Cincinnati maps downtown's next era

Driving the news: Mayor Aftab Pureval and other local leaders launched the planning effort Friday.

• The plan will tackle housing and economic development, public safety, traffic and walkability, green space, tourism and office-to-residential conversions.
• Consultants MKSK and HR&A will lead the roughly 14- to 15-month process.

The big picture: The plan comes as Cincinnati tries to capitalize on downtown momentum — and better position itself for the next big opportunity.

• The city is tired of missing out on major events, Pureval told Axios Cincinnati last week.
• Downtown's residential population has grown 68% over the past decade, Cincinnati Business Committee president Gary Lindgren said.

State of play: The planning area stretches from the river north to Central Parkway and from Central Avenue east to Eggleston Avenue.

• Metro CEO Andy Aiello said the agency is investing about $350 million in two bus rapid transit corridors that will connect with downtown, including at the Riverfront Transit Center.

What's next: Residents can weigh in online, with a larger community meeting tentatively planned for late October.

• An initial framework is expected this winter, followed by a draft plan in spring 2027.