Sharonville controls its downtown’s destiny
Property control makes it unlikely that a gas station, dollar store, fast-food franchise or the like will move in to the city's emerging downtown.
First Suburbs—Beyond Borders
The stories of our time: Our best-read journalism of 2023
In 2023, Soapbox's 15th year, our writers and photographers discovered stories of community, entrepreneurship, neighborhoods, talent, innovation, and more. Here are the ones our readers liked best.
Despite controversies, mayor’s courts are fixtures of small-town justice
Ohio is one of only two states with mayor's courts, whose origins date to 19th century Cincinnati.
A new library will serve as community gathering space and a spark for further development
Forest Park's ambitious redevelopment plans got a jump start from an unlikely source – the library.
Mill Creek: Far from dead, the urban waterway has potential for recreation throughout its course
A 43-mile trail along two branches of the stream would connect more than a dozen Hamilton County communities.
Long lives, well lived: What neighborhoods can do to increase life expectancy
Life expectancy is often compared from nation to nation or state to state, but there’s a wide disparity among neighboring communities just within Hamilton County.
Common ground: Creating shared civic space sparks redevelopment in neighborhoods
As older communities look for ways to attract new residents, retain folks who already live there, and lure new businesses, common spaces connect people to place.
There’s new funding for affordable housing. Will it reach the first-ring suburbs?
The affordable housing shortage is often thought of as a big-city problem, but first-ring suburbs also need investment to improve aging housing stock and encourage ownership.
Lincoln Heights: Moving beyond the past to a hopeful future
A history of disinvestment and institutional racism has meant challenges for Lincoln Heights since it was founded. But a window of opportunity is open that can move the community forward.
Greenhills: A New Deal historic landmark strives to attract new residents with community and safety
Eighty-five years after its settlement, Greenhills is trying to balance its historic legacy with the changing tastes and demands of 21st century America.
