CINCINNATI, Ohio — Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval cited falling violence and a rebuilt downtown while giving his fifth annual speech on the state of the city Tuesday night. He spoke at the convention center, which reopened this year following a $264 million overhaul.
Pureval said Cincinnati is on pace in 2026 for its fewest shooting victims since the city began tracking them in 2010. He said homicides are down 25 percent from a year ago and property crime is 13 percent below its three-year average, while adding that the city is not satisfied with where it stands.
Pureval also spoke about the Halloween disturbances, in which officers were assaulted after a large late-night group of young people filled a street. He praised officers who step into disruptive crowds, called the attacks unacceptable and said they do not define the city. He pointed as well to a changeover in police leadership and new work to reduce crime around the University of Cincinnati.
On development, Pureval highlighted completing The Banks and building a cap over Fort Washington Way using federal money. He acknowledged that borrowing rates and building costs make it hard to launch big projects. He also cited housing construction, job growth and infrastructure needs after the severe flooding on Cincinnati’s east side this summer, and a push for greater city authority over stormwater.
Looking ahead, Pureval thanked outgoing Gov. Mike DeWine for his support of the city and said he expects to work with newly elected officials at the state level. City Council will also look different in the coming year, because two of its members won other offices and their seats are now open.