The Public Safety and Governance Committee of the Cincinnati City Council convened on June 5, 2025, under the leadership of Chair Scotty Johnson. The meeting included Vice Chair and Vice Mayor Jan Michelle Lemmonkerny, along with committee members Ann Albee and Mark Jeffries. Guests Jeff Grama Dean and Evan Nolan were also present as the committee addressed a packed agenda.
The meeting commenced with a public comment session, allowing community members to voice their concerns and suggestions. The first speaker, Rodney Christian, expressed his support for a proposed curfew, emphasizing the need for thorough discussions with police officers to ensure clarity and understanding in its implementation. He highlighted the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process, particularly regarding youth interactions with law enforcement.
Following Mr. Christian, Alexis Kidd addressed the committee, sharing positive developments in youth programs supported by city investments. She reported that the number of children served by her center had increased significantly, from 20 to over 300, thanks to human service funding. Ms. Kidd advocated for continued support for youth initiatives and suggested that any curfew measures should provide opportunities for young people to reflect on their actions rather than simply penalizing them. She stressed that not all youth engaging in late-night activities are involved in negative behavior, and many are simply socializing with friends.
The committee's discussions underscored the importance of community engagement and the need for collaborative solutions to address public safety concerns, particularly regarding youth and curfew policies. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these issues and consider the input from community members as they move forward.