About the issues

Uniting for a Safer Hamilton County Through Community Collaboration and Strategic Initiatives

Adam Koehler is dedicated to addressing Hamilton County’s concerning crime rates with innovative and inclusive strategies. Understanding that public safety is a collective responsibility, he is committed to uniting law enforcement, community organizations, and residents in a comprehensive effort to foster a safer, more vibrant community.

Strategic Resource Allocation: Adam will prioritize the effective allocation of resources to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring our deputies have the tools, training, and support they need to effectively protect and serve. Investment in advanced technology, community policing initiatives, and personnel will be central to enhancing the effectiveness and responsiveness of law enforcement services across the county.

Community-Police Partnership Programs: Recognizing the importance of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve, Adam proposes the development of community-police partnership programs. These initiatives will focus on building mutual respect and understanding, facilitating dialogue, and addressing community-specific safety concerns through cooperative efforts.

Support for Prevention and Intervention Initiatives: Understanding that crime often stems from underlying social issues, Adam advocates for a holistic approach to public safety. This includes supporting mental health services, substance abuse treatment programs, and youth engagement initiatives that address the root causes of crime. By investing in prevention and intervention, we can reduce the demand for emergency responses and create a foundation for long-term community well-being.

Interagency Collaboration for Enhanced Safety: Adam recognizes the importance of collaboration beyond county borders. He will work to strengthen partnerships with local police departments, federal agencies, and neighboring jurisdictions to tackle shared challenges, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime, through coordinated efforts.

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Adam is committed to ensuring Hamilton County is prepared for emergencies and natural disasters. This includes supporting the county’s emergency management initiatives, improving communication systems for rapid response, and ensuring that resources are readily available for disaster relief and recovery efforts.

Uniting for a Hopeful Future: Adam believes that safety comes from hope and opportunity. By nurturing the community’s inherent goodness and creating pathways for all residents to thrive, we can transform Hamilton County into a safer, more hopeful place for everyone. His vision encompasses a community where every individual feels valued, protected, and empowered to contribute to the collective well-being of Hamilton County.

Adam Koehler is committed to preparing Hamilton County’s youth for a successful future in a rapidly evolving job market. Recognizing the current gap in skilled trades and the potential for economic growth, Adam proposes a visionary approach to education that equally values vocational training alongside traditional academic pathways.

Bridging the Skills Gap with Vocational Training: In Ohio, the demand for skilled tradespeople is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations, highlighting the need for skilled tradespeople. Adam will leverage his role to facilitate partnerships between trade organizations, local businesses, educational institutions, and community leaders. These partnerships aim to develop robust vocational programs that offer hands-on experience in trades such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, directly responding to the labor market’s needs.

Allocating Resources for Future Success: With nearly 30% of Ohio’s workforce employed in sectors that require vocational training, the need for investment in these areas is clear. Adam will advocate for the allocation of county resources to support these essential training programs, ensuring students have access to the necessary tools and environments to learn and thrive.

Advocacy for Educational Policy Support: Understanding the critical role of policy in educational development, Adam will work with local and state policymakers to promote the integration of vocational training into school curriculums. His advocacy efforts will focus on creating a more versatile and prepared workforce, essential for Cincinnati’s economic resilience and growth.

Community Engagement and Economic Growth: Engaging the community is key to the success of educational initiatives. Adam plans to organize forums and discussions that bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including parents, educators, students, and industry professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that vocational training programs are designed to meet the specific needs of Hamilton County’s economy, which boasts a significant small business sector contributing to the fabric of the community.

Statistical Foundation for Change: With Hamilton County’s unemployment rate reflecting broader national trends, there’s a pressing need to equip our youth with the skills required in today’s job market. Investing in vocational education not only addresses this need but also positions Hamilton County as a leader in workforce development, ultimately attracting more businesses and fostering economic growth.

Economic Empowerment:

Adam Koehler is committed to driving economic growth and ensuring financial stability throughout Hamilton County. Recognizing the diverse economic backgrounds of its residents, especially those in underrepresented communities like the west side where he grew up, Adam’s policies are designed to boost financial accessibility and foster an inclusive economic environment. Key initiatives include:

• Supporting Small Businesses: Facilitating access to low-interest loans and grants for small businesses, particularly those impacted by recent economic challenges. With small businesses employing 47.3% of the private workforce in Ohio (U.S. Small Business Administration), Adam’s focus on supporting this sector is crucial for economic recovery and growth.
• Expanding Workforce Development Programs: Leveraging county resources to enhance workforce training in high-demand sectors, addressing the current skills gap. With Ohio’s unemployment rate fluctuating and the ongoing need for skilled labor, particularly in technology and healthcare, these programs will prepare residents for sustainable careers.

Technological Innovation & Job Growth:

In an era where technology drives economic development, Adam Koehler envisions Hamilton County as a hub for innovation, especially in industries like logistics and aerospace, where the county already has a strong presence.

• Promoting Technology Integration: Partnering with local universities and tech companies to develop innovation hubs that can serve as incubators for startups and training centers for cutting-edge skills in blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies. This effort aims to attract tech entrepreneurs and investments, enhancing Hamilton County’s position in the global market.
• Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between Hamilton County’s educational institutions and industry leaders to align curriculum development with market demands, ensuring students and workers are equipped with relevant skills for the future workforce.

Fostering Economic Resilience:

Adam’s strategy also includes measures to enhance Hamilton County’s economic resilience, ensuring it can withstand and recover from economic downturns.

• Enhancing Digital Infrastructure: Investing in digital infrastructure to support remote work and education, a need highlighted by the recent global challenges. This initiative will ensure that businesses and residents have reliable access to high-speed internet, a necessity for economic participation in the 21st century.
• Supporting Sustainable Development: Advocating for policies that promote sustainable economic practices, ensuring that Hamilton County’s growth does not come at the expense of its natural resources or the well-being of future generations.

As an entrepreneur who successfully built and sold a business, Adam Koehler brings a unique perspective and firsthand experience to his role as a County Commissioner. He understands the hurdles small businesses face, from bureaucratic red tape to financial challenges. Adam is committed to creating a small business-friendly environment in Hamilton County that nurtures local talent and innovation.

Entrepreneurial Insight for Policy Reform:

Adam’s journey from launching a startup to navigating its growth and successful exit has equipped him with the insights necessary to champion small business support in Ohio. He aims to streamline the process for entrepreneurs to establish and expand their businesses, advocating for:

• Simplified Licensing and Taxation: Reducing bureaucratic obstacles and the cost of doing business, including lowering fees for obtaining licenses and cutting local trade taxes. This initiative is designed to make Hamilton County an attractive and cost-effective hub for entrepreneurs.
• Tax Cuts for Economic Growth: Implementing tax cuts for small businesses and providing personal income tax relief to stimulate the local economy and job creation across various sectors.

Investing in Ohio’s Future:

Adam supports the Ohio’s Future Initiative, focusing on infrastructure and broadband expansion to enhance small business competitiveness. His policies prioritize:

• Small Business Financing: Advocating for innovative banking solutions and access to capital, ensuring small businesses have the resources to thrive.
• Technological Advancements: Leveraging his background in tech entrepreneurship, Adam champions the integration of cutting-edge technologies in logistics, healthcare, and finance, positioning Hamilton County as a leader in innovation and economic development.

A Vision for Prosperity:

Adam Koehler’s vision is for Hamilton County to become a beacon for businesses by combining a skilled workforce, technological innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit. He is dedicated to leveraging his experience as an entrepreneur to foster an environment where small businesses can grow, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous community.

Addressing Property Tax Increases

1. Innovative Financial Solutions: Investigate and implement creative financial mechanisms that can ease the property tax burden on homeowners. This could include tax relief programs for vulnerable populations, such as seniors and low-income families, and incentives for energy-efficient home improvements that could lead to tax deductions.
2. Policy Adjustments: Work with state legislators to reform property tax calculation methods, akin to the efforts surrounding House Bill 187, but with considerations to ensure fairness and sustainability. This may involve advocating for more accurate and equitable assessment processes or the incorporation of caps on annual tax increases.

Encouraging Housing Supply and Affordability

1. Tax Incentives and Zoning Law Simplification: Promote fiscal policies that encourage private sector investment in diversified housing, offering incentives for developments that include affordable units. Streamline regulatory frameworks to facilitate a broader range of housing solutions, supporting community growth and economic diversity.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between government entities, developers, and non-profit organizations to create innovative housing solutions that cater to a range of incomes. These partnerships could leverage each sector’s strengths to develop and finance projects more efficiently.
3. Streamlining Regulations: Reduce bureaucratic hurdles and streamline the approval process for housing developments, without compromising on safety or environmental standards. This could accelerate the pace at which new housing is brought to market, helping to alleviate supply constraints.
4. Vocational Training and Construction Skills Gap: Support vocational training programs in construction trades to address the skills gap and create job opportunities. This not only aids in meeting the labor demands of housing projects but also contributes to the economic empowerment of residents.
5. Community-Aligned Development: Ensure that new housing developments respect and enhance the existing character of communities. Incorporate community feedback in the planning stages of development projects to foster a sense of ownership and acceptance among residents.

In Ohio, where 25% of individuals face mental healthcare needs, there’s a critical gap in accessible care and support. This shortfall isn’t just a health issue; it directly impacts the community’s productivity and ability to work effectively.

Adam’s approach to mental health care in Hamilton County is about more than providing services; it’s about fostering a community where every individual can be productive and contribute to a thriving economy.

As a Hamilton County Commissioner candidate, Adam Koehler recognizes the profound connection between mental health and economic vitality. His plan focuses on:

1. Workforce Reintegration through Mental Health Support: Adam prioritizes mental health as a key factor in getting people back into the workforce. By improving access to mental health services, individuals are better equipped to contribute effectively to the economy.
2. Training First Responders and Employers: Understanding the initial contact in mental health crises is often with first responders or employers. Adam advocates for their training in identifying and managing mental health issues. This approach aims to create supportive environments in workplaces and communities.
3. Public-Private Partnerships for Mental Health Services: Adam proposes collaboration between the government and private sectors to expand psychiatric care facilities and therapy services. This strategy ensures cost-effective and widespread access to mental health care, benefiting both individuals and the broader economy.
4. Addressing Stigma in the Community: Through educational initiatives, Adam seeks to transform public perceptions of mental health, emphasizing its importance to overall well-being and productivity. A community that understands and supports mental health is more resilient and economically robust.