Renovation of a mixed-use development in Cincinnati, Ohio. Completed plans call for the renovation of a educational facility.

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/04/07/brookings-highlights-cincinnati-inclusive.html A new study published by the Brookings Institution recognizes Cincinnati for its efforts to advance inclusive economic growth. The study, called "Institutionalizing inclusive growth: Rewiring systems to rebuild local economies," was designed to understand public, private and civic efforts to build inclusive local economies in "Heartland" cities. In addition to Cincinnati, the authors studied Akron, Birmingham, St. Paul and Syracuse, stating "older industrial cities are critical -- yet overlooked -- bellwethers for the nation's economic prosperity and social stability." The efforts are called "systems rewiring" because they create new connections between organizations and the communities they support to generate more inclusive growth. "Now, armed with a once-in-a-generation infusion of federal dollars, local leaders can use this playbook to build the institutional and systemic capacity to ensure their economies are working for all," Joseph Parilla Brookings Metro fellow and director of applied research, said. In Cincinnati, Brookings Metro profiled organizations working to catalyze quality job growth and business creation, invest in inclusive talent development and support connected, vibrant neighborhoods. This included: the University of Cincinnati's investments in inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship via the Cincinnati Innovation District (CID); investment in underrepresented entrepreneurs through Lightship Foundation and Mortar; Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) efforts to invest in downtown and Over-the-Rhine; and a new approach at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber to improve job quality and talent through the Workforce Innovation Center and the Minority Business Accelerator. RECOMMENDED COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE New bill averts Cincinnati's potential multimillion-dollar TIF crisis COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Cincinnati ranks among top cities for industrial space under construction MANUFACTURING Acquisition led by Cincinnati firm allows Ohio manufacturer to expand University power UC helped power an innovation ecosystem by developing the CID, which has become a model for innovation districts in Ohio. "Universities are in a unique position to bring together multiple constituents to solve challenges and seize opportunities in new and unexpected ways," UC President Neville Pinto said in a news release. "Having a dedicated innovation district enables us to do that; it's a space where these collisions can occur." David Adams, UC's chief innovation officer and executive director of CID, said "Place matters. The district itself is living proof of how close proximity and access to industry and innovation centers can improve the economic outlook and create new jobs." Investing in diversity Lightship Foundation, a nonprofit foundation focused on providing tech entrepreneurs of color with guidance and funding, brings minority business leaders from around the world to Ohio. "We couldn't have done this anywhere else," Candice Matthews Brackeen, founder and CEO of Lightship Foundation, said in the release. "Our partnership with the CID along with the presence of organizations like Mortar and the chamber's Minority Business Accelerator are addressing the gap in resources for founders of color." Rebuilding the core 3CDC, a private nonprofit real estate developer, focused on strengthening the city's core by revitalizing and connecting the Central Business District with Over-the-Rhine has been involved in more than $1.6 billion in development projects in those two neighborhoods. "3CDC's commitment to creating an inclusive local economy can be seen through its work developing affordable and supportive housing, working with minority- and woman-owned contractors on our development projects, and filling our street-level commercial spaces with minority- and woman-owned small businesses," said Adam Gelter, executive vice president of real estate for 3CDC. Building resources The chamber has implemented initiatives to advance inclusion, including: Apprenti Cincinnati, which encourages local businesses to adopt new pipelines for untapped talent Workforce Innovation Center, which creates plans to help companies adopt inclusive and effective practices Minority Business Accelerator, which works to grow, build, attract and create minority-owned enterprises in the region "While there's much more work to be done to address ongoing economic disparities in the region," Darrin Redus, CEO of Minority Business Accelerator said. "I believe this report exemplifies our strong foundation, great progress, and shared desire to create an inclusive economy that works for all of its citizens." According to the report's conclusions, "While certainly not void of conflict, controversy, and unfinished progress, Cincinnati, with the unique support of Procter & Gamble and other large corporations, has evolved and invented institutions that stand at the vanguard of placemaking and community wealth-building (3CDC), innovation-led growth and job creation (University of Cincinnati), inclusive entrepreneurship and small business support (multiple organizations), and job quality and worker mobility (Workforce Innovation Center)." _________________________________________ Bidders may submit requests for consideration of a proposed Substitution for a specified product, equipment, or service to the Architect/Engineer ("A/E") no later than 10 days prior to the bid opening. Additional products, equipment, and services may be accepted as approved Substitutions only by written Addendum. From time to time, the Commission issues new editions of the "State of Ohio Standard Requirements for Public Facility Construction" and may issue interim changes. Bidders must submit Bids that comply with the version of the Standard Requirements included in the Contract Documents. The EDGE Participation Goal for the Project is 10.0 percent. Facial Coverings: Given the most recent developments with the virus, and in keeping with new guidance from the CDC, UC will require all individuals, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, to wear a facial covering in any UC building. Please note this change will take effect on Thursday, August 5, 2021. This applies to any persons attending pre-bid meetings or visiting UC at anytime.