The current cycle is for the next bi-ennial budget, FY2022-2023

THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS OCT 23 2020, 4 pm

We will post resources on this page (see below)

NEW: PDF version of submission form so you can preview.  

CBR FY22-23 Submission Form

List of City staff to work with on CBR process 

FAQ

COMMUNITY BUDGET REQUEST (CBR) PROCESS | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Community Budget Request (CBR) process?

The Community Budget Request process is intended for community councils to provide suggestions on funding projects that are paramount to the preservation and/or revitalization of each neighborhood. The communities’ projects are reviewed by appropriate City departments during their budget preparation. Potential funding options for the projects are considered and recommendations will be made to City Council in the proposed FY 2022-2023 budget.

Who can submit CBRs?

The forms must be completed and submitted by a community council. It is highly encouraged that neighborhood stakeholders are involved with helping to decide which budget requests are submitted. The City would like each community council to approve its requests before  submission  and  submit a letter on a community council letterhead stating the community council voted in support of the proposed requests to Samantha McLean, City Planner, at Samantha.mclean@cincinnati-oh.gov.

Can I submit a CBR if I do not represent a community council?

Only community councils are permitted to submit CBRs. However, anyone in Cincinnati may submit an idea for a project through the Neighborhood Project Suggestion form on the City of Cincinnati website here:  https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/planning/neighborhood-project-suggestions/ These projects will not be reviewed in the official CBR process. Instead, the Neighborhood Project Suggestions form allows other ideas to be submitted and tracked by the City.

How many CBRs can a community council submit?

Each community council may submit up to three (3) CBR forms. Fewer may be submitted at the discretion of the Community Council.

What is the deadline date for submission of the CBRs?

The CBR forms must be submitted NO LATER than 4:00 PM on Friday, October 23, 2020.

How do I submit a CBR?

For CBR submission portal link and password, please contact either Elizabeth Bartley, Invest in Neighborhoods at bartley@investinneighborhoods.com or Samantha McLean, City Planner, at samantha.mclean@cincinnati-oh.gov.

You may also email any supplemental documents to Samantha McLean.

What are some examples of eligible CBRs?

• Community gateway features and wayfinding signage
• Traffic studies, street calming, and/or pedestrian infrastructure improvements, such as speed wagon usage, streetlight improvements, and sidewalks
• Stormwater drainage improvements
• Park/recreation facility improvements, such as parking lot repaving and installation of water fountains, landscaping, and playground equipment
• Neighborhood studies and plans

What can improve the likelihood of a CBR being recommended for funding and implementation? 

Start brainstorming ideas early. It is highly encouraged that the community council reach out to the appropriate departmental contact to discuss each project in advance of submitting a CBR. All community councils received a contact sheet for the City departments.

What are some examples of ineligible CBRs?

No requests will be recommended for funding that involve the use of public funds to enhance or improve private property. Please contact the appropriate City Department representative in advance of submitting your request to determine eligibility.

The CBR submission form asks me to provide information on the CBR’s consistency with Plan Cincinnati. What is Plan Cincinnati and where can I find a copy?

Plan Cincinnati is the City of Cincinnati’s comprehensive plan. It is the official document that guides future planning and development within the city. It is designed to represent the voice of the people of Cincinnati and guide the future of the city. The plan includes goals and strategies within five Initiative Areas: Compete, Connect, Live, Sustain, and Collaborate. A copy of the plan can be found here: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/planning/plan- cincinnati/

This flow chart provides a great overview (click on image for larger view)

What is the timeline of the CBR process?

• August – October 23, 2020: City departments provide assistance and guidance to community Community councils engage stakeholders to prepare CBRs.
• October 23, 2020: CBR Due Date (by 4 m.)
• October 23 – November, 2020: City Planning staff reviews CBRs and assigned to appropriate department
• November – December 2020: City Departments review CBRs, and prepare funding requests to the Office of Budget & Evaluation
• January – 2021: Office of Budget & Evaluation reviews departmental budget requests and works with the City Manager to prepare a Recommendation to the Mayor/City Council.
• Early May 2021: Formal disposition report is released online within the City Manager’s Recommended Capital
• June 2021: City Council Approves FY 2022-2023 Capital Budget

When will we know if our CBRs were recommended or not recommended for funding?

The City Manager will provide a recommendation on each CBR received in the proposed FY 2022-2023 budget which will be communicated to City Council in May 2021. Ultimate approval is made by the City Council.

If you have any further questions, please contact Samantha McLean, City Planner, at  samantha.mclean@cincinnati-oh.gov or 513-352-4886.

Approved CBR FY2019-2020