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NBDIP Process

he Neighborhood Business District Improvement Program (NBDIP) provides funding support for specific project proposals in recognized Neighborhood Business Districts (NBDs) in Cincinnati. The NBDIP funding level is established each year by City Council. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) oversees the administration of such funds and will work with Qualified Entities (as defined in Section II, below) to identify eligible projects that can be implemented in a two-year time frame. This program is administered by CNBDU, which hosts community presentations and uses unique peer rating process, where the participating neighborhoods rate each of the projects.


Eligible Projects

Projects eligible to receive NBDIP funding must:

  1. Be located within a recognized NBD and 
  2. Create a positive impact on businesses and/or create jobs in the NBD, and 
  3. Be able to be commenced upon an award of NBDIP funds and completed within 2 years of award, should the application be successful. Eligible projects generally fall within the following categories:
  • Property Development
    • Acquisition
    • Redevelopment
    • Site preparation for commercial development (depending on the source of funding an identified end user may be required)
  • Façade improvements
  • Public Parking Improvements
    • Including public parking lot development
  • Right-of-Way Improvements
    • Streetscape improvements
    • Signage
    • Gateway
    • Lighting
  • Other NBD Infrastructure Improvements


Full NBDIP documentation here.

    Potential 2024 Projects

    As a starting point, here are the projects that did not have enough support to be included last year:

    • Tree Well Grates
    • Allston Beautification
    • Lamp Post Banners
    • Rosslyn Sign repairs
    • ???


    NBDIP FY2024 Schedule

    January 13, 2023

    CNBDU Annual Meeting, General Body Meeting 8:00 AM

    February, 10, 2023

    Applications are released by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Applicants are recommended on forming committees and assigning project managers in their respective organization.

    February 10 – March 1, 2023

    Applicants are recommended at this time to have their organization’s general body and board review the pre-application for submission.

    March 3, 2023

    Mandatory pre-application due by 4:30 PM. Pre-applications must be submitted to DCED, with attention to Joseph Malek at joseph.malek@cincinnati-oh.gov

    March 15-17, 2023*

    Mandatory DCED, DOTE, and Planning review meetings. NBDIP Program Manager will schedule 30-minute meetings with the Applicant including the City departments to review the pre-applications.

    April 28, 2023

    Final application deadline. NBDIP applications along with all supporting documentation must be submitted to DCED, Joseph Malek at joseph.malek@cincinnati-oh.gov by 4:30 on April 28, 2023. Any late documentation will not be added to the application.

    May 1-5, 2023

    Final application review by the CNBDU Board.

    May 9-12, 2023*

    Project Presentations. Each applicant will make a 15 – minute presentation to CNBDU and DCED followed by a short Q&A. Presentations will begin at 6:00 PM and conclude at approximately 9:30 PM

    May 13, 2023*


    		 Citywide Bus Tour of proposed projects. 8:00 AM to approximately 3:30 PM. Representation is mandatory for members participating in the peer review process.
     May 15-17, 2023Project Presentations. Each applicant will make a 15 minute presentation to CNBDU and DCED followed by a short Q&A. Presentations will begin at 6:00 PM and conclude at approximately 9:30 PM

    Late June 2023

    Based on the peer review results, DCED will make final recommendations and distribute notifications to all applicants.

    Early July 2023

    Funds will become available based on City Councils FY2024 budget allocations. Please note that funding recommendations are subject to Budget legislation.

    FY2023 Approved Requests

    • Lamp Post signs - not approved by NBDIP board


    FY2022 Approved Requests

    • Lamp Post signs - not approved by NBDIP board
    FY2021 Approved Projects
    • Wayfinding Signage - Approved, design work in process
    In previous years, NBDIP has helped fund significant upgrades to the business district:
    • Expansion of Oakley Square
    • Wider sidewalks, addition of tree wells and street lamps
    • Eastern Gateway Pedestrian Bridge


    "Oakley Community Council" is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Cincinnati, OH 45209 -- Bylaws
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