Economic Development
Opportunity Area #22: Elevate Awareness of Community Assets
Opportunity Area #22 – Elevate Awareness of Community Assets
Community character is a key factor in keeping local talent and attracting new talent to the region. The Cincinnati Region boasts a variety of nationally recognized neighborhoods, vibrant cultural and sports events, and unique restaurants. As a part of our regional transportation planning efforts, OKI compiled an inventory of tourism assets Win 2019. This inventory includes 93 tourism destinations, 47 season events, and 167 recreational destinations. OKI then engaged 18 tourism agencies, including state and local visitors bureaus and park agencies across the region to provide perspective on how these destinations and events are served by the transportation system. OKI continues to consult with tourism officials to inform transportation and regional planning initiatives, as appropriate, and further exploring the region’s economic development driven by current and future tourism opportunities will help inform strategic regional policy recommendations.

Policy Recommendations
22.A Promote tourism and recreation of our unique natural features, including our regional waterways like the Ohio River, Great Miami River, Little Miami River, Mill Creek, and Licking River.
22.B Local planning efforts should consider, enhance, and promote regional and local quality of life assets as a tool for communities and the region to attract and retain economic growth.
22.C Local communities and regional economic development agencies should collaborate to promote and enhance our regional quality of life assets.