About the issues

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

Adam Koehler is dedicated to addressing Hamilton County’s 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 effective resource allocation to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring deputies have the tools, training, and support needed to protect and serve. Investment in advanced technology, community policing initiatives, and personnel will enhance law enforcement services across the county.
• Community-Police Partnership Programs: Recognizing the importance of trust and collaboration, Adam proposes developing 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. Employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, highlighting the need for skilled tradespeople. Adam will facilitate partnerships between trade organizations, local businesses, educational institutions, and community leaders to develop robust vocational programs. These programs will 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 allocating 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.
• Promoting Financial Literacy: Implementing financial literacy programs to educate residents on managing personal finances, investing, and building wealth. By empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, Adam aims to create a more financially stable and prosperous community.

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 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 Parks and Recreational Areas: Advocating for the maintenance and enhancement of Hamilton County’s parks and recreational areas. These spaces are vital for community well-being and provide economic benefits through tourism and local engagement.

As an entrepreneur who successfully helped build a business to exit, 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: Adam aims to reduce 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

Adam Koehler, running for Hamilton County Commission, is focused on the recent significant property tax hikes that have impacted many homeowners. His approach includes:

• Innovative Financial Solutions: Adam is proposing targeted tax relief programs specifically designed for seniors and low-income families. He also plans to introduce incentives for energy-efficient home improvements, providing potential tax deductions that could alleviate the overall tax burden.
• Policy Adjustments: Understanding the need for systemic change, Adam intends to work closely with state legislators to advocate for reforms in property tax calculation methods, ensuring they are fair and sustainable. He supports more precise and equitable assessment processes and champions the introduction of caps on annual tax increases to protect homeowners from sudden and severe financial shocks.
• Community Engagement: Adam believes in the power of community input and plans to facilitate discussions that bring homeowners’ concerns directly to the forefront of policy-making. This includes exploring avenues for more direct homeowner involvement in the assessment process.
• Transparency and Education: He is committed to increasing transparency about how property taxes are assessed and used. Adam plans to initiate programs that educate homeowners about their tax bills, the assessment process, and available relief options.

By focusing on these areas, Adam Koehler aims to bring relief and fairness to the property tax system, ensuring it serves the community effectively while accommodating those hardest hit by recent increases.

Adam’s Vision for Encouraging Housing Supply and Affordability with a Focus on Homeownership

• Protecting Community Character and Autonomy: Adam is committed to preserving the unique identities of neighborhoods. He opposes top-down approaches like the Connected Communities initiative and advocates for development that is genuinely informed by community feedback. His aim is to ensure that any changes enhance rather than undermine the local character, supporting growth that fits the fabric of communities and encourages homeownership as a means to stability and wealth accumulation.
• Tax Incentives for Truly Affordable Housing and Homeownership: Adam will advocate for tax incentives that not only encourage the inclusion of genuinely affordable rental units but also promote accessible homeownership opportunities. His focus is on creating diverse housing options that are accessible and affordable to all income levels, with special programs aimed at helping first-time buyers achieve their dreams of homeownership.
• Public-Private Partnerships with Local Priorities: Adam champions public-private partnerships that integrate local voices and leverage the strengths of both public and private sectors to create effective and practical housing solutions, particularly those that facilitate the construction of starter homes suitable for first-time homeowners. These partnerships will be transparent and aligned with the community’s goals, supporting long-term residency and community investment.
• Streamlining Regulations Responsibly for Faster Home Building: Adam’s goal is to responsibly reduce bureaucratic hurdles that delay housing developments, particularly for projects aimed at affordable housing and homeownership. By streamlining the approval process, new homes can be brought to the market more quickly while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
• Enhancing Vocational Training and Homeownership Opportunities: Adam supports and plans to expand vocational training programs in construction and related trades. This initiative not only addresses the skills gap but also creates substantial job opportunities, contributing to the economic empowerment of residents and providing them with the skills needed to maintain and improve their homes.
• Engaging Residents in Development Decisions for Sustainable Homeownership: True development is a collaborative process. Adam is committed to implementing mechanisms that involve residents at every step of the planning and approval processes, especially in projects that affect homeownership trends. By ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed, he fosters greater transparency and builds trust between the government and the people he aims to serve. This community-first approach is fundamental to creating livable, equitable, and thriving neighborhoods where homeownership is accessible to everyone.

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.