The Public Safety & Governance Committee of the Cincinnati City Council convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss the ongoing partnership between the city and Hamilton County regarding opioid settlement funding. The meeting aimed to provide an overview of the funding process, the allocation of resources, and the strategies for community recovery.

The discussion began with a presentation on the opioid settlement funds, tracing their origins back to lawsuits filed in 2007 against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The settlements, which have been finalized since 2021, continue to evolve, with new agreements being reached regularly. Notably, significant settlements from companies like Walmart and CVS are contributing to the overall funding pool.

For the Cincinnati region, Hamilton County is projected to receive approximately $26 million over the next 18 years, with the city of Cincinnati's share estimated at around $8.5 million. The funds are earmarked for specific abatement strategies aimed at community recovery, as outlined in the 1 Ohio Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The presentation emphasized that all expenditures must align with these designated strategies.

The committee highlighted the collaborative approach taken to determine funding priorities. A survey process, facilitated by the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition, engages community stakeholders to gather input on abatement strategies. This feedback is crucial in shaping the budget and identifying priority areas for funding. The coalition, which includes a steering committee of 20 members and a broader network of over 1,000 stakeholders, conducts town hall sessions to discuss community needs and gaps in services.

Once the budget is approved, the county initiates a grant application process, allowing agencies to apply for funding. The committee also noted the importance of performance measures and evaluation requirements to ensure accountability and track the effectiveness of funded projects.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions, underscoring the committee's commitment to transparency and community involvement in addressing the opioid crisis. The ongoing partnership between the city and county aims to leverage these funds effectively to support recovery efforts and improve public safety in the region.