Bridging Broadway

Bridging Broadway is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3 whose mission is to connect people and places to promote a new downtown entertainment district in Cincinnati.

The Challenge

In 2009, Ohioans voted to amend the Ohio Constitution to allow casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo. We saw the opportunity for the Cincinnati casino to be built differently—to face the community, connect to it, and help promote business development in the surrounding neighborhoods. Our goal is to build awareness for an entertainment district to accompany the $400 million casino to be built on the 20-acre Broadway Commons.

The Solution

We began by assembling a leadership team comprised of creative professionals, urbanites, downtown enthusiasts, residents and business owners to drive group energy and support. Members, including people from some of Cincinnati’s most prominent businesses, organized into committees to build connections between the new district and adjacent neighborhoods with the intent that these connections will add value to the city and the region’s competitiveness.

We’ve engaged city officials, community leaders, and the casino developers all to be as inclusive, transparent, and constructive as possible during the district development. Current initiatives include a comprehensive study of the new Broadway Commons district (funded by the city), community dialogues and events, and the construction of a dynamic website that will provide objective information on the district’s development while also engaging the community and and disseminating feedback.

What I Did

I co-founded the organization with Stephen Samuels and currently serve as an Executive Board member.

Read more about Bridging Broadway in this article from the Cincinnati Enquirer.