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Cincinnati's Issue 3 would mandate city lawmakers spend $50 million annually on affordable housing.Proponents believe improving the lives of struggling families is on the line. But city leaders say services those folks depend on are at risk if it passes. CLICK HERE FOR FULL ELECTION RESULTS.City Hall is sweating this one out, warning of layoffs, closed recreation centers, pools, brownouts and less funding for human services if $50 million has to be set aside every year for affordable housing.Advocates like the CFT, NAACP, Urban League and The Homeless Coalition say they never hear how there's not enough money to support the construction of luxury condos or upscale apartments.Issue 3 is in the hands of however many city residents mark their ballots.Most say they understand the need.So, it's not the concept that's controversial. It's the method."It's not business as usual. It's not the way it used to be. And I'm looking for a progressive solution," said voter Larry Hodge of Madisonville."The idea that you're going to require that amount of money to be paid each year and not have a source of funding identified is problematic," said voter Kaie Barnes of Hyde Park. As with almost everything about Issue 3, there's sharp disagreement about what could and could not be available as funding options.It is arguably the most controversial money issue of consequence since the streetcar. Issue 3 has fierce advocates. It also has brought the Democratic Party, Republican Party and Charter Committee together to oppose it.
Cincinnati's Issue 3 would mandate city lawmakers spend $50 million annually on affordable housing.
Proponents believe improving the lives of struggling families is on the line. But city leaders say services those folks depend on are at risk if it passes.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ELECTION RESULTS.
City Hall is sweating this one out, warning of layoffs, closed recreation centers, pools, brownouts and less funding for human services if $50 million has to be set aside every year for affordable housing.
Advocates like the CFT, NAACP, Urban League and The Homeless Coalition say they never hear how there's not enough money to support the construction of luxury condos or upscale apartments.
Issue 3 is in the hands of however many city residents mark their ballots.
Most say they understand the need.
So, it's not the concept that's controversial. It's the method.
"It's not business as usual. It's not the way it used to be. And I'm looking for a progressive solution," said voter Larry Hodge of Madisonville.
"The idea that you're going to require that amount of money to be paid each year and not have a source of funding identified is problematic," said voter Kaie Barnes of Hyde Park.
As with almost everything about Issue 3, there's sharp disagreement about what could and could not be available as funding options.
It is arguably the most controversial money issue of consequence since the streetcar.
Issue 3 has fierce advocates. It also has brought the Democratic Party, Republican Party and Charter Committee together to oppose it.
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