On Monday, a Cincinnati City Council committee voted to endorse a detailed spending plan for the city’s marijuana tax revenue. The plan, which will be considered by the full council on Wednesday, earmarks the funds for a mix of housing‑related assistance and youth‑focused programs.
How the money will be divided
Under the proposal, 25 percent of the annual marijuana tax receipts will be used for home‑repair grants, helping residents fix structural problems and keep their houses habitable. Another 25 percent will be directed toward the removal of lead‑paint hazards, a public‑health priority in many older Cincinnati neighborhoods.
Twenty percent of the revenue is slated for a first‑time home‑buyer assistance program, offering down‑payment help and counseling to families seeking to own a home. The remaining 30 percent will be split evenly between two youth initiatives: a children’s savings account program and the city’s Youth‑to‑Work program, which provides job‑training and employment opportunities for local teenagers.
Why the council is targeting these areas
Council member Mark Jeffreys explained that the allocation reflects the city’s need to support its “left neighborhoods,” a phrase he used to describe historically under‑invested, lower‑income areas. “Our homeownership rate is really quite low. It’s one of the lowest in the country,” Jeffreys said. “We need to create wealth and make sure people have the opportunity to do that.”
The emphasis on lead‑paint removal aligns with state and federal health guidelines that identify lead exposure as a leading cause of developmental delays in children. By directing funds to this issue, the council hopes to protect the health of Cincinnati’s youngest residents while also improving overall housing quality.
Revenue background
Since Ohio voters approved Issue Two three years ago, legalizing marijuana and establishing a state‑wide tax, Cincinnati has collected more than $1.5 million from the tax and now averages roughly $1.8 million per year, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation. The city’s share of the tax is expected to grow as dispensaries expand and consumption increases.
Jeffreys noted that the proposed spending plan is designed to keep the money within the community that generated it, ensuring that the benefits of legalization flow back to residents who were most affected when marijuana was illegal.
Next steps and oversight
If the full council approves the proposal on Wednesday, the allocations will not take effect until the next fiscal year. The council has committed to regular check‑ins and public reports on how the funds are being used, providing transparency and accountability for taxpayers.
Community leaders and neighborhood associations have expressed support for the focus on home repairs and lead‑paint removal, citing the urgent need for safe, affordable housing. Youth advocates have welcomed the savings‑account and work‑program components, seeing them as investments in the next generation’s financial stability and employment prospects.
The council’s plan represents a concrete example of how local governments can leverage new revenue streams to address long‑standing challenges in housing, public health and youth development, while also reinforcing the city’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and community‑focused stewardship.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
