Cincinnati 2.0 - City of Innovation

Meet Linda Matthews, a Candidate for Cincinnati City Council, Innovator, Leader, and lifelong Cincinnatian.

About Linda Matthews

Linda Matthews

As a lifelong Cincinnatian, Trustee at Central State University, Ohio Central Committeewoman, educator and tech leader, I’m running to bring fresh, innovative, data-driven solutions to City Hall. With my background in STEM and AI, I’m committed to blending innovation with common-sense values—because our city’s future deserves bold ideas and responsible leadership.

I believe in a government that works smarter, not harder—using technology to cut waste, boost efficiency, and serve every Cincinnatian.

Platform: Innovating for Cincinnati’s Future

Public Safety 2.0

Cincinnati must become extremely aggressive in hiring, training, and retaining talented law enforcement professionals. I will support expanding the recruitment of future Cincinnati Police Officers on a national scale so that the City will get back to the proper levels of police force that meet the needs of its citizens. Additionally, I support a zero-tolerance approach to enforcing the City's youth curfew laws to reduce youth violence. I will also support zero tolerance law enforcement of every infraction of City law in the areas with the highest crime rates. Further, I will propose legislation that will pay citizens who participate in Citizens on Patrol in their respective neighborhoods who can report suspicious activities to law enforcement.

Economic Development

All 52 neighborhoods in Cincinnati are unique and have their own specific needs. I trust the Community Councils and other citizens in those neighborhoods to know what they specifically need. I will vote to repeal the Connected Communities zoning laws and listen to the citizens of Cincinnati regarding how they want their neighborhoods to look. Cincinnati can do responsible development and add housing units without destroying the character of our beloved neighborhoods.

Education & Opportunity

Every child in Cincinnati deserves a strong start. I will expand partnerships between CPS, universities, tech firms, and trades to bring STEM education, vocational training, and real career pathways to every neighborhood. We'll support after-school programs, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment so students are ready for college, the workforce, or both.

Strong schools need strong teachers. I’ll back competitive pay and professional development to attract and retain quality educators. I’ll also promote family engagement programs that help parents support their children’s success.

To ensure transparency, I’ll track key outcomes—like third-grade literacy and graduation rates—so we can measure what’s working and improve what’s not.

Economic Growth

Cincinnati should be the best city in the Midwest to launch a business and grow a career. I’ll expand the Innovation District to support not just tech startups but also neighborhood entrepreneurs, minority-owned businesses, and small shops.

We’ll cut red tape, streamline permits, and offer targeted incentives to businesses that hire locally—especially in high-unemployment areas. Public funds will go to businesses that prove community impact.

I’ll also advocate for a public dashboard to track job growth, new business creation, and local investment—because voters deserve results, not promises.

Smart City Solutions

Smart technology should solve real problems. I’ll support AI-driven tools to reduce traffic, improve 911 response, and streamline trash, snow, and road services—saving money and improving service delivery.

We’ll modernize city infrastructure with energy-efficient upgrades, and close the digital divide by ensuring every home has high-speed internet through public-private partnerships.

Community voices will guide every smart city initiative, and strong data privacy rules will ensure transparency and trust.

Infrastructure

Cincinnati will become a national leader in how to service our infrastructure. We will modernize our technology to ensure that city services are performed on the highest level. Those services will include expedient trash removal, snow removal, pothole repairs, and other construction projects the city will undertake.

Cincinnati’s Innovation Legacy

1869: The Reds

America’s first professional baseball team, born in Cincinnati.

1883: Kroger

A grocery revolution that started right here.

1837: P&G

Global innovation from Cincinnati’s doorstep.

The next chapter? Cincinnati 2.0—where tech meets community.

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