Cincinnati 2.0 - City of Innovation

Meet Linda Matthews, a Candidate for Cincinnati City Council, Innovator, Leader, and lifelong Cincinnatian.

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About Linda Matthews

Linda Matthews

As a lifelong Cincinnatian, Trustee at Central State University, Ohio Central Committeewoman, Graduate of Xavier University, 1st Vice President of the North Avondale Neighborhood Association, Board Member of Code for Kids, educator and tech leader, I’m running to bring fresh, innovative, data-driven solutions to City Hall. With my background in STEM and AI, I’m committed to blending innovation with common-sense values—because our city’s future deserves bold ideas and responsible leadership.

I believe in a government that works smarter, not harder—using technology to cut waste, boost efficiency, and serve every Cincinnatian.

Platform: Innovating for Cincinnati’s Future

Public Safety 2.0

  • National Recruitment for Police Force: Aggressively hire, train, and retain top-tier law enforcement professionals by expanding recruitment nationwide to restore Cincinnati’s police force to the levels needed for community safety.
  • Zero-Tolerance Youth Curfew Enforcement: Implement strict enforcement of youth curfew laws to reduce youth violence and keep our streets safer for all residents.
  • Zero-Tolerance in High-Crime Areas: Enforce every infraction of city law in high-crime neighborhoods to restore order and deter criminal activity.
  • Citizens on Patrol Initiative: Pay and empower citizens to participate in neighborhood patrols, reporting suspicious activities directly to law enforcement for faster, community-driven crime prevention.

Economic Development

  • Neighborhood-Centric Development: Repeal Connected Communities zoning laws and prioritize development that respects the unique character and needs of all 52 Cincinnati neighborhoods.
  • Community-Led Growth: Trust local Community Councils and residents to guide development decisions, ensuring responsible growth that adds housing units without sacrificing neighborhood identity.
  • Preserve Cincinnati’s Character: Commit to development that enhances, not erases, the beloved character of our neighborhoods.

Education & Opportunity

  • STEM and Vocational Pathways for All: Expand partnerships with CPS, universities, tech firms, and trades to bring STEM education, vocational training, and real career opportunities to every neighborhood.
  • Support for Teachers: Attract and retain top educators with competitive pay and professional development, ensuring strong schools start with strong teachers.
  • Family Engagement Programs: Launch initiatives that empower parents to actively support their children’s academic success.
  • Transparency in Education: Track and publicly report key outcomes like third-grade literacy and graduation rates to measure progress and ensure accountability.

Economic Growth

  • Best City for Business in the Midwest: Expand the Innovation District to support tech startups, minority-owned businesses, neighborhood entrepreneurs, and small shops.
  • Cut Red Tape for Local Hiring: Streamline permits and offer targeted incentives to businesses that hire locally, especially in high-unemployment areas.
  • Public Accountability Dashboard: Track and display job growth, new business creation, and local investment to ensure voters see results, not just promises.

Smart City Solutions

  • AI for Better Services: Use AI-driven tools to reduce traffic congestion, speed up 911 response times, and optimize trash, snow, and road services—saving money and improving efficiency.
  • Energy-Efficient Infrastructure: Modernize city systems with energy-saving upgrades and ensure every home has high-speed internet through public-private partnerships.
  • Community-Guided Tech: Ensure every smart city project is shaped by community input and protected by strong data privacy rules for transparency and trust.

Infrastructure

  • National Leader in Infrastructure: Modernize technology to deliver top-tier city services, including fast trash removal, snow clearance, pothole repairs, and construction projects.
  • Efficient and Responsive Services: Leverage cutting-edge tools to ensure Cincinnati’s infrastructure meets the needs of its residents with speed and precision.

Cincinnati’s Innovation Legacy

1825: Modern Winemaking Techniques

Nicholas Longworth began cultivating Catawba grapes in the Ohio River Valley, producing sparkling wine and earning the title "father of American winemaking."

1837: Procter & Gamble Founded

William Procter and James Gamble established P&G, which later introduced iconic products like Ivory soap in 1879.

1853: First Professional Fire Department

On April 1, Cincinnati established the first fully paid and professional fire department in the United States.

1869: Cincinnati Red Stockings

The Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first openly professional baseball team, playing their inaugural game on May 4.

1870: Graeter’s Ice Cream

Louis Charles Graeter began selling ice cream using the French Pot process, leading to the establishment of Graeter's.

1875: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Established as the "Hospital of the Protestant Episcopal Church," it evolved into a leading pediatric care and research institution.

1875: Cincinnati Zoo

Opened to the public, making it the second oldest zoo in the United States, known for innovative zoo design and conservation efforts.

1880: Rookwood Pottery

Founded by Maria Longworth Nichols, Rookwood became renowned for its artistic ceramics and architectural tiles.

1883: Kroger Founded

Barney Kroger opened his first grocery store in Cincinnati, pioneering the supermarket model by integrating baking and meat departments.

1889: Cincinnati Milling Machine Company

Formed from the milling machine business of the Cincinnati Screw & Tap Co., it became a leading manufacturer of milling machines.

1894: Billboard Magazine

First published on November 1 in Cincinnati as "Billboard Advertising," it evolved into a leading music industry publication.

1896: Cincinnati Time Recorder Company

Established with support from James Gamble, the company developed one of the earliest time clocks for tracking employee work hours.

1903: Wright Brothers’ First Flight

On December 17, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first successful powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

1940: Cincinnati Sub-Zero Products

Founded to provide industrial freezers, CSZ evolved into a leader in environmental simulation technology for medical and industrial applications.

1943: King Records

Founded by Syd Nathan, King Records became influential in the development of funk music, recording artists like James Brown.

1974: Heimlich Maneuver Introduced

Dr. Henry Heimlich published the technique on June 1, providing a life-saving method to assist choking victims.

2018: University of Cincinnati Innovation Hub

Opened on October 5, the 1819 Innovation Hub fosters collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners.

2022: University of Cincinnati Digital Futures Building

Opened on September 23, this facility supports interdisciplinary research in areas like artificial intelligence and smart city technologies. Source: (Soapbox)