As climate change intensifies in the coming decades, millions of Americans could move away from the regions most severely impacted and towards less vulnerable areas, like Cincinnati. Cities such as Cincinnati must balance planning for potential newcomers with addressing current challenges around affordable housing, transportation, and infrastructure.

Cincinnati is currently short 35,000 homes for low-income renters. Without proactive planning, potential climate migration inflows could worsen the housing crunch, push out current residents, and stretch assistance programs and other community services. The residents most at risk—lower-income communities and neighborhoods vulnerable to displacement—must have a voice in shaping how Cincinnati prepares.

Getting ahead of these challenges now, with current communities at the center, is what climate migration readiness looks like.

Please join New America and the City of Cincinnati's Office of Environment and Sustainability on Tuesday, June 9 for a scenario planning session to explore how Cincinnati's communities and housing can prepare for potential climate migration.

We'll bring together a diverse group of community members, nonprofit leaders, researchers, planners, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities that climate migration could create for Cincinnati. You could be on the ground floor to begin envisioning the policies and programs that will protect housing affordability for long-time residents while also preparing the city for any future changes.

The session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, from 9:00am to 1:00pm at ArtWorks Creative Campus (2429 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206). The planned agenda will include a mix of lightning talks, breakout sessions, and larger group discussions, with an emphasis on active participation and dialogue.

A light breakfast will be provided. 

Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks. Please RSVP by Wednesday, May 27. Limited seats are available, with residents and relevant subject-matter experts prioritized. If you would like to indicate your interest in attending, or have any questions, please email Tim Robustelli (robustelli@newamerica.org) or Lauren Clark (lauren.clark@cincinnati-oh.gov) if you have any questions.

This event is made possible thanks to generous support from the U.S. Bank Foundation.