Hamilton's State of the City Address 2026

Hamilton’s 2026 State of the City address, delivered by Mayor Patrick Mohler and City Manager Craig Bukite on October 1, highlighted several development and infrastructure initiatives. The city manager said Hamilton received a $2.5 million Ohio grant to study potential modifications to the low-head dam at Loader Park to improve safety, recreation, and river restoration; no decision has been made. The city reported that 10 of the first 12 homes in its Build Back the Block program are complete and sold or under contract, with a goal of 100 homes by 2030. The city plans to launch an RFP on October 2 for a private partner to build five homes at the Taylor school site in Lindenwald; Habitat for Humanity is also planning six townhomes in Riverview. The mayor noted that street paving is split between private contractors and in-house city crews. A new $25 million Kroger, expected to open in summer 2027, was mentioned as a private investment. No contract award or procurement vote was reported.

Other topics included neighborhood revitalization, public safety, mental-health and youth programs, schools, tourism, and the city’s public utilities. The city manager emphasized people-centered, neighborhood-focused, and development-driven priorities. He also said City Council unanimously agreed to name the Hamilton Police Department’s new headquarters the J. Scottzy Police Headquarters; the mayor noted a council resolution establishing July 30 as Joe Nuxhall Day. These were recognition actions rather than purchasing decisions.