For more than a century, Cincinnati’s Charter has shaped how our city is governed—and over the past 25 years, the shift to a stronger mayoral system has significantly changed the balance of leadership at City Hall. As new conversations about Charter reform emerge, the Woman’s City Club invites the community to explore an important question: Is Cincinnati’s current system of government serving its citizens as effectively as it could?

Join us for a timely, nonpartisan discussion on September 22, examining the Stronger Mayor, Stronger City? Our panel will explore how Council is structured and elected, the debate over district versus at-large representation, the evolution and impact of Cincinnati’s strong-mayor system, and what different approaches could mean for voter accountability, representation, transparency, and civic engagement. Moderated by Anne Delano Steinert of the University of Cincinnati Department of History, the forum will bring together panelists representing different experiences and perspectives on how Cincinnati governs—and how it might govern in the future. Panelists include Tim Burke, Of Counsel, Manley Burke, Mike Morgan, Attorney, J. Thomas Hodges & Associates, and Pastor Lesley Jones, Founder and Senior Pastor, Truth & Destiny and former Mt. Airy Community Council President.

This program is the first in a two-part Woman’s City Club series on Cincinnati Charter reform. A second forum planned for October will turn the conversation toward professional city administration and whether potential reforms could strengthen transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in city management. Whether you have followed City Hall for decades or simply want to better understand how decisions affecting Cincinnati are made, this series offers an opportunity to become a more informed and engaged citizen.