Greater Living - Strengthening our 52 Neighborhoods

By Yvette Renee Simpson

Below are just a few of the neighborhood issues I have addressed:

Many children in the Avondale community were not engaged in educational activities during summer months due to a lack of opportunity and parents' fear of letting children out of doors because of increased crime. I worked with the Dan Beard Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America to arrange for a week of free summer camp for Avondale children, including meals and transportation to and from camp.

Building collaborative working relationships with the administration, I have successfully resolved problems in communities all over Cincinnati; working with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful to cleaning up trash, DOTE to repair and improve streetscapes, and public services to address overgrown lawns and litter. My team's efforts have improved and beautified communities like the East End, Westwood, Camp Washington and many others.

The West McMicken area just north of Over-the-Rhine was experiencing a rise in prostitution-related crimes, which increased other criminal activity and negatively impacted their community. I brought community leaders together with organizations working with victims of sex trafficking to address this issue. I also led City Council's efforts to support State Legislation increasing penalties for prostitution-related crimes, and is working with the Cincinnati Police Department and other City Departments to increase prevention measures in the area.