During a recent Citizens Forum in Cincinnati, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding affordable housing and the city council's handling of related funds. The meeting, which allowed residents two minutes each to speak, highlighted a growing frustration with the council's perceived inaction on housing issues.

Mary Partee, a long-time resident, urged the council to extend the speaking time from two to three minutes, arguing that the current limit hampers meaningful dialogue. She also raised concerns about the backlog in low-income housing applications, questioning the council's effectiveness in addressing these issues.

Freeman McNeil, a former chair of the Cincinnati Democratic Party, criticized the council for its management of the Affordable Housing Fund, demanding accountability for past administrations' handling of funds intended for low-income housing. He expressed dissatisfaction with the council's performance, particularly regarding the needs of marginalized communities.

Gwen Gordon, an advocate for seniors, shared alarming accounts of abuse faced by elderly residents, emphasizing the need for better support services. Dr. Mark Musman, who helped establish the Homeless Coalition, reiterated the necessity for the city to invest in affordable housing, pointing out that current funding mechanisms do not adequately address the needs of families earning below the area median income.

Several speakers, including Brian Christiansen and Samantha Messer, criticized the council's meeting schedule, claiming it disenfranchises working-class residents. They also called for a more equitable approach to housing policies, arguing that the current focus on market-driven solutions fails to address the urgent needs of low-income families.

John Calhoun and Sister Mary Joyce Mueller echoed these sentiments, demanding sustainable funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which they claimed has been neglected in favor of funds that primarily benefit higher-income households. They urged the council to align its actions with its campaign promises to support affordable housing initiatives.

The forum concluded with a strong call for the city council to prioritize the needs of its most vulnerable residents, as community members expressed their determination to hold elected officials accountable for their commitments to affordable housing and social justice.