There was a time a few years ago when I was ready to leave Cincinnati. I’m sure many others have faced the same dilemma. It seemed that I was consistently voting for the losing candidate, my favorite ballot issues were getting defeated, and I generally felt that the tide of civic life in town was moving in a direction that was contrary to my values. Enough was enough. I quietly drew a line in the sand, and set my sights on an upcoming election.  My wife and I agreed that if two of the three ballot issues we were supporting failed, we’d relocate. Not sure where.  Just not here.  All three of our issues passed, and we’re still here. Thankfully.


The process forced me to think about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Cincinnati versus other cities.   I went through the expected checklist of natural, cultural, and economic assets.  I thought about politics, cost of living, and accessibility to friends and family.  However, the most compelling attribute of Cincinnati started out on my “disadvantage” list:  The city isn’t done. 


I find it incredibly appealing that Cincinnati isn’t yet “completed,” and that we all still have opportunities to make a difference.  All the decisions haven’t been made.  All the buildings haven’t been rehabbed.  All the neighborhoods aren’t perfect.   Here in Cincinnati, there’s still the chance to do something big. 


The opening of the Purple People Bridge in 2003 was a proud moment, as I had been leading that effort for more than five years.  Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without working in partnership with Southbank Partners, state and local governments, and a band of dedicated volunteers.   But reclaiming a rusting eyesore, converting it to a pedestrian bridge, and painting it purple was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; an opportunity that couldn’t have happened anywhere else.


I can’t imagine having the opportunity to fundamentally change the way the people use the waterfront in a city like Boston or Seattle.  I can’t imagine trying to break through the bureaucratic barriers to invite the Mayor of Chicago or San Francisco to a small neighborhood business ribbon-cutting.   I can’t imagine the frustration of living in a city (however hip) where I didn’t think my voice could be heard.


According to CEOs for Cities research, two-thirds of today’s college graduates are picking the cities where they will live before they find a job.   That locational decision is largely based on perceptions of a region’s quality of life, but it’s not all about lattes and lofts.   It’s also about the perception of having a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference.  This may be one of our region’s key competitive advantages in retaining and attracting talent.  We can distinguish ourselves by letting it be known that the City’s not yet done.  We are still completing it, and we need everyone’s help.