Politics
Cincinnati Council Approves 2027 Budget: Streets, Transit Work Begins Q1 2027
Cincinnati residents will see construction on select streets and bus route changes begin in the first quarter of 2027 after the council's July 7 vote.
How we reported this
Cincinnati City Council approved the 2027 capital budget on July 7, allocating $78 million for road resurfacing, bridge repairs and expanded Metro bus service. The measure directs funds to 12 specific corridors in neighborhoods including Over-the-Rhine, Price Hill and Bond Hill. Residents along those routes will encounter the first detours and service adjustments next spring.
Why the vote occurred now
The city faces a March 2027 deadline to obligate federal infrastructure dollars received under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Council members advanced the package to meet state reporting requirements and avoid returning unspent funds. The approved document lists 47 line items with start and completion quarters.
Work on Reading Road between Liberty Street and Ridge Avenue is scheduled to begin in February 2027. Metro will add evening frequency on Route 11 starting March 2027. Property owners near the listed projects will receive mailed notices 90 days before crews arrive.
Local effects by quarter
City engineers project that 18 miles of pavement will be milled and repaved by December 2027. The budget document states that water-main replacements will occur simultaneously on six of those segments to reduce future street cuts. Average daily commutes for drivers using affected streets are expected to lengthen by six to 12 minutes during active phases.
The legislation requires quarterly progress reports posted on the city's website beginning October 2027. Utility-rate payers will see no immediate change; any future fee adjustments tied to these projects must be approved in a separate ordinance.
Next steps include the city manager issuing requests for proposals by September 2026 and the selection of contractors by December 2026. Residents can review the full project list and map on the Department of Public Services page.