Cincinnati’s climate blueprint shows progress as Ohio cities look on

By Farah Siddiqi

Cincinnati leaders say the city’s ambitious Green Cincinnati Plan is moving forward despite financial uncertainty and shifting federal priorities — and they hope the progress can guide communities across Ohio looking to strengthen local climate action. The 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan lays out 30 goals and more than 100 priority actions aimed at cutting emissions, improving resilience, expanding clean energy and strengthening partnerships across the city.

Cincinnati is now halfway through its five-year implementation cycle, and city officials say early progress shows what’s possible when residents, nonprofits, businesses and government collaborate.

Molly Robertshaw, sustainability manager for Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability, said the momentum continues even in challenging times.

"We are halfway through our Green Cincinnati Plan implementation, and this opportunity gave us a great chance to showcase the many different projects that are moving forward amidst challenging times here in Cincinnati," she said.

Cincinnati reports a 39.6% reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions since 2006 and remains on track for 50% by 2030. The city now has 216 hybrid or electric fleet vehicles, 31 solar-equipped facilities, and 85% of Green Cincinnati Plan actions completed or in progress.

But city leaders say progress is not just a matter of funding, particularly as federal dollars tied to the Inflation Reduction Act face delays or uncertainty. Instead, officials credit community partnerships and local creativity for helping projects move forward.

Ollie Kroner, director of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability, said that collaboration is what keeps the work resilient.

"When community partners get together and craft a vision, whether the money lands or not, it gives a roadmap to where we want to go," he explained. "Yes, money is always helpful to accelerate and scale impact, but with or without money, we have a lot of work we can do and are doing with partnerships."

Cincinnati officials have said they hope their progress can inspire more regional collaboration across Ohio, especially as cities look for cost-saving strategies, clean-energy options and new ways to build resilient communities. The next update to the Green Cincinnati Plan is expected in 2028.