Initiative Update 2013

2

Energizing Hamilton’s Urban Core 3Hamilton’s Strategic Plan 4

Live, Work, Play The Historic Mercantile Lofts 6 RiversEdge 7 Butler Tech School of the Arts 8 Artspace Hamilton 9

Infrastructure

East High Street Gateway 10 South Hamilton Crossing 11 Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection 12 Downtown Parking 13 Court Street Corridor Improvements 14 Smart Grid 15

Green Meldahl Hydroelectric Project 16 CNG Fueling Station 17

New Tools

CORE Fund 18 Business Development Team 19 Community Reinvestment Area 20 Butler County Land Reutilization Corp. 21 Form Based Code & Complete Streets 22 Customer First Initiative 23

Economic Development

Economic Development 24 BrownfieldRedevelopment 25 Educational Investments 26 Health Care Expansion 27

Table of Contents

3

Energizing Hamilton’s Urban CoreThere is much to be excited about in Hamilton’s urban core. Buildings are being renovated, people are moving in, and the business community is growing. The City of Hamilton is concentrating much of its revitalization efforts on the urban core to make it a place where people want to work, live, and play.

It is not hard to see why the urban core is the focal point. Not only is it because it is the heart of the City, but also because the urban core contains many assets to build upon. Downtown Hamilton and its surrounding historical neighborhoods have incredible character that remains largely intact, providing the City a strong foundation for creating a sense of place and building a positive image.

Summertime Events. The 2012 Summer Concert Series brought over a thousand people to downtown Hamilton throughout the summer. The 2013 Summer Concert Series is opening at the new RiversEdge Amphitheater, bringing great music downtown for the whole summer. In June 2012, German Village hosted the American Cornhole Organization Hamilton Cornhole Cup, the first time Hamilton has hosted such an event. More than 500 people from 22 states participated in the event. “This German Village is a cool, cozy place,” said Eric Hinerman of Cincinnati, an ACO Pro. “The businesses have been great and the City is taking care of us.” These new events, in addition to longtime favorites such as the 4th of July Parade, offer many opportunities to enjoy downtown throughout the season.

Fall Events. In 2012, Operation Pumpkin relaunched in downtown Hamilton, bringing a weekend filled with activities to the urban core, such as pumpkin trebuchets, a giant pumpkin weigh-off, pumpkin sculpting, a 5K Walk/Run, beer garden, wine tasting, and musical entertainment. Thousands of people came downtown to enjoy the festivities. Hamilton is looking forward to Operation Pumpkin’s return Fall 2013.

The 2012 annual Double Dam Regatta on the Great Miami River was hosted in conjunction with a new event on the same day, the Wheel and Heel 5K Run and Duathalon. And, for the first time, the Farmer’s Market continued into the Fall in German Village.

Winter Events. In 2012, Hamilton welcomed back longtime favorite activities in the winter. For the first time, Hamilton’s business districts combined their holiday events - German Village Christmas Walk, Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays, and the Main Street Music Fest - into one weekend-long festival. In January 2013, Hamilton’s’ IceFest drew 30,000 people to Downtown Hamilton, marking another successful IceFest for the City of Sculpture. Hamilton will host a new holiday celebration in 2013 in German Village, Christkindlmarket.

Together, these activities bring residents and visitors alike to Hamilton’s urban core to see and be part of its renaissance.

The Revivalists brought hundreds of people Downtown for a Thursday night concert during the 2012 Summer Concert Series

4

Playing

ADVANCEExisting Competitive Advantage and Sustainability Efforts via Utilities &Technological Infrastructure

BUILDa Positive Brand via Communications &Customer First Initiative

PURSUEAttraction & Expansion within Targeted Industries

REVITALIZEUrban Core Assets byIncentivizing Desired Uses

INCREASERetail, Restaurant &Entertainment Options

CREATEAn Historic Paper Mill Districtalong the Riverfront

EMPOWERNeighborhoods to Create Unique Identities

IMPROVEand Maintain TransportationAssets, Primary Corridorsand Entryways

ASSISTOrganizations in Furtheringthe Arts Identity for the City

DIFFERENTIATEvia Unique Special Events& Recreational Opportunities

ELIMINATEUrban Blight in Partnershipwith the Butler County LandReutilization Corporation

INCENTIVIZEReinvestment in TraditionalNeighborhoods with ToolsSuch as the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA)

MissionCreating economic opportunityby connecting people, building

a positive image, and developing asense of place

Special Events, Arts & Recreation Activities Around the Great Miami Rive

r

Engage 50,000 Participants Annually in Generate $10 million of New Investment

Increase Home Ownership to 60% While

Decrease Vacant Residential

Structures by 30%

Furthering the Vitality of the Urban Core

Rea

lize $

50 m

illio

n of

New

Priv

ate

Add 2,000 Net New Jobs

Indu

stria

l/Co

mm

erci

al In

vest

men

t

Wor

king

To

become a purposeful destination for Living

2012 - 2018

Hamilton has been aggressive in its push towards a stronger future, thanks in large part to its Strategic Plan and committed stakeholders. For many years, Hamilton was a city shaped by its industries. As we transition into a new economy, Hamilton requires a new vision, one that unifies the city’s stakeholders, capitalizes on the city’s assets, and embraces the global economy. The Strategic Plan is our roadmap.

Status The Strategic Plan is currently being updated to create metrics to track progress

These three objectives – work, live, and play – are the foundation of building a healthy, vibrant Hamilton.

STRATEGIC PLAN

5

Work

Live

Play

Measure Annual Performance GoalDowntown Occupancy % of Total Commercial Space by SF Increase 60% over 5 years

Avg Hourly Wage of Jobs Created via Incentives 41.6

Private $ Leveraged/Public $ Invested (Comm/Ind) Ratio of 2:1

# of Net New Jobs 2,000 over next 5 years

# of New Jobs Exceeding Per Capita Income 80% Increase

% of Social Media Users per Capita ~

# of New Small Business Enterprises 5

# of Creative-Based Enterprises 5 new enterprises over next 5 years

# of Technology-Based Enterprises 5 new enterprises over next 5 years

# of Strands of City-Owned Fiber Utilized Reach 95% over 5 years

% of Business Open At Least 3 Years ~

% of Non-Carbon Emitting Energy Provided Reach 75% over 5 years

# of Comm/Ind Utility Accounts Increase

Measure Annual Performance GoalSq Ft of Repurposed Space in Urban Core 100,000 sf

Population of Urban Core Increase by 100 people

Number of Market-Rate Housing Units in Urban Core Increase by 75 units

Growth in Appraised Value within Urban Core 4% increase every 2 years

% of Home Ownership in Neighborhoods & City 65% Increase

Private $ Leveraged/Public $ Invested (Residential) Ratio of 2:1

Residential Density in Neighborhoods & City 7 + Units Per Acre

% of Vacant Residential Structures 6% in Five Years

# of Properties Valued at Less than $50k 6% in Five Years

Increase in Property Value Resulting from CRA ~

Measure Annual Performance GoalHotel Tax Revenue 20% increase over 5 years

$ Granted for Health Code Compliance in Core ~

Occupancy % of Storefronts in Core by Units ~

# of Miles of Bike Lanes Added 2.5 Miles

Total # of Developments Added Near Riverfront 1

Avg Attendance at City’s 12 Largest Events 10% Increase

Ratio of $ Invested/Participants at Events Ratio of 1:1

Economic Impact of City’s 12 Largest Events 3x Total of Event

# of Participants in Arts Organizations Increase

# of Participants in City Recreation Programs Increase

# of Golfers at City Golf Course Increase

Draft Strategic Plan Metrics

6

Timeline

Building acquired by City

Phase I completeGroundbreaking Phase II complete

Phase I wins Best Mixed-Use Rehab Award

2003 2008 2011 2011 April 2012

Project receives Historic Tax Credits

2007

Building acquired by Historic Developers, LLC

2004

*Current stage

Phase I of the Mercantile Loft renovations was awarded Heritage Ohio’s Best Mixed-Use Rehabilitation Project for 2011

Mercantile Lofts façade

Status CompleteTotal Investment $8.6 MillionProject Details 29 one, two bedroom, and live/work

apartments, 3 street-level retail spaces, and a garden level commercial space

Partners Historic Developers, LLC, State of Ohio, Ham-ilton Community Foundation, City of Hamilton

Between 2011 and 2012, the newly renovated historic Mercantile Lofts opened downtown, inviting young professionals, empty nesters, and everyone in-between to live a walkable, urban lifestyle in Hamilton.

Built circa 1875, the buildings served commercial functions for more than 100 years in downtown Hamilton. By the late 1990s, however, the buildings were vacant and facing potential demolition. But redevelopment efforts by visionary stakeholders, including former Mayors Don Ryan, Adolf Olivas, and Tom Nye, saved the buildings.

The 3 street-level retail spaces are 100% occupied, now home to Community Design Alliance, Millikin & Fitton law firm, and Art Off Symmes, an American craft gallery. The apartments are 95% occupied.

Live, Work, Play

Phase I of the Mercantile Loft renovations was awarded Heritage Ohio’s Best Mixed-Use Rehabilitation Project for 2011

Projected Timeline

72006 April 20122007 2008 February 20122010

Two $100,000 grants awarded, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources and Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission

RiversEDGEPark Amphitheater Overlook Bike Path

re

*Current stage

Groundbreaking Phase I

Tensile canopy installedMercy Hospital

demolished

Phase IIConceptual Redevelopment Plan prepared

$707,115 OKI Grant received, Hamilton Community Foundation provides match funding of $176,779

Design, engineering, and construction plan complete

The 1913 Flood Commemoration Concert at RiversEdge in May 2013. The tensile structure canopy will not be installed until Fall 2013, but RiversEdge will host events through the summer.

RiversEdge is an opportunity to reconnect residents to the Great Miami River. A brownfield redevelopment of the former Mercy Hospital site, RiversEdge is now home to the city’s new downtown riverfront amphitheater and overlook. RiversEdge will be a community recreational asset that will host civic and entertainment events, such as concerts and festivals.

Phase I• RiversEdge public park• Great Miami Recreational Trail extension • River overlook/amphitheater• Pedestrian plaza • Intersection improvements• Trailhead facility with restrooms and bike parking• Steps oriented toward the river overlook/amphitheater• Stage canopy

Status Phase IProject Investment $1.9 Million (Phase I)Partners City of Hamilton, OKI Regional Council

of Governments, Hamilton Community Foundation, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources - Clean Ohio, Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission, Mercy Health Foundation, Miami Conservancy District, Ohio Dept. of Transportation, Vision 2020 Commission

Phase II• Private development including mixed-use office/

residential• Pavilion/cafe, spiral mound, river walk

June 2013

Phase I complete

September 2013 TBD

Projected Timeline

Status Open

Projected Investment $2+ millionPartners Historic JournalNews, LLC, Cox Media

Group Ohio, City of Hamilton

Tenants• Butler Tech School of the Arts• Miami Valley Ballet Theatre• Hamilton City Schools ABLE

*Current stage

Building acquisition

Tenant move-in

Groundbreaking

June 2012 June 2012 January 2013

Planning

May 2012

Construction complete

Winter 2012

Open

8

At the completion of Butler Tech School of the Arts, the development team will have opened two renovated buildings in Downtown Hamilton in 2012.

Butler Tech School of the Arts

Butler Tech School of the Arts was the second renovation project completed by the development team in Downtown Hamilton in 2012

In June 2012, Historic JournalNews, LLC announced its purchase of the former JournalNews building in downtown Hamilton and plans to renovate it into a performance and educational arts hub. Historic JournalNews, LLC is a partnership with the development group that developed the Historic Mercantile Lofts.

The original JournalNews building was built in 1886 with extensive additions and changes throughout the years. JournalNews employees moved out of the site in 2011. The historic building is now home to a number of arts and non-profit institutions, providing a cultural hub of activity in Hamilton’s downtown.

Although not directly a financial partner, the City has been an important collaborator in the project, assisting in the acquisition and in obtaining funding. The project is part of the ongoing revitalization efforts of downtown Hamilton outlined in the Strategic Plan.

Live, Work, Play

Dance studio in the JournalNews building

Projected Timeline

9Spring 2013 Winter 2013-14June 20122006

Received $2.3 million in Historic Tax Credits

September 2014

*Current stage

Summer 2014

Pre-leasing

Summer 2013

Tentative tax credit award

Artspace Hamilton recently was awarded $2.3 million in Ohio Historic Preservat

The radiator grill was removed and the façade was stabilized in Spring 2013

Planning

ConstructionAcquisition of property &removal of metal screen

Completion

With the Mercantile Lofts breathing new life into downtown Hamilton, the City is looking forward to its next residential mixed-use project, Artspace Hamilton.

In 2006, Artspace USA was invited to Hamilton to perform a Preliminary Feasibility Visit. While few cities with a population less than 100,000 could support an Artspace project, it was quickly determined that Hamilton was an exception.

Artspace’s chosen site, the Mehrum-Lindley Block, the former home of Strauss and Co., is in need of rehabilitation. The Mehrum-Lindley Block’s façade was covered in 1966 by a metal screen as an attempt to “modernize” the building, although the original façade remained intact underneath.

Artspace Hamilton will be a community asset that will provide ground floor space for local non-profit organizations, commercial space for small businesses, and outdoor plaza areas for residents and for the greater community.

Status Awaiting tax credit awardProjected Investment $10.2 MillionProject Details 42 affordable live/work spaces for

artists and 3,000 square feet of commercial and gallery space

Partners Artspace USA, State of Ohio, Hamilton Community Foundation, City of Hamilton

Artspace during the removal of the grill

10

Projected Timeline

The East High Street Gateway is an important entrance into Hamilton that is in need of a face-lift. The City is improving its first impression with the East High Street Gateway Improvement Project, which will improve traffic flow and enhance the streetscape by:

• Adding streetscape features (landscaped medians and curb lawn)

• Relocating all overhead electric, cable, and telephone facilities underground, replacing or upgrading water main, gas main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer

• Adding right turn lane from eastbound High St. to southbound SR 4

• Adding a second left turn lane from westbound High St. to southbound SR 4

• Rehabilitating East Ave. and Seventh St.• Adding new commercial access drives along East High

St.

In addition, Dayton St. and Maple Ave. are being investigated to absorb some traffic flow and intelligent signage is being researched for up-to-date information on train passage through the area. Although not included in the project, the intersection of High St. and MLK Jr. Blvd. will be reconstructed by adding new turn lanes for better traffic flow, further enhancing the gateway.

Completion

Traffic study

High and MLK improvements

Status Traffic study complete, 85% done with electrical design

Projected Investment

$11.2 million total infrastructure investment: $8.5 million project budget, $2.7 million additional investment at High and MLK

Partners City of Hamilton, Ohio Dept. of Transportation

Summer 2012 20162014

Design

2013Winter 2012-2013

Water main replacement

*Current stage

All overhead utilities will be relocated underground on East High St.

Infrastructure

High StreetEAST

GATEWAY

Projected Timeline

11

The South Hamilton Crossing project, or SHX, will replace an existing at-grade railroad crossing with a railroad overpass created by extending Grand Boulevard to the west. Of the three grade separations on the east side of the City, currently, Hamilton has only one granting East-West traffic flow. This project is expected to greatly improve connectivity, reduce drive times, and increase safety.

South Hamilton Crossing Railroad Grade Separation Project

SHX is anticipated to have especially important benefits to Vora Technology Park, University Commerce Park, and Miami University-Hamilton, as it greatly improves transit access to these areas.

August 2012

SHX estimated impactImprove access to:• 60 acres of city-owned vacant land at University

Commerce Park • 270,000 square feet of Class-A office space at

Vora Technology Park • 5,000 Miami University Hamilton students

Expected to create an estimated 3,525 jobsEliminate the wait time at the current Central Avenue Crossing that currently affects 15% of daily crossing traffic

Preliminary feasibility

Completion

July 2018January 20142006

Environmental clearance

Right-of-way plans

July 2014

Construction plans

February 2016

Construction start

July 2016

Initial conversation about this project

1911

*Current stage

OKI awards $2.4 million for property acquisition

View of potential SHX development from S 12th Street

Status Traffic Study and Stage 1 Design are complete. Stage 2 Design and Right-of-Way Plan Preparation are underway

Projected Investment $19 MillionPartners City of Hamilton, OKI Regional Council

of Governments, Ohio Dept. of Trans-portation, Butler County Transportation Improvement District

SHX estimated impactImprove access to:• 60 acres of City-owned vacant land at University

Commerce Park • 365,000 square feet of Class-A office space at

Vora Technology Park • 5,000 Miami University Hamilton students

Expected to create an estimated 3,525 jobsEliminate the wait time at the current Central Avenue Crossing that currently affects 15% of daily crossing traffic

Projected Timeline

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has one of the largest safety programs in the country. During 2012, the City obtained funding through the State Highway Safety Program to upgrade the intersection of Eaton Avenue at Main Street/Millville Avenue. The project cost is estimated at $3.7 million and the State will contribute 90 percent with the City responsible for only 10 percent.

The proposed improvement includes realigning the Eaton Avenue/Millville Avenue approaches to the intersection so they align across from each other. This will significantly improve traffic operations and safety at the intersection. The first phase of the project includes environmental analyses, preliminary engineering work, and a feasibility study. It is anticipated that the consultant will be given notice to proceed during July and this phase of the project will be completed in 2014.

Phase 2 of the project will consist of preparation of right-of-way plans and Phase 3 will consist of preparation of detailed design plans. Funding for construction of the improvement (Phase 4) is not scheduled until 2016.

Grant notification from ODOT

2012

Environmental studies and preliminary engineering begins

2013

Status PlanningProjected Investment $3.7 million (City pays $370,000)

Partners Ohio Dept. of Transportation, City of Hamilton

Construction begins

2016

Detailed design and right-of-way plans begins

201412

Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection

*Current stage

Conceptual proposal for the Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection

Infrastructure

Projected Timeline

Door-to-door parking meter survey undertaken by City Transportation and Traffic Engineer

2009

Time limits on meters changed based on survey results

20132010 2012

Internal parking meter study

Parking Supply and Demand Study

2007

Removal of 59 meters and parking garage fee reduction

Status Complete

Complete

13

Downtown Parking

*Current stage

The City of Hamilton does its best to provide parking for its residents and visitors and is adapting to make sure visiting the urban core is convenient. Parking meters were installed in the downtown and Main Street business districts to provide short-term parking for visitors and patrons of Hamilton businesses. As land uses change, the City conducts internal studies to determine if meters should be removed or have their time limits altered.

Several years ago, parking meters were removed on portions of High Street. In 2012, meters were removed on High Street between Second and Third Streets; Third Street between High and Market Streets; and Second Street between High and Market Streets. Parking is now free in these areas but is restricted to a two hour time limit between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. As the result of the most recent study, 59 meters were removed throughout the urban core in 2013.

In another effort to make parking more attractive downtown, the City recently established 2 hour free parking and reduced monthly rental rates by 20 percent in the McDulin Parking Garage. An automatic attendant was installed that is programmed to provide two hours free parking for all daily users and provides patrons with the option of paying with a credit card as well as cash. Additionally, a new security system was installed at the garage.

Projected Timeline

In an effort to significantly improve electric reliability in downtown Hamilton, the City is working on a four block section of Court St. to move the utility lines underground. This project will improve electric reliability in the downtown area between High and Court Streets by expanding the Central Business District Underground Network.

This effort has been done in conjunction with the Court Street Streetscape Project, ensuring that the City improves both utility reliability and aesthetics in the urban core.

Status Transferring customers to new infrastructure

Investment $1.5 Million

Cable installation completeProject initiation

2006 2012

Transformer vaults and conduit

2011

Customers transferred to new infrastructure

January-August 2013

Overhead wire and poles removed

December 2013

Court Street Corridor Improvements

Installed43,000 feet of electrical conduit

35,000feet of low voltage secondary cable

8,000 feet of high voltage primary cable

Three transformer vaults

Three 750 kVA submersible network transformers

Target Improvement Area

14

*Current stage

Infrastructure

Projected Timeline

$32.5 million has been invested to upgrade Hamilton’s electric utilities since 2007

The Smart Grid project leverages technology enhancements to improve electric reliability and increase operational efficiency.

Improvements to Date• The Automated Meter Reading Project (AMR) upgraded

electric, gas, and water meters throughout the city to allow remote reading using a specially equipped van driving past the customer premises.

• The Utility Operations Center provides a central location for monitoring and operating the Electric, Gas, and Water systems and can also function as the Utility Emergency Operations Center in the event of a disaster.

• The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) was implemented in 2011 and is still being expanded, providing remote monitoring of Hamilton’s Electric System.

• The Transmission and Distribution Upgrade Project built three new substations with 21st century control and monitoring equipment which interface directly with the SCADA system.

• The City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) was upgraded for all users in 2012.

Ongoing & Planned Efforts• SCADA monitoring equipment is being retrofitted

into the seven older, existing substations to improve monitoring.

• An Outage Management System (OMS) is planned to provide tools to better respond to customer outages and other problems which may occur in the Electric System.

SCADA

Retrofitting SCADA monitoring equipment

AMR Project completed

2007 2011

Utility Operations Center

2009

3 new transmission and distribution substations completed; GIS upgrade

2012 2012-2013

Outage Management System

End of 2013

$32.5 million has been invested to upgrade Hamilton’s electric utilities since 2007

Status SCADA project is 50% complete

Investment $32.5 Million

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Post-AMR (2011)Pre-AMR

0.1%

60%

Customers With Estimated Values on Bills

Transmission and Distribution Upgrade Project Cost: Budgeted v. Actual

0

5

10

15

20

25

ActualBudgeted

$25 million

$21.5 million

The project was completed 15% under budget

In 2011, more than 99.9% of customer bills used actual consumption readings

Smart Grid

15

*Current stage

16

Projected Timeline

Status 65% complete; turbines are being assembled and installed; over 81,398 cubic yards of concrete have been poured; 9.7 million pounds of steel have been placed

Projected Investment $504+ million

Partners City of Hamilton, American Municipal Power

Powerhouse construction begins

Generating unit commissioning

Excavation begins

May 2010 August 2011 Summer 2014

Formal groundbreaking

June 2010

Commercial operation

October 2014

*Current stage

Construction of the Meldahl facility

Green

Upon completion, nearly 70% of the City’s power will be from renewable sources

The City is developing a new, renewable energy hydroelectric generating facility - the Meldahl Hydroelectric Project. So named because of its location adjacent to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers’ Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam, the Meldahl Hydroelectric Project represents a significant economic development investment and will provide a new source of clean, zero emission electric generation. Once completed, the plant will have a capacity of 105 MW, with an average gross annual output of approximately 558,000 MW of clean energy.

Plant construction is well underway and, at its peak, the project will employ up to 400 construction workers. The associated transmission line will consist of approximately 3 miles of 138kV line and will connect with the existing Zimmer-Spurlock transmission line in Clermont County,

Upon completion, 70% of the City’s power will be from renewable sources

Ohio. The new transmission line will provide southwest Ohio with additional low-cost power from a renewable energy resource and enhance service reliability for the region’s municipal electric customers.

Projected Timeline

As part of the City’s alternative fueled vehicle initiative, plans are underway to construct the first public CNG fueling station in southwest Ohio. The station will be located adjacent to the City Garage on SR 4. The project will be funded by the City and by a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant that the City was recently awarded from OKI.

In 2010, the City received a $40,500 grant from Clean Fuels Ohio (CFO) for converting four vehicles to run on CNG. A small CNG fueling station was constructed at the City Garage to fuel these vehicles. Hamilton has been recognized as a leader in Ohio in utilizing alternative fueled vehicles. The advantages of using CNG for fuel include:

• Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel available today

• Lower emissions of pollutants & greenhouse gases• Time between tune-ups and oil changes are extended

Status Completing environmental assessment and plan review underway

Investment $1.5 million total infrastructure investment, $800,000 City of Hamilton, $700,000 CMAQ Grant

Partners City of Hamilton, OKI Regional Council of Governments, Ohio Dept. of Transportation, Air & Gas Technologies, Hamilton City Schools, Butler Co. Regional Transit Authority

CNG fueling station at City garage complete

Design consultant selected

CFO grant awarded for 4 CNG vehicles

December 2010 July 2011 April 2012

4 CNG vehicles delivered to City

February 2011

RFQ issued for public CNG station design

January 2012

Grand opening

Spring 2014

$700,000 OKI grant received

August 2012

Design complete

Early 2013

Construction begins

Fall 2013

• On average, CNG is 1/3 the price of gasoline• U.S. has over a 100-year supply of natural gas• Reduction on the dependence on foreign oil

The City has received letters of support from the Hamilton City School District and the Butler County Regional Transit Authority. The City looks forward to partnering with these and other stakeholders as this project moves forward.

Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station

17

*Current stage

One of the City’s CNG-powered vehicles

18

Railr

oad

German VillageSMART Paper

Rossville DowntownCBD

E. High Gateway& Dayton Lane

South East

Phase IPhase II

High St.

The G

reat

Mia

mi R

iverMain St.

To help accelerate downtown revitalization and reduce the financial barriers to investing in the urban core, a public-private partnership consisting of the City, the Hamilton Community Foundation, and local lending institutions established the CORE Fund, which provides financial resources for qualified residential and commercial real estate projects within the urban core.

The CORE Fund, or Consortium for Ongoing Reinvestment Efforts, was launched in December 2012 and will provide the necessary capital to reduce financial risk and offer a strategic framework from which projects can be initiated.

Revitalization Tools• New Market Tax Credits• Historic Preservation Tax Credits• Equity Financing • Gap Financing

By leveraging a multitude of financial tools in one powerful partnership, the CORE Fund is able to maximize results of strategic projects that will revitalize the city.

Status In operationGoal $5 Million capitalized in 2013 with ultimate goal

of maintaining a $10 million revolving fundPartners City of Hamilton, Hamilton Community Founda-

tion, First Financial, Fifth Third, US Bank

Core Area

New Tools

The CORE Fund, operating under the leadership of executive director Michael P. Dingeldein, AIA, is working on feasibility studies on a number of buildings within Hamilton’s urban core.

Approximately $4 million has been raised toward the $5 million goal of the fund. It expects to surpass that goal during summer 2013. As other institutions finalize their commitments, they will assume a seat at the board. Thus far, the board of directors consists of:• Claude Davis, chairman (CEO - First Financial Bank)• John Guidugli (CEO - Hamilton Community Foundation)• Lee Parrish (Managing Partner - Parrish, Marcum, Hirka,

Trokhan Co., LPA) The CORE is also hopeful to announce its first active project by year’s end.

19

The City established the Business Development Team to make investing in Hamilton easier for current and future business owners. The Team focuses on assisting retail and commercial development and is a single point of contact that coordinates between all necessary departments to help businesses invest in Hamilton from the first inquiry until the issuance of final occupancy.

2012 Business Team Numbers

The creation of Hamilton’s Business Development Team underscores the City’s commitment to streamlining the development process and fostering a growing business community. This team of devoted leaders and officials has facilitated increased investment in our community by creating a customer-focused approach to dealing with new businesses and existing business expansions.

Business Development Team

West Side • Hamilton Station Development (Hot Head Burritos, Marco’s Pizza, Verizon, Jimmy Johns)

Downtown • Jelli’s Fudgery• Pappa Luigi’s• Ohio Lunch

Lindenwald • Sweden Crème

Route 4 • Pease Warehouse Relocation• Subway

German Village • The Music Stand

Main St. • 513 Fix My PC• Bella Vita Photography

East Hamilton • Three Leaf

2012 Business Development Team Successes

Grand Re-Opening, Pease Warehouse on Route 4. Photo Courtesy of Greg Lynch, Hamilton Journal-News

157

5734

30

Project Inquiries

Qualifying ProjectsProspects

New Businesses

20

The Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) provides property owners a tax exemption for investing in property improvements. The goal of the CRA is to incentivize revitalization where barriers to investment exist. The CRA tax exemption will be available for both residential and commercial development and can be utilized throughout Hamilton.

Residential• Can be used for renovation• The abatement is for ten years

Tax Exemption Value

Community Reinvestment Area

Taxable Value

CRA Tax Exemption

Total Value

New Improvement

Value

Original Value

% of New Value

ExemptedMin. New

Investment

Renovation 0-24 year old structure 50% $5,000 25-49 year old structure 75% $5,000 50+ year old structure 100% $5,000

Commercial• New construction• Expansion• Building improvements• Commercial or industrial

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis for investment dollar and job creation potential. Final exemption value is determined by the Butler County Auditor.

Status In operation

Partners State of Ohio, Hamilton City Schools

Historic neighborhoods such as German Village can benefit from the Community Reinvestment Area

New Tools

Max.Term in

Years

% of New Value Ex-empted*

Min. New Invest-ment

Renovation 12 50% $5,000

New Construction 15 50% $5,000 *Maximum without school board approval

Land Bank Successful Outcomes 1. Demolition of Blight2. Redevelopment of existing (salvageable)

housing 3. The side-lot program (parcel extensions,

community gardens, etc.)

21

In March 2012, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine settled with five of the nation’s largest mortgage servicers over foreclosure abuses, fraud, and unfair and deceptive mortgage practices. Through the “Moving Ohio Forward” grant program, the Attorney General allocated a total of $75 million to all 88 counties in Ohio to facilitate the reclamation, rehabilitation, and reutilization of vacant, abandoned, tax-foreclosed, or other real property.

Butler County was awarded over $2.6 million in Moving Ohio Forward funding. Roughly $1.1 million was designated for the City of Hamilton through the Butler County Land Reutilization Corporation (better known as the “Land Bank”), which the City matched, resulting in a total of $2.2 million. The funds must be used before the end of 2013, but the City hopes to sustain the Land Bank after grant completion.

The Land Bank provides the City an opportunity to demolish nuisance properties and to promote economic and housing development. It is an important tool to make Hamilton a more livable, more economically vibrant community.

Status In operation (can be used with the CRA)

Impact $2.2 million direct investment, potential for large indirect investment

Partners Butler County, State of Ohio, City of Middletown, City of Hamilton

Land Bank Successful Outcomes 1. Demolition of blight2. Redevelopment of existing (salvageable)

housing 3. The side-lot program (parcel extensions,

community gardens, etc.)

As of May 9, 2013, the City has acquired 140 properties and completed 30 demolitions through the Land Bank.

Butler County Land Reutilization Corporation

Blighted buildings beyond repair will be demolished

to make way for a more productive use

of the land

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The City has completed two major revisions to Hamilton’s planning regulations and public works standards:

• Form-based zoning controls for the areas adjacent to Main Street and Downtown/High Street

• A complete streets strategy for the entire city

Form-based zoning tools focus more on detailed design of buildings to ensure that future development or redevelopment contributes to the existing character of a defined area, while allowing the owners of those buildings a wider range of mixed uses within those buildings.

Complete streets are those that incorporate and integrate designs for automobile, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic as well as stormwater management within a defined right-of-way.

Status Implementation

Project Area Downtown, Rossville/Main Street, East High Street

Partners City of Hamilton, Clarion Associates (Denver), Farr Associates (Chicago), Gresham Smith Partners (Louisville), and McBride Dale Clarion (Cincinnati)

Public design process for key areas

Draft zoning tools and amendments and complete streets strategy

Initial review, analysis, and interviews

March 2012 Summer 2012 Fall 2012

Approval

February 2013

Projected Timeline

The form-based zoning regulations and complete streets strategy have been produced through an interactive process involving property owners, business owners, stakeholders from the target areas, and city staff and consultants.

Public hearing

January 2013

Consideration of expansion of form-

based zoning

Ongoing

Form Based Code & Complete Streets

*Current stage

New Tools

Form Based Code helps to preserve and enhance the character of an area. These are visualizations of Main Street with facade improvements.

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The City is undertaking a number of projects within the Customer First Initiative, which is an effort to prioritize customer service to Hamilton residents. The Customer First Initiative intends to make government operations more effective, accessible, and friendlier.

Customer Satisfaction SurveyThe Customer Satisfaction Survey helps the City identify residents’ perceptions and satisfaction with City services. An annual report card is produced targeting areas for improvement.

Customer First Initiative

First Floor Service DeskThe Service Desk will consolidate the primary customer services into a single, accessible first floor desk that will take care of 90% of customer needs.

Status Final report completed

Next Steps Clarifying goals and determine how to use the results

311 “One Number to Call for City Hall”When within the City’s boundaries, the 311 service will allow residents to call a single number for any non-emergency need or question.

Status Implementation plan

Next Steps Finish implementation plan and foot traffic analysis

Customer Information System (CIS)CIS will replace the City’s legacy utility billing system, which is costly to operate, cannot be upgraded, and no longer meets the City’s needs or those of our customers.

Status Call management program development

Next Steps Training

Status Implementation (testing and training)Next Steps Go Live

Projected Timelines

Baseline survey developed

Survey mailed

Analysis

Final report

Evaluation

Sept. 2011 Nov. 2011 Jan. 2012 Feb. 2012 Ongoing

Phased implementation plan

Install Phase I service desk

Complete Phase II

Oct. 2013 2014 2015

PUCO approval

Zip code analysis

New routing and call management

TrainingGo Live

Oct. 2011 Feb. 2012 Fall 2013 Winter 2013 2014

Vendor selection

Contract signed

Go Live

April 2011 Feb. 2012 2012-2013 Fall 2013

Implementation

*Current stage

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$220 MillionProjected investment in real and personal property in projects currently under way

650,000Square feet of new retail in Hamilton

3+ Million Workforce of the Cincinnati-Dayton Metroplex

37Colleges, universities, branch campuses, and community colleges in Greater Hamilton

2,000New jobs projected to be created as part of the Strategic Plan

Economic Development

$220 MillionProjected investment in real and personal property in projects currently under way

650,000Square feet of new retail in Hamilton

3+ Million Workforce of the Cincinnati-Dayton Metroplex

37Colleges, universities, branch campuses, and community colleges in Greater Hamilton

2,000New jobs projected to be created as part of the Strategic Plan

Economic Development

President of Coolants Plus Darrin Ward. “About half of Coolants Plus’ workforce resides in Hamilton, so they are very happy to be closer to home.”

ThyssenKrupp BilsteinIn 2011, ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America (TKBA), a manufacturer of automobile parts, announced the transfer of the Real Time Damper systems (RTD) technology from its main plant in Germany to their Hamilton facility. The total project investment is estimated at $7.3 million. TKBA currently employs 300 people in Hamilton and is the eighth largest employer. TKBA has been recognized as a top place to work by various media publications.

Creating job opportunities is central to the City’s Strategic Plan. Companies locate in Hamilton due to the proximity to suppliers and customers, available quality workforce, low cost of doing business, reliability and cost of utilities, and many other factors.

LiferayIn May 2013, Liferay opened its national sales office in downtown Hamilton, bringing up to 16 well-paying jobs to the city. Liferay is a California-based technology company that is a leading provider of enterprise open source portal and collaboration software products. Joshua Asbury, Liferay’s Director of Corporate Sales said, “The city’s proximity to national recognized universities and world-class corporations will allow us to attract top talent for our growing sales team.”

Koncert IT Since 2012, Koncert IT, a global information technology solutions company, has grown to 70 employees jobs at its site at Vora Technology Park. It is a knowledge processing center producing pharmacy support with Kroger. “Vora Tech Park is the ideal destination for a knowledge processing center,” said Walt McLaren, President of Koncert IT.

Coolants PlusIn March 2013, Coolants Plus, a national supplier of lubricants, antifreeze, and grease, announced its move to the former Pease Warehouse facility in Hamilton. Coolants Plus brings their existing 15 full-time employees and will create 4 new full-time jobs in Hamilton. “We look forward to getting involved in the Hamilton community,” said Vice

ThyssenKrupp Bilstein

Impact since 200448 Acres of land remediated and redeveloped

$10.9 Million In Clean Ohio Revitalization Funds

5 New uses for old sites: 2 new industrial sites, 2 new neighborhood-scale retail sites, 1 alternative energy generation site, 1 public riverfront amphitheater

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The City of Hamilton has been working collaboratively with the State of Ohio to clean up and reuse underutilized properties in the City through the Clean Ohio brownfield program. The goal of the brownfield program is to demolish nuisance properties, remediate identified areas of concern, and to redevelop the site into an economically beneficial use. Types of remediation include asbestos abatement, elimination of groundwater contamination, and removal of impacted soils.

Sites are targeted that will provide an economic stimulus to Hamilton and which will have a future use consistent with the City’s Strategic Plan.

Address & Size

Former Use CORF Grant

Year New Use

845 East Avenue, 7 Acres

Former Estate Stove Company

$774,095 In Progress

The City has reached an agreement with a developer to construct a 38,500 square foot light manufacturing/warehouse facility.

1550 Grand, 7 Acres

Former location of Marcell’s Used Auto Parts

$1,932,527 In Progress

It is anticipated that upon completion of the demolition and remediation project, the property will be redeveloped into a commercial or retail/mixed-use site.

550 North Third Street, 5 Acres

Former Niles Tool Works property

$2,032,905 In progress

The proposed redevelopment project includes the development of an alternative energy power generation facility to support expansion of the City of Hamilton’s electric utility system.

100 Riverfront Plaza, 7 Acres

Former Mercy Hospital property

$3,000,000 2007 The RiversEdge development plan targets commercial and residential development opportunities along the Great Miami River, including the RiversEdge Park and Amphitheater.

999 East Avenue, 9 Acres

Former Hamilton Die Cast property

$750,000 2007 Matandy Steel and Metal Products invested about $2.2 million to build a 52,000 square foot steel manufacturing facility for the company’s new business venture under the name J.N. Linrose Mfg.

1400 South Erie Highway, 13 Acres

Former Mosler Safe property

$2,383,500 2004 Redevelopment into Kroger-anchored retail center

Impact since 200448 Acres of land remediated and redeveloped

$10.9 Million In Clean Ohio Revitalization Funds

5 New uses for old sites: 2 new industrial sites, 2 new neighborhood-scale retail sites, 1 alternative energy generation site, 1 public riverfront amphitheater

BrownfieldDevelopment

Before After

1400 South Erie Highway prior to the brownfield redevelopment 1400 South Erie Highway after the brownfield redevelopment

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Educational Investments

1school district in the country to receive the National District of Character Award in 2012

Hamilton City SchoolsHamilton City Schools have been transformed by the vision and support of the School District’s stakeholders. Over the past few years, the Hamilton City School District implemented $240 million in new capital investments that created state-of-the-art learning facilities.

Ten new schools and two completely renovated schools are the result of the investments; all are state-of-the-art and uniquely designed to fit the neighborhood feel. No other school district in Ohio has done such a comprehensive Master Facilities Plan for all of its schools.

In 2012, the Hamilton City School District received the National District of Character Award, the only school district in the nation to receive the recognition. The award is for their comprehensive character education initiative.

240 millioninvested in the schools through the Master Facilities Plan

100percent of Hamilton City School children attend school at a state-of-the-art facility

1school district in the country to receive the National District of Character Award in 2012

Miami University HamiltonMiami University’s Hamilton Campus (MUH) has grown by over 1,000 students in the last five years, up to 4,382 students in 2013. Since 2000, MUH has invested $16.3 million in capital improvements at the campus. Less than five years ago, MUH offered just two bachelor’s degrees. Today, the campus has five accredited degrees and recently announced it would be adding more 4-year programs.

One of MUH’s investments in Hamilton is Miami University Hamilton Downtown (MUHD), which was conceived as a multi-use facility that strengthens the connection between campus and community. MUHD was recently renovated as part of a five year lease to provide greater security for exhibits, to allow a more sound-controllable space for daytime events, and to create an attractive multi-use space convenient True West Downtown, which is opening summer 2013. This space hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including movies, music, community meetings, and much more, becoming a center of cultured activities in downtown Hamilton.

Hamilton High School is one of the schools renovated under the Master Facilities Plan

Economic Development

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Health Care Expansion

Fort Hamilton was one of fourteen Ohio hospitals recognized as a top performer by the Joint Commission in 2011

Fort Hamilton, the largest private employer in Hamilton and a partner of the City since 1929, broke ground on a $5 million expansion of the Carruthers Emergency Room in August 2012. The expansion is a response to increased demand and will improve access, service, and efficiency. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. The hospital’s newly expanded Sleep Lab opened in January 2013. Fort Hamilton is part of the Kettering Health Network.

Fort Hamilton HospitalCommunity First SolutionsCommunity First Solutions, the non-profit parent company of Colonial, Community Behavioral Health, Community First Pharmacy, and Partners in Prime, has quickly grown to be one of the City’s largest employers, second only to Fort Hamilton in the private sector. Services provided by Community First Solutions reach approximately 40,000 people in Butler, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Warren Counties.

In 2012, Community First Solutions completed the following capital investments in Hamilton:

• Completed a $3.5 million renovation of the Donna Y. Carruthers Manor House at Berkeley Square, one of Colonial’s communities

• Community First Pharmacy, a non-profit Downtown pharmacy which fills the prescriptions of both insured and uninsured, was renovated and expanded

• Opened Elements at the Square, a $1.3 million wellness center at Berkeley Square

Bethesda Butler CountyBethesda Butler County, part of the TriHealth Network, offers a range of high quality, specialty services as a ten bed surgical hospital and recently expanded its services to the community. In Fall 2012, Bethesda increased cardiology services and, in early 2013, opened a 17 bed Emergency Room, supported by on-site diagnostic services as well as surgical and inpatient care.

Fort Hamilton was recognized as one of the top ten hospitals in the Cincinnati Metro Area in 2012 by US News

Groundbreaking at Fort Hamilton’s Emergency Room expansion

MayorPat Moeller

Vice Mayor Carla Fiehrer

CouncilRob Wile

Robert BrownTimothy Naab

Archie JohnsonKathleen Klink

City ManagerJoshua Smith

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