Civic Capacity

10/09/2024

This afternoon, the Troy Planning Commission will discuss a staff recommendation prohibiting Adult Use Cannabis Dispensaries in the community.

Staff recommends prohibiting dispensaries in the community

10/05/2024

This week, the Civic Capacity newsletter hit the 1,500 subscriber milestone. Thanks to all our readers, subscribers and supporters for being a part of a community that wants to learn and know more about our hometowns and the decisions that are shaping our communities.

09/25/2024

What are Community Land Trusts? At a time when housing seems to be a challenging issue to tackle, could these organizations help create more affordable housing options? Let's take a look at these groups in today's Civic Capacity Newsletter.

These organizations have been around for decades and are being seen as possible answers to tough housing questions

09/16/2024

Tipp City is looking to purchase a shopping center. Let's take a look at the fiscal health of the community and see if this is something that the community could pull off.

Our first in-depth look at what's happening in Tipp City

08/29/2024

Earlier today, the County Commissioners appointed a new acting county recorder for Miami County!

Retired Sheriff's Department Captain Dave Norman to Lead Office

08/11/2024

Thursday night, residents will have a chance to look at what the future of our community might look like as the city's new Comprehensive Plan is presented in a town hall meeting.

The City of Troy, along with their consultant, American Structurepoint is nearing the completion of the city’s once-in-a-generation Comprehensive Plan.

08/06/2024

One community has a history of taking residents on a journey of what is possible. One community just takes residents on a ride.

One community takes residents on a journey of the possible. One community takes residents for a ride.

07/30/2024

Communities throughout Ohio use Tax Increment Financing to help support development activities, but this tool isn't exactly the easiest to understand. Today, we pull back the curtain on TIFs and try to explain how they work.

These new tools can help communities grow

07/27/2024

The Civic Capacity Newsletter recently talked about how many gas stations are here in Troy. Today, we dig into the issue a little bit more and talk about where these gas stations actually are and provide some clear recommendations to our city leaders on how to make sure that new gas stations are in the right places to serve the community.

Let's follow up on a story covered earlier this month.

07/24/2024

Shocking absolutely no one, Huber Heights approved a 300 acre annexation into Bethel Township. One of the most interesting aspects of this annexation is how this property will be taxed. Will there be a TIF? Will there be a combination CRA/NCA?

Huh?

We explore these acronyms and how all this will impact one the largest growing school districts in the entire state in today's Civic Capacity.

Shocking no one, the City of Huber Heights land grab north continues and opens the door for more difficult decisions ahead

07/22/2024

Yesterday, our publication was accused of "throwing gasoline on a fire" by not reaching out to local politicians and bureaucrats as we talked about a pre-annexation agreement in Bethel Township.

The takeaway? There are too many leaders in government that don't want you to think critically about important community issues.

We explore that topic in today's newsletter.

Yesterday's Civic Capacity Is Seen as "Throwing Gasoline on a Fire"

07/09/2024

I have a sneaking suspicion that the City Administration is trying to paint some people into corners. All of this begs the big question, "What exactly is the plan around here?" Read more about it in today's Civic Capacity Newsletter.

Thanks to the State Capital Budget, the City Administration is going to push City Council again sometime soon. It's time to stop the madness.

07/05/2024

The City's new Comprehensive Plan is coming together and there is some discussion on what future actions should be taken. Today, we will look at recommendations for the city's Economic Development activities.

Looking Deeper at American Structurepoint's New Proposed Comprehensive Plan for the community.

07/04/2024

No annoying paywalls, analysis of the news and events that shape our hometowns, a growing community. There are plenty of reasons to be a part of the good work happening here at Civic Capacity.

Be a part of the growing community of paid subscribers here at Civic Capacity!

07/03/2024

Some communities are using ride-sharing services as an alternative to traditional public transit systems; especially those systems that use the demand-response model. Could such a system be used here in Miami County? Let's explore this topic in today's Civic Capacity Newsletter!

Some cities are working with ride-share services to solve public transit concerns

06/27/2024

Yesterday, the Ohio General Assembly approved a $4.2 Trillion Capital Budget for the next two years that provides $2.0 Million to a controversial multi-use path on the south side of the Great Miami River here in Troy. Read about it in today's Civic Capacity Newsletter.

A Recreational Trail on the South Side of the Great Miami River Is Back For Discussion

06/26/2024

Is Troy a family friendly community? What could be done to make it more family friendly? Here are some ideas and observations from today's Civic Capacity Newsletter!

Could Troy do a better job?

06/24/2024

The Bethel Local Schools are a district where roughly 1 in 6 students speak English as a Second Language and nearly 1 in 4 are economically disadvantaged. Seeing these dramatic demographic changes in such a short period of time are causing residents to speak out against more residential development in the district.

Residential growth may tap out local educational resources