Local

Dayton hires firm to design outdoor amphitheater at Dave Hall Plaza.

Whaley calls tax hikes an opportunity and cheers subsidized building.
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United for Opportunity

On September 6, I was joined by Commissioners Joey D. Williams, Jeffrey J. Mims, Chris Shaw and community leaders including representatives from labor, faith, education and community organizations to share information about the proposed ¼ percent increase in Dayton's earned income tax. The issue will appear on the November 8 general election ballot.

Dayton faces a $5 million deficit next year--and it will only grow. The City budget is the same size it was in 1998, and 700 jobs have been cut. The last increase in the Dayton income tax was 32 years ago, and the City has cut all it safely can.

Here's how the new tax dollars will be used:

* Keeping high-quality emergency medical response and fire protection.
* Improving neighborhood safety with community-responsive policing.
* Perform needed repairs, repaving and maintenance of streets citywide.
* Keeping city parks and lots mowed and well maintained.
* Providing affordable, quality preschool for all Dayton 4-year-olds. 

Dayton's earned income tax (including the increase) doesn't tax Social Security, retirement or investment income. It is an investment of just $1.60 a week for someone earning $35,000 a year, and it applies to all people working in Dayton.

Please confirm you are registered to vote by October 11 and consider this important initiative for Dayton's future.

Historic Tax Credits Making a Big Difference in Dayton

Redeveloping or renovating a decades-old property is a complicated, expensive venture. Developers usually have to work diligently to piece together financing packages to make these dream projects possible. The City of Dayton works closely with the private sector to assist in securing resources, including Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits. There is a great deal of renovation and adaptive re-use underway (or planned) in Dayton today, made possible partly by these tax credits. I hope you are also excited to see these wonderful properties finding new life in our city:

Delco Building, 329 E. First (loft apartments/retail, Water Street District).

	Delco Bldg., Water Street District

Weustoff and Getz, 210 Wayne (residential/commercial). 
DPL Steam Building, 617 E. Third (Riazzi Asset Management offices).
Fire Blocks District, 100 block of E. Third (residential/entertainment).
Two Grafton Hill Homes, Central Ave. and Federal St. (for students/employees associated with Grandview Hospital). 

In addition to these historic tax credit projects, the proposed Dayton Arcade redevelopment has earned a commitment of $20 million in Ohio Housing Finance Agency tax credits.

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