After months of collaboration and analysis, The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority (The Port) and Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) have announced a new partnership aimed at accelerating community and economic development in Uptown, the region’s second-largest economic engine and the center of research and innovation. The goal of this merger is to leverage the collective strengths and expertise of both organizations to catalyze transformative growth in one of the city's most dynamic and promising districts. The merger becomes effective on January 1, 2025.
For 20 years, UCI has led Uptown’s transformation, which was critical in its development as an innovative and inclusive urban hub. UCI becomming a managed entity of The Port creates a partnership to accelerate revitalization efforts and unlock the full potential of the area.
“Uptown Consortium has played a vital role in shaping Uptown, and we are thrilled to assume management of this organization to attract further investment from JobsOhio, the state and the private sector,” said Laura N. Brunner, president and CEO of The Port. “We will leverage our resources and expertise to accelerate growth, enhance economic opportunities, and foster long-term community impact,” Brunner continued.
In 2024, The Futures Commission identified Uptown’s neighborhoods as a major growth engine in our region.
The Uptown area of Cincinnati is a collection of five neighborhoods and includes the Cincinnati Innovation District, a strategic effort designed to stimulate private investment, increase housing choices, and attract new jobs and business opportunities.
As The Port’s newest managed entity, both organizations will focus on unlocking Uptown’s full development potential, emphasizing attracting new jobs and business opportunities. By leveraging UCI’s deep understanding of the local landscape and The Port’s capacity for large-scale development and financing, the collaboration aims to achieve sustainable economic growth and further solidify Uptown as a central hub of innovation and opportunity for the region.