 

impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ARP has made available multiple sources of funding for arts and culture 

institutions. For example, $1.3 billion is available through the Sheltered Venue Grant, and $200 million for arts and 

humanities. Additionally, the City of Cincinnati has allocated a portion of its ARP funding for arts programs. The County will 

provide $2 million in grants as there is no doubt that a strong arts and cultural environment will help the County emerge 

stronger from the impacts of the pandemic, including the number of jobs that are created (non-profit arts organizations 

employed 10,000 workers prior to the pandemic per ArtsWave, the region’s umbrella fundraising organization for the 

arts). The additional funding is necessary as most arts and cultural organizations have been dark for more than a year. 

Small Business Assistance: To continue to assist small businesses, the County intends to provide the following 

programs: 

o Financial Assistance: In 2020, the County provided two rounds of small business grants and will be 

launching a third round shortly with remaining CARES Act funding. Given the impact the pandemic had, and 

continues to have, on many small businesses, it is recommended to provide an additional round of grant 

assistance. The first two rounds of grants provided funding to almost 800 small businesses, with 47% 

awarded to minority-owned businesses. Prior to initiating another round of funding, though, the County 

will review results of the 3rd grant to determine if another round is necessary. 

o Back-Office Support: Through the experience of the two rounds of small business grants, it is clear many 

of our small businesses excel at their craft yet struggle with back-office functions such as accounting and 

technology. To continue to support Hamilton County’s small businesses, the County intends to use ARP 

funds to provide small and minority businesses impacted by the pandemic with expert back-office support 

such as accounting, access to technology, and other technical assistance. 
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Hospitality Assistance: The ARP Figure 1. Hamilton County Lodging Tax 2019 - 2021 

emphasizes the need to help with 

the recovery of the hospitality 

industry as it was the hardest hit 

industry. Figure 1 provides yet 

another data point to illustrate the 

devasting impact on the industry. In 

an effort to improve these numbers, 

the County intends to provide up to 

$2 million in operating and 

marketing assistance to the Greater 

Cincinnati USA Convention and 

Visitor’s Bureau.

 

Housing Production: Numerous local and national studies have been published on the need for additional affordable 

housing. The County’s Plan recognizes this by allocating $20 million for production of new multi-family and singlefamily affordable housing to address the availability of units for low and moderate-income households. Additional 

stakeholder input and expertise will determine the specific programs to be implemented. 

Housing Preservation: According to the Housing Our Future1 report, at least 60,000 affordable subsidized and 

unsubsidized units are in need of preservation and reinvestment. Additional stakeholder input and experts will 

review the available data and recommend specific programs to maintain the County’s existing affordable housing. 

Homelessness Prevention: The County’s ARP-funded projects include a focus on preventing homelessness and may 

include additional funding for programs such as shelter diversion. Additional stakeholder input and expertise will 

determine the specific programs to be implemented.

Workforce Development: While Ohio and Hamilton County’s unemployment rate has dramatically improved compared to a 

year ago, there remain barriers to residents re-entering the workforce. At the same time, there remains a talent shortage in 

Hamilton County and, as noted above, housing affordability struggles. As eloquently stated in the recent Cincinnati USA 

Regional Chamber report Embracing Growth Principles for Regional Housing2, “We need to find strategies to keep housing 

costs from rising too quickly while also boosting income more expeditiously. Addressing both sides of the housing 

affordability equation will allow us to better confront this ever-increasing challenge.” The County will bring together a 

broad spectrum of stakeholders and experts to help reduce identified barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce. 

Use of ARP funding will assist in addressing some of these barriers and help residents become more economically stable. 

Youth Employment: Opportunities will be identified to improve youth employment opportunities and outcome, including a 

mentoring component. Additional stakeholder input and expertise will determine the specific programs to be 

implemented. 

1 Housing Our Future. 2020. https://www.lisc.org/media/filer_public/b5/35/b5358818-59ac-47a2-bf1e5c40405ff09f/housing_our_future_-_5-27-2020.pdf 

2 Embracing Growth Principles for Regional Housing. Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. 2021. 

https://www.cincinnatichamber.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/webversion.pdf?sfvrsn=6a28ea6d_4 
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STRENGTHENING COUNTY FINANCES AND DEPARTMENTS 

Staffing: Funding is included in the County’s Plan for staff to directly address COVID- 19 and to administer ARP grant 

funding and ancillary programming. For instance, this activity will include funding for staff overseeing grant programming, 

reporting requirements, and financial tracking and consultants to assist with equity, program development/refinement, 

and compliance. 

Premium Pay: The Interim Final Rule indicates that ARP funds can be used to compensate eligible workers for elevated 

health risks they faced by performing essential work during the pandemic. As such, the County’s Plan includes financial 

payments to be made to eligible workers (performing essential work) during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The 

County’s HR department is currently reviewing the Interim Final Rule requirements to determine eligibility. Future reports 

will detail the occupations provided premium pay. 

Emergency Management Agency: Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (EMHSA) will 

continue to be supported with ongoing eligible expenses related to the COVID-19 public health emergency including 

sourcing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), warehousing, and vaccine storage. As a point of reference, since the 

pandemic began, EMHSA provided PPE (and continues to do so) to 541 organizations ranging from police and fire 

departments to non-profits and health care providers. 

Capital Project Allocation: To integrate County services more effectively into the community and to provide services 

available to residents and business impacted by the pandemic, the County intends to use ARP funding to develop a 

satellite facility. This facility would be used to geographically support the needs of the County’s mobile and remote 

workforce and to enable enhanced engagement with Hamilton County communities and their residents. Funding may also 

be used, if needed, to provide County facility improvements designed to offset COVID-19 impacts. 

Revenue Replacement: The calculation of revenue loss was completed by the County Budget Office using the formula 

required by Treasury. The revenue reduction due to the COVID-19 pandemic is $41,935,127. Only $25,000,000 has been 

budgeted for allowable costs related to ARP funding. Planned government services supported by revenue replacement 

funds are likely to be targeted for public safety staffing functions. Using revenue replacement for public safety will enable 

general fund dollars to be used for the following capital projects that are priorities of the Board of County Commissioners: 

1. The Banks Lot 28 Construction and Black Music Walk of Fame Installation and 2. Consolidated EMA/911 Facility. 

ENHANCING COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE 

Broadband: The pandemic highlighted the critical need for improved high-speed internet capacity and broadband 

accessibility. Before recommending specific programs, it is necessary to better understand and examine the specific gaps 

and needs to direct the most effective use of the dollars. Furthermore, as any projects funded via ARP must be focused on 

locations that are unserved or underserved, having the underlying data specific to Hamilton County is necessary to 

document the appropriate use of these funds. As such, the County’s Plan begins with utilizing private-sector consulting 

resources to inventory the status of the County in providing reliable, high-quality broadband services to its residents and 

recommending the most effective use of funds to close identified gaps in service, access or affordability. 

Communities across the country are using smart technologies for applications ranging from gun violence prevention, air 
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quality improvement, street lighting maintenance and ensuring efficient traffic flow. The chosen application, however, 

begins with a statement of problem or need. Therefore, in addition to inventorying the County’s connectivity status, 

emphasis will also be placed on engaging stakeholders to discern problems and needs for which a connected, or Smart, 

community could provide a solution. 

Sewer and Stormwater: Sewer projects are eligible uses of ARP if they follow USEPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund 

criteria. Pending a final review of this criteria, funds may be used to support the continued extension of sewer service into 

the western portion of Hamilton County and construct stormwater projects to reduce overland flooding. Additional 

information on the types of projects will be detailed in future reporting.

OTHER FEDERAL RECOVERY FUNDS 

The County’s plan is reflective of funding available through other relief programs and the fact that various state and federal 

programs have yet to determine how funding will be allocated. For example, the County currently has approximately $35 

million allocated toward rental and utility assistance negating the need for any additional ARP allocation and is actively 

administering this funding. As such, the County’s use of its ARP does not include additional funding for rental assistance. 

The County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program is administered by Hamilton County Job and Family Services. To date, 

more than $5 million has been distributed since April 2021, assisting more than 1,600 households. 

The County continues to share other federal and state programs 

available to residents and businesses. To that end, in early 2021, 

the County developed its 513Relief.org website to serve as a 

gateway to assistance programs available. This provides a one-stop 

resource for residents to receive updated information on available 

resources through the County, state of Ohio, and federal 

government. To date, there have been more than 33,000 visitors to 

the 513Relief website seeking information on rental assistance, 

small business grants, and other economic relief services. 

PROMOTING EQUITABLE OUTCOMES 

Hamilton County is committed to promoting equity and cultural engagement within the Hamilton County community. 

Hamilton County’s focus is on addressing the needs of communities and more effectively connecting residents and 

businesses to the work and programming of the County. 

o Equity requires strategies that promote fair treatment, equal access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, 

while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that are preventing the full participation of some 

groups. 

o Equity also promotes culturally-relevant services, as well as utilization of grass-roots or community engagement 

approaches at the same time. This means having the community and residents - the end recipients of our services – 

help us develop solutions to the problems we are seeking to address in Hamilton County. Addressing equity issues 

is not easy and requires understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society, and it takes the 

willingness and ability to look at systemic forms of bias and discrimination wherever they occur. 
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o Equity requires strategies that promote fair treatment, equal access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, 

while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that are preventing the full participation of some 

groups. 

As described in this report and with a focus on equity, the County is allocating $70 million across several areas to minimize 

the negative economic impact of the pandemic and assist those who have been impacted by the pandemic. Specific uses of 

funding include mortgage assistance targeting low-to-moderate income individuals and households; support to small and 

minority-owned businesses; and emphasis on affordable housing and workforce development. In addition, $10 million is 

allocated to disproportionately impacted communities through the 513Relief Bus and movement of the Cincinnati Police 

Department gun range. As described above, the 513Relief Bus visits neighborhoods where residents may not have easy 

access to health care and that need vaccinations or other social services. 

As part of its efforts to reach disproportionately impacted communities, the County will focus its outreach for applicable 

programs on those residents living in Qualified Census Tracts and low-to-moderate incomes (see Figure 2 for QCTs in 

Hamilton County). (Also, see Figure 4 below in Community Engagement for an income mapping tool.) 

Figure 2. Qualified Census Tracts – Hamilton County 2021 

The Equity Framework encourages everyone in the organization to think 

about this: “How can we continue to improve our ability to understand the 

needs of, and provide effective services to, all segments of our diverse 

community?” Robert Bell, Director, Hamilton County Economic Inclusion 

and Equity
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To further improve upon and enhance its equity efforts, the County will also use the following methods: 

- As further described in the Community Engagement section below, the County will bring together six separate 

stakeholder groups to recommend programs focused on: Public Health/Community Resiliency; Housing Production 

and Preservation; Homelessness Prevention; Mental Health; Workforce Development and Youth Employment. The 

groups will review trends, identify root causes, discover solutions, and identify tactics to operationalize the 

solutions. 

- The County will be contracting with a consultant to detail the process for measurement of qualitative and 

quantitative data and help with awareness and access to ensure equity in the County’s projects. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND HAMILTON COUNTY PLAN DEVELOPMENT 

The ARP provides Hamilton County with a unique opportunity to improve the economic stability of the County, its 

residents, and businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike the 2020 CARES Act funds, there is more time to 

deliberate and develop programs with long-term, transformational benefits that align with County priorities. The following 

section provides an overview of the process used for developing Hamilton County’s allocation plan for American Rescue 

Plan funding. 

As the Board of County Commissioners anticipated the receipt of ARP funding from the federal government, it initially 

expressed policy priorities for the use of these funds in the following broad areas: 

- Budget stabilization for funds impacted directly by COVID 

- Affordable housing creation and preservation 

- Economic development and community revitalization (including the expansion of broadband infrastructure) 

- Community resiliency and preparedness 

- Enhancement of internal County operations (i.e., IT investments, capital projects) 

- Equity and inclusion 

- Workforce development 

Recognizing these priorities and the need to gather stakeholder input, the County set upon the process outlined in Figure 3 

to develop recommendations on the uses of ARP funding. 

513RELIEF BUS - MEETING RESIDENTS WHERE THEY LIVE 

In June 2021, the County launched the 513Relief Bus (the Hamilton County Equity and Resources Mobile Tech Bus), in 

partnership with UC Medical Center, to provide resources directly to those who need it most. This mobile effort 

provides no-cost vaccinations and Hamilton County Job and Family Services is also on-site to provide rent and utility 

relief and other social services. Through the use of ARP funds, the County will expand this program through the 

procurement of a permanent bus and enhance the medical and social services provided. This is an example of Hamilton 

County’s efforts to reduce barriers to accessing services and improve upon our equity efforts. 
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Figure 3. Process to Develop Recommended Uses of ARP Funding 

Funding Principles

During its Plan development, the County focused on the following principles: 

- Address urgent public health and economic security issues stemming from the pandemic; 

- While urgent issues should be addressed, investments should, as much as possible, provide a long-term, 

transformational benefit that aligns with County priorities; 

- Focus on long-term economic stability and community resiliency; 

- Avoid the creation of programs that necessitate ongoing financial support following the expiration of the American 

Rescue Plan timeline unless a funding strategy can be readily identified in advance; 

- Stabilize County funds that experienced lost revenue due to COVID-19; 

- Minimize duplication with other programs (City, State, Federal) funded through the American Rescue Plan; 

- Ensure that investment decisions are, to the degree possible, data-driven; 

- Utilize input from community stakeholders; 

- Alignment with County priorities; 

- Collaborate with Cincinnati and other Hamilton County local governments where possible. 

Stakeholder Input

A group of stakeholders was convened to help identify priority community issues to address using ARP funding. A total of 

four stakeholder sessions were held from April 16 – May 6, 2021 involving both internal and external organizations. These 

listening sessions provided input on the current state of need in the community relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and its 

resulting social and economic ramifications. Stakeholders recommended that the County prioritize ARP funding toward a 

variety of purposes including: 

- Expansion of affordable housing, 

- Addressing mental health needs, 

- Stabilizing the County’s finances, 

- Advancing capital infrastructure projects – both within the community and within County buildings, 

- Enhancing workforce development programs, 

- Expanding childcare and increasing affordability, 

- Supporting non-profits and arts organizations, 

- Expanding broadband, and 

- Addressing needs in vulnerable and minority communities. 

A draft Concept Plan for ARP funding was then developed that included stakeholder input and Board of County 

Commissioners direction overlayed with the Treasury’s Interim Final Rule that was released on May 10, 2021. This 
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Concept Plan was used as the basis from which to receive additional public comment and Board of County 

Commission direction. 

Two public hearings were held on May 25 and May 27, 2021. 68 people attended the public hearings, with 49 

providing verbal comments. In addition, 19 people/organizations provided email comments. Based on input received 

from the public and Board of County Commissioners, a revised funding plan was presented and approved by the 

Board of County Commissioners on July 1, 2021. 

ADDITIONAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT COMING IN 3RD AND 4TH QUARTER, 2021 

While many of the Board-approved programs will be launched in late 2021/early 2022, there are several categories of 

programs that require more input and expertise to ensure the most effective and transformational use of the funding. 

Hamilton County will bring together community stakeholders to turn these conceptual programs into recommended 

programs for the Board of County Commissioner’s consideration. In the coming weeks, six separate stakeholder 

groups will be formed to help with the final development of the following programs: 

1. Public Health and Community Resiliency

The stakeholders will define community needs which, when addressed, will facilitate the County’s ability to 

resolve the final stages of COVID-19 and ensure Hamilton County is stronger and more resilient when faced 

with future public health threats. 

2. Mental Health and Substance Abuse

The stakeholder effort will ensure the community can respond to the increased demand for mental health, 

behavioral health and substance abuse issues spurred by the health pandemic and its associated economic impacts 

with a focus on preventing teen suicide. 

3. Housing Production and Housing Preservation

The County’s ARP funding will be used to help produce new multi-family and single-family affordable housing and 

help maintain and reinvest in existing affordable housing (both subsidized and unsubsidized). In addition to 

infrastructure, other potential initiatives to be vetted could include home repair programs, financial literacy, etc. 

The stakeholders will recommend the most effective method of deploying and leveraging funds. 

The Board-approved ARP funding plan is a two-pronged approach: those 

programs that are ready for relatively immediate release and those 

requiring additional stakeholder engagement and input.
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4. Homelessness Prevention

Preventing homelessness is less traumatic and less expensive than 

helping a resident who has become homeless. While significant 

funding is available through the County, City of Cincinnati, and State 

of Ohio to help keep people in their homes through rental and 

mortgage assistance programs, it appears that is not the case when 

a resident has already lost their home and are “one couch away” 

from experiencing homelessness. Stakeholder efforts will review 

best in class programs to help this population of residents. 

5. Workforce Development

While Ohio and Hamilton County’s unemployment rate has 

dramatically improved compared to a year ago, there remain 

barriers to residents re-entering the workforce. For example, lack of 

childcare providers may be impacting the number of women 

returning to employment. At the same time, and like many areas of 

the country, there remains a talent shortage in Hamilton County. 

This stakeholder effort will focus on reducing identified barriers to 

entering or re-entering the workforce to help residents become 

more economically stable and address the talent shortage. 

6. Youth Development

A subset of workforce development dollars will be devoted to 

helping youth prepare for and find employment opportunities with a strong focus on mentorship. This stakeholder 

group will focus their efforts on identifying gaps in existing programs, with a focus on ages 14-24. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS 

Engagement is key to any successful program during both program design and awareness. While the County has not yet 

launched any ARP programs, as noted in the above section, the upcoming stakeholder sessions will include discussion of 

barriers and how to reduce them. Furthermore, prior to any program starting, the County will identify the goals of the 

program, intended audience, and through data and engagement, determine the best ways to reach the intended 

population. Figure 4 is an example of a mapping tool that was recently used to enhance the County’s rent and utility 

assistance and this is one type of tool that will be used for future ARP programs to ensure our outreach and awareness is 

reaching its intended audience. As noted in the Equity section, the County will be seeking a consultant to help with 

awareness and access. 

Outcomes of the stakeholder effort to 

include: 

- Recommendations on the most 

effective and, preferably, 

evidence-based approach to 

provide funding to address the 

specific need; 

 

- Guidance on operationalizing the 

recommended programs and 

funding. 

Once the recommendations are 

finalized, the Board of County 

Commissioners will have the ultimate 

decision on whether they move 

forward with ARP funding. 

It is anticipated that the stakeholder 

recommendations will be concluded in 

the 4th quarter, 2021. 
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Figure 4. Example of Rent and Income Mapping Tool 

LABOR PRACTICES 

Hamilton County’s use of ARP funds will include infrastructure projects, but at this time, those projects are in the early 

planning stages. As the County moves on to the process of contracting, it will be prepared to report on whether any of the 

following practices are being utilized: project labor agreements, community benefits agreements, prevailing wage 

requirements, and local hiring. 

USE OF EVIDENCE 

At the time of this report, Hamilton County’s ARP-funded projects are either just beginning or are still receiving stakeholder 

input. The County does not know at this time if funds will be used for evidence-based interventions or rigorous program 

evaluations to build evidence. In subsequent reports, the County will identify key indicators, outputs, and outcome data. 

TABLE OF EXPENSES BY EXPENDITURE CATEGORY 

Category Cumulative 

expenditures to date 

($)

Amount spent since last 

Recovery Plan

1 Expenditure Category: Public Health 

1.1 COVID-19 Vaccination 
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1.5 Personal Protective Equipment 

1.8 Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses (including 

Communications, Enforcement, 

Isolation/Quarantine) 

1.9 Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and Other 

Public Sector Staff Responding to COVID-19 

1.10 Mental Health Services 

1.11 Substance Use Services 

2 Expenditure Category: Negative Economic Impacts 

2.2 Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and Utility 

Aid 

2.7 Job Training Assistance (e.g., Sectoral job-training, 

Subsidized Employment, Employment Supports or 

Incentives) 

2.9 Small Business Economic Assistance (General) 

2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations 

2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality 

2.13 Other Economic Support 

3 Expenditure Category: Services to 

Disproportionately Impacted Communities 

3.10 Housing Support: Affordable Housing 

3.13 Social Determinants of Health: Other 

4 Expenditure Category: Premium Pay 

4.1 Public Sector Employees 

5 Expenditure Category: Infrastructure 
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5.5 Clean Water: Other Sewer Infrastructure 

5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater 

5.16 Broadband: “Last Mile” Projects 

5.17 Broadband: Other Projects 

6 Expenditure Category: Revenue Replacement 

6.1 Provision of Government Services 

7 Administrative and Other $2,636.04 $2,636.04

7.1 Administrative Expenses $2,636.04 $2,636.04

 PROJECT INVENTORY 

The following provides a brief description of all projects that are intended to be use ARP funding. As the programs are still 

in their infancy, many of the metrics have not yet been established and will be reported on in future reports. 

STRENGTHENING PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEMS 

Addressing the Emergent Needs, Health Infrastructure, and Community Resiliency 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-01 

Funding amount: $6,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 1.8, Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses (including Communications, Enforcement, 

Isolation/Quarantine); 1.9, Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and Other Public Sector Staff Responding to COVID-19 

Overview: Funding is allocated to strengthen community resiliency to respond to future health emergencies. The purpose 

will be to define those community needs which, when addressed, will facilitate the County’s ability to resolve the final 

stages of the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring Hamilton County is stronger and more resilient when faced with future 

public health threats. Additional stakeholder and expert input is needed to finalize the approaches. Partners and/or 

stakeholders include County and Municipal Health Departments, hospitals, the Health Collaborative, Fire Chiefs 

Association, Emergency Management Agency, Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (MHRSB), and Hoxworth Blood 

Center. 

Status: Beginning in September 2021, stakeholders will be convened to assess the performance of the local health system in 

responding to the pandemic, identify system vulnerabilities and gaps that became evident over the past 18 months, and 

provide specific recommendations for use of County ARP funding to address these problem areas. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goals of the project are to work to resolve the final stages of the COVID-19 pandemic 

and strengthen County resources so that they are more able to respond to a future public health threats. More detailed 

information about either evidence-based interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In 
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subsequent reports, the County will identify the dollar amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based 

interventions for EC1. 

Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Vaccine Incentives for Hamilton County Employees 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-02 

Funding amount: $500,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 1.8, Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses (including Communications, Enforcement, 

Isolation/Quarantine) 

Overview: Each employee who presents evidence of being vaccinated will receive a $100 incentive to be processed via the 

regular payroll system. The goal of the program is to incentivize employees to make good health decisions for themselves 

and visitors to County office buildings.

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal of the project is to increase the number of vaccinated individuals by providing a 

financial incentive. Administration of this County vaccine incentive project does not need to be an evidence-based 

intervention. 

Performance Report: This project was approved by the Board in August 2021 and implementation has not yet occurred. If 

necessary, key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Strengthening Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programming 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-03 

Funding amount: $8,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 1.10, Mental Health Services 

Overview: Funding will be allocated to assist organizations responding to the surge in mental/behavioral health and 

substance abuse arising from the pandemic. Specifically, the purpose is to address urgent needs while transforming the 

ability of this sector to respond to needs through process change and technology implementation. Additional stakeholder 

and expert input are needed to finalize the approaches. Anticipated stakeholders include the Mental Health Coalition, 

MHRSB and Recovery Link. 

Status: Beginning in September 2021, stakeholders will be convened to assess the need for additional capacity as well as 

technology needs to support the provision of mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse services given the recent 

COVID-spurred surge in demand. Procedurally, funding will be provided through the Hamilton County MHRSB. Per direction 

of the Board of County Commissioners, priority will be placed on broad funding allocations, with focus on smaller agencies, 

with targeted assistance toward the issue of youth suicide prevention. Recommendations for funding and an implementation 

timeline is planned for December 2021. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is for funding to be allocated to assist organizations responding to the surge in 

mental/behavioral health and substance abuse arising from the pandemic. Considering the timeframe set forth above, 

more detailed information about either evidence-based interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in 
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subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will identify the dollar amounts of total project spending 

allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC1. 

Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-04 

Funding amount: $1,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 1.5, Personal Protective Equipment 

Overview: Hamilton County will provide financial assistance to the Emergency Management Agency to manage ongoing 

eligible expenditures related to COVID-19 including sourcing personal protective equipment, warehousing, and vaccine 

storage. 

Status: Appropriation is anticipated to begin in September 2021.

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is to continue to provide funds to EMA for its ongoing services related to the COVID19 public health emergency. EMA’s services consist of sourcing and warehousing PPE. Therefore, the County does not 

consider these activities to warrant an evidence-based program model. 

Performance Report: As described above, the County’s planned projects are still in the planning stages. This is further 

evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP funding). Key 

performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome measures, will be 

further detailed in subsequent reports. 

SERVICES TO DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES 

Community Outreach to Vulnerable Populations 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-05 

Funding amount: $5,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 3.13, Social Determinants of Health: Other 

Overview: Funding for Community Outreach to Vulnerable Populations is allocated to ensure health and social service 

information is more effectively provided to underserved populations in Hamilton County. This program will include 

acquisition of a permanent tech bus and ongoing outreach to educate minority and vulnerable populations regarding 

COVID-19 response, provide medical offerings, including vaccines, and other social services such as mortgage assistance 

and affordable housing.

Status: Competitive procurement has begun to secure a permanent tech bus for 513Relief activities as well as individual 

procurements for education and outreach services to underserved populations. A Request for Proposal for a new bus was 

issued in August 2021 with a selection anticipated to be made in September 2021. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goals of this project are to procure and prepare a new 513Relief Bus to allow County 

staff and community members to reach out to those who need COVID-19 health services or and a referral to another social 
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service entity in order to meet the needs of the community. Due to the length of time for stakeholder and community 

input, the project is still in the planning stages. More detailed information about either evidence-based interventions or 

program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In subsequent reports, the County will identify the dollar 

amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC3. 

Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Relocation of Cincinnati Police Department Gun Range 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-06 

Funding amount: $5,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 2.13, Other Economic Support

Overview: Funding will be allocated to assist Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati to relocate the Cincinnati Police 

Department gun range. Anticipated stakeholders to shepherd this project include Cincinnati, Lincoln Heights, Evendale, 

Woodlawn and Princeton City Schools. 

Status: As of August 2021, renderings are complete. Public hearings are anticipated later in 2021. Subsequently, the 

appropriation process will begin, and the final budget figure will be determined by the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. 

A general cost estimate was figured based on the developed facility renderings. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal for Hamilton County is to assist in relocating the City of Cincinnati Police 

Department gun range. When the gun range is in use, which is the majority of the year, the sound of firearms is evident 

throughout densely populated neighborhoods – particularly in Lincoln Heights – an 88% African American community. The 

gun range is located adjacent to single family homes and apartments and within a half-mile of over 2,300 residents. In 

addition to the trauma caused by the sound of gunfire, it has a physical impact on the residents. The University of 

Cincinnati Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Professor Brian Earl calls the noise from the range so 

close to residential areas “too much.” Earl says he took a sound meter on a tour of the area around the range and found 

noise regularly exceeded 85 decibels — the level at which sound becomes harmful to human ears. 

Relocation of the City of Cincinnati gun range is an activity that does not need to be an evidence-based intervention. 

Hamilton County will ensure that qualified and reliable contractors are engaged to achieve the relocation. 

Performance Report: As described above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning stages. This is further 

evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP funding). Key 

performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome measures, will be 

further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Capital Project Allocation 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-07 

Funding amount: $2,500,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 2.13, Other Economic Support

Overview: The ARP allows for the implementation of capital improvements to the degree they are designed to offset 

COVID-19 impacts or to provide engagement and services to communities and populations impacted by the public health 
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emergency. With many projects completed during 2020 and early 2021 using CARES Act funding, Hamilton County is now 

able to change its focus to a County satellite office and the positive impact it will have on the disproportionately impacted 

communities. Among other benefits, the County anticipates that its satellite office will improve access to services. 

Status: A geographic analysis of potential locations is anticipated to conclude by October 2021. Following the analysis, the 

County will review prospective locations and anticipate a decision by December 2021. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is to create a satellite office for the purpose of improving service and engagement 

with residents. Creation of the satellite office does not need to be an evidence-based intervention. Hamilton County will 

ensure that qualified and reliable contractors are engaged to achieve creation of the satellite office. 

Performance Report: As described above, the County’s planned projects are still in the planning stages. This is further 

evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP funding). Key 

performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome measures, will be 

further detailed in subsequent reports. 

ADDRESSING NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACTS 

Mortgage Assistance 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-08 

Funding amount: $5,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 2.2, Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Aid 

Overview: Funding will be allocated to assist community members who are housing insecure because of an inability to 

make mortgage payments or keep current on utility bills. Mortgage and Utility assistance will be implemented consistent 

with Treasury guidance and administered by Hamilton County. 

Status: As of August 2021, the County is finalizing the criteria and eligibility for homeowners. 

Use of Evidence: Considering the progress-to-date set forth above, more detailed information about either evidence-based 

interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will 

identify the dollar amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC2. 

Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Non-Profit Assistance 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-09 

Funding amount: $6,500,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 2.10, Aid to Non-Profit Organizations 

Overview: Funding will be allocated to assist non-profit organizations providing social services who are often on the frontline serving community members in need. Local non-profit organizations will bolster Hamilton County’s efforts in areas 

such as housing, mental health care, job training, and access to health care.
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Status: Hamilton County plans to contract with a subrecipient to administer this project. As of August 2021, the County is 

beginning the process of selecting a subrecipient. 

Use of Evidence: Considering the progress-to-date set forth above, more detailed information about either evidence-based 

interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will 

identify the dollar amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC2. 

Performance Report: As described above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning stages. This is further 

evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP funding). Key 

performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome measures, will be 

further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Arts and Cultural Assistance 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-10 

Funding amount: $2,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11, Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality 

Overview: In accordance with Treasury guidance, Hamilton County will provide financial assistance to arts and cultural 

institutions. Local institutions such as museums and galleries were completely shut down due to the COVID-19 public 

health emergency. The institutions themselves and the artists, whose work is displayed, are trying to recover and this 

funding is meant to support their efforts. 

Status: Hamilton County plans to contract with a subrecipient to administer this project. The County is beginning the process 

of selecting a subrecipient to administer this program. 

Use of Evidence: Considering the progress-to-date above, more detailed information about either evidence-based 

interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will 

identify the dollar amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC2. 

Performance Report: As described above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning stages. This is further 

evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP funding). Key 

performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome measures, will be 

further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Hospitality Assistance 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-11 

Funding amount: $2,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 2.11, Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality 

Overview: Hamilton County will provide operating and marketing assistance to the Greater Cincinnati Convention and 

Visitor’s Bureau. 

Status: No activity at this time.

Use of Evidence: Considering the progress-to-date above, more detailed information about either evidence-based 

interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will 

identify the dollar amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC2. 
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Performance Report: As described above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning stages. This is further 

evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP funding). Key 

performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome measures, will be 

further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Small Business Assistance 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-12 

Funding amount: $1,500,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 2.9, Small Business Economic Assistance (General) 

Overview: Funding to small businesses will be allocated to provide administrative support or operations management such 

as accounting, access to technology, and other technical assistance. This effort is in response to the struggles many small 

businesses faced during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Small businesses were faced with a new task of preparing 

grant applications and a significant adaptation of operations. 

Status: Hamilton County will determine the most important back-office support needs and then consider programming 

options. The estimated implementation start date is December 2021. 

Use of Evidence: Considering the progress-to-date above, more detailed information about either evidence-based 

interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will 

identify the dollar amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC2. 

Performance Report: As described above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning stages. This is further 

evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP funding). Key 

performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome measures, will be 

further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Small Business Financial Assistance 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-13 

Funding amount: $3,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 2.9, Small Business Economic Assistance (General) 

Overview: Hamilton County is reviewing the necessity of a 4th round of financial assistance grants to small businesses, as 

allowed for by Treasury guidance. Review of the results for the 3rd round plus any additional action taken by the State of Ohio 

will be considered in the 3rd quarter, 2021. If the County determines that an additional round is needed, it will move forward 

with planning for the use of funds. This funding would include marketing dollars and would be administered by a 

subrecipient. If it is determined that another round is not necessary, the funds will be reallocated in consultation with the 

Board of County Commissioners. 

Status: The County will determine the need for an additional round of grant assistance at the end of 2021. 

 

Use of Evidence: Considering the progress-to-date set forth above, more detailed information about either evidence-based 

interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will 

identify the dollar amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC2. 

 

Performance Report: As described above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning stages. This is further 

evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP funding). Key 
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performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome measures, will be 

further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Housing Production 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-14 

Funding amount: $20,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 3.10, Housing Support – Affordable Housing

Overview: Funding will be allocated for production of new multi-family and single-family affordable housing to address the 

availability of units for low-to-moderate income households. Additional stakeholder and expert input are needed to finalize 

the approaches. Anticipated stakeholders include The Port, Cincinnati Development Fund, Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing 

Authority, private developers, Hamilton County Planning and Development, City of Cincinnati, First Ring Suburbs, Board of 

Realtors, Cincinnati Realtists, and the Office of Re-entry.

Status: In September 2021, stakeholders will convene to provide recommendations for the most effective way of deploying 

and leveraging funds for new affordable housing. New housing production may also include investments in transitional and 

supportive housing for individuals facing homelessness as well as mental health/substance abuse issues or returning from 

incarceration. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is for funding to be allocated to preserve and improve affordable housing. 

Supporting activities are primarily construction-related and the County does not consider this to require an evidence-based 

program model. 

Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Housing Preservation

Identification Number: 1505-0271-15 

Funding amount: $10,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 3.10, Housing Support – Affordable Housing 

Overview: Funding will be allocated for maintaining and reinvesting in existing affordable housing, both subsidized and 

unsubsidized ($10,000,000). Additional stakeholder and expert input are needed to finalize the approaches. Anticipated 

stakeholders include The Port, Cincinnati Development Fund, Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, private 

developers, Hamilton County Planning and Development, City of Cincinnati, First Ring Suburbs, Board of Realtors, 

Cincinnati Realtists, and the Office of Re-entry.

Status: In September 2021, stakeholders will convene to provide recommendations for the most effective way of deploying 

and leveraging funds to help maintain and preserve existing affordable housing. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is for funding to be allocated to provide and improve affordable housing. 

Considering the timeframe set forth above, more detailed information about either evidence-based interventions or 

program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will identify the dollar 

amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC3. 
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Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Housing Protection 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-16 

Funding amount: $5,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 3.10, Housing Support – Affordable Housing

Overview: Preventing homelessness is less traumatic on individuals and is less expensive as well. Significant funding is 

available, through the County, City of Cincinnati, and the State of Ohio to help keep people in their homes through rent and 

mortgage assistance programs. Funding allocated to housing protection will help prevent homelessness. Additional 

stakeholder and expert input are needed to finalize the approaches. Anticipated stakeholders include Strategies to End 

Homelessness, City of Cincinnati, Bethany House Services, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati, Jewish 

Family Services, Freestore Foodbank, Santa Maria Community Services, and Veterans Service Commission. 

Status: Beginning in September 2021, stakeholders will review best-in-class programs to prevent homelessness with a specific 

focus on veterans and those residents who have already lost their own housing and are running out of places to stay. During 

the 4th quarter, 2021, the County will review stakeholder recommendations.

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is for funding to be allocated to provide and improve affordable housing. 

Considering the timeframe set forth above, more detailed information about either evidence-based interventions or 

program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will identify the dollar 

amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC3. 

Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Workforce Development and Youth Employment 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-17 

Funding amount: $15,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 2.7, Job Training Assistance (e.g., Sectoral job-training, Subsidized Employment, 

Employment Supports or Incentives) 

Overview: Funding will be used to reduce identified barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce to help residents 

become more economically stable and address the talent shortage while preparing employers to accept individuals who 

are re-entering the workforce. Recommendations should be focused on filling the gaps in existing efforts and evidencebased programs. Additional stakeholder and expert input are needed to finalize the approaches. Anticipated stakeholders 

include REDI, Workforce Innovation Center (Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce), African-American Chamber, HCDC, 

JobsOhio, Hamilton County Job and Family Services, 4C, CityLink, non-profit service providers, and training providers. 

Specific to Youth Employment, stakeholders will focus their efforts on identifying gaps in existing youth employment 

programs and how best to fill those gaps. 
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Status: Beginning in September 2021, stakeholders will: 1. Assess existing workforce development programs to determine 

where program gaps exist; 2. Identify barriers; 3. Identify in-demand employment sectors. This review will result in a set of 

recommended opportunities to revitalize our workforce, improve residents’ access to re-employment services and the 

preparedness of employers to accept individuals re-entering the workforce. During the 4th quarter, 2021, the County will 

review recommended opportunities for the best options to facilitate employment for youth and adults. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is for funding to be allocated to help add youth and adults to the workforce. 

Considering the timeframe set forth above, more detailed information about either evidence-based interventions or 

program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will identify the dollar 

amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC2. 

Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

PREMIUM PAY 

Premium Pay 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-18 

Funding amount: $3,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 4.1, Premium Pay: Public Sector Employees

Overview: Hamilton County intends to make financial payments to eligible County employees performing essential work 

during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Human Resources will reconcile job classification eligibility with Treasury 

guidance. Lump sum premium payment amounts will be finalized based upon the number of eligible employees. 

Status: Payments are anticipated to occur in October 2021. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is for funding to be allocated to compensate eligible workers who performed their 

job duties during the public health emergency. Considering the timeframe set forth above, more detailed information 

about either evidence-based interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the 

subsequent reports, the County will identify the dollar amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based 

interventions for EC4, if applicable. 

Performance Report: As described above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early stages. This is further 

evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP funding). Key 

performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome measures, will be 

further detailed in subsequent reports. 

WATER, SEWER, BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE 

Broadband Infrastructure 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-19 

Funding amount: $10,000,000 
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Project Expenditure Category: 5.16, Broadband: “Last Mile” projects; 5.17, Broadband – Other Projects 

Overview: Hamilton County will contract with private consulting resources to:

1. Inventory the status of the County in providing reliable, high quality broadband services to its residents both in terms 

of infrastructure coverage and affordability; 

2. Recommend the most effective use of funds to close identified gaps in service, access or affordability; 

3. Engage stakeholders to determine problems and needs for which Smart solutions could be employed. 

Status: The County will contract with a consultant before the end of 2021. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is to establish or improve broadband service (as defined by Treasury) to unserved or 

underserved households and businesses in Hamilton County. Considering the timeframe set forth above, more detailed 

information about either evidence-based interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In 

the subsequent reports, the County will identify the dollar amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidencebased interventions for EC5, if applicable. 

Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-20 

Funding amount: $9,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 5.5, Clean Water: Other Sewer Infrastructure; 5.6, Clean Water: Stormwater 

Overview: Hamilton County will examine the ability of funds to extend sewer service into the western portion of the 

County and use funds to construct stormwater projects to reduce overland flooding. Hamilton County Stormwater District 

will identify eligible projects in flood prone areas. The County will work with Municipal Sewer District to discuss the 

possible sewer extension. 

Status: Current plans are to identify initial stormwater projects by 4th quarter 2021, and also have a timeline for construction 

and completion. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is to extend sewer service and construct stormwater projects in order to reduce 

overland flooding. Considering the timeframe set forth above, more detailed information about either evidence-based 

interventions or program evaluation will be addressed in subsequent reports. In the subsequent reports, the County will 

identify the dollar amounts of total project spending allocated towards evidence-based interventions for EC5, if applicable. 

Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 
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REVENUE REPLACEMENT 

County Revenue Replacement 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-21 

Funding amount: $25,000,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 6.1, Provision of Government Services 

Overview: Using the Treasury’s required formula, the Hamilton County Budget Office determined the County’s revenue 

losses due to the COVID-19 public health emergency to be $41,935,127. As shown in Table 1 – ARP Program Summary, the 

County will only allocate $25,000,000 for revenue replacement purposes. Planned government services supported by 

revenue replacement funds are likely to be targeted for public safety staffing functions. Using revenue replacement for 

public safety will enable general fund dollars to be used for the following capital projects that are priorities of the Board of 

County Commissioners: 1. The Banks Lot 28 Construction and Black Music Walk of Fame Installation and 2. Consolidated 

EMA/911 Facility.

Use of Evidence: Considering the nature of these funds as described in Treasury’s Interim Final Rule and other guidance, 

this activity does not require evidence-based intervention. 

OTHER 

Staffing Resources 

Identification Number: 1505-0271-22 

Funding amount: $1,500,000 

Project Expenditure Category: 7.1, Administrative Expenses 

Overview: Hamilton County will allocate funding to offset costs of staff to implement the ARP, ancillary programming, and 

reporting. For example, in July 2021, a federal grant administrator was hired to provide administrative support to ARP 

projects. The County anticipates further hiring in order to have well supported and compliant projects.

Status: The County has hired a Federal Grant Administrator and is in the process of hiring an additional fiscal/audit 

position. In addition, the County is seeking outside consultants to assist with program development (as noted in the 

Community Engagement Section), equity, and compliance. 

Use of Evidence: The over-arching goal is to staff ARP-funded projects and overall administration of the funds with qualified 

and experienced team members. The County does not consider staffing to require an evidence-based intervention. 

Performance Report: As described in the paragraph above, the County’s planned projects are still in the early planning 

stages. This is further evidenced by our expenditures to date (only funds spent have been for administrative staff for ARP 

funding). Key performance indicators, mandatory performance indicators (as applicable), and output and outcome 

measures, will be further detailed in subsequent reports. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY 

As of the date of our recovery plan submissions (first one being August 31, 2021), Hamilton County will post its recovery 

plan on its website as required by Treasury. Also, throughout implementation of its activities, the County will maintain 
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progress updates and applicable statistics on its website. The County’s goal is to maximize transparency so that citizens are 

aware of the progress and achievements of Hamilton County’s ARP-funded activities. 
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Attachment A – Board Resolutions