Contributed by
County Commissioner President Alicia Reece’s office
On Tuesday February 7th, 2024, Hamilton County President Alicia Reece became the first Black American to deliver the State of the County address in the history of Hamilton County, Ohio. Reece championed the theme of “One Hamilton County” with a focus on “We got it done” to a packed house with over 600 in attendance filling the balcony, second, and first levels with an additional overflow crowd at Memorial Hall OTR.
Reece centered her address around a variety of diverse topics including her work as the founder of the 513 Relief Bus which has helped over 17,000 residents providing health, economic, and social services countywide. In efforts to address the growing affordable housing crisis, Reece discussed the county’s historic investment of $40 million in ARPA funding to support new and existing housing. Additionally, Reece called on Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to intervene in property taxes, as counties across the state are facing large increases. Reece notably created a mortgage and property tax relief fund to help keep residents in their homes as part of the county’s commitment to affordable housing.
Dr. Bryan Walker (Walker Funeral Homes), President and CEO Closing the Health Gap Renee Mahaffey Harris, President Reece, Chief Communications Officer P&G Damon Jones, President and CEO NAACP Joe Mallory. Photo provided 
Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of Minister of Music and Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame influencer Rev. David Minor performing We Shall Overcome composed by Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Inductee Louise Shrophsire. Photo provided 
Senior Citizens in attendance at State of the County. Free ride provided metro and organized by SOACT Founder Sandra Jones-Mitchell. Photo provided 
President Alicia Reece prepares to give State of the County Address. Photo provided 
President Reece with dad, Dr Steven Reece Sr. Photo provided 
UC Health and Staff at the 513 Relief Bus Relaunch at Corinthian Baptist Church. Photo provided 
Packed house with over 600 in attendance filling both the balcony and second level with an additional overflow crowd on the first floor. Photo provided 
From left to right: Jane Anderson, President Reece, President of Women’s Political Caucus Barbara Myers. Photo provided 
Hamilton County Sherriff Deputies. Photo provided 
President Reece with Aide Deaontay Morris (left) and Chief of Staff Vada Stephens II. Photo provided 
Boosty Collins song for Black Music Walk of Fame. Now available on all streaming platforms. Provided
Reece also discussed the county’s new small business office which has helped over 1,000 small businesses and distributed more than $17 million in grants. The county also recently launched a new mbe/wbe program with a minority spend goal of $70 million over five years, which Reece fully supported. Among many other accomplishments, Reece highlighted a $1 million senior citizens fund she championed to help support the county’s aging population with utilities and home repairs. The county’s new office of youth, initiated by Reece, has also made significant progress with connecting over 27,000 youth to summer jobs, industry recognized training, and certifications. As the visionary founder of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, Reece celebrated the grand opening of the new tourism attraction which has had over 22,000 visitors and been featured in multiple national publications like Billboard Magazine.
At the close of her address, Reece announced the county would be taking action the next day with the relaunch of the 513 Relief Bus at Corinthian Baptist Church on Tuesday February 7th. Reece says county government has shifted focus to include the needs of all municipalities and residents. The following day over two dozen county departments and nonprofits were present, connecting over 1,000 residents with a wide range of services on hand including blood pressure checks, glucose screenings, free birth certificates, and more.
The full speech can be viewed at Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece on Facebook or YouTube.