Community Compass has moved from generalized concepts to specific action plans.

        Since a January town meeting, during which thousands of ideas were discussed on how to make Hamilton County a better place to live, more than 200 volunteers have been discussing policies that would help make four core goals reality.

        Those core goals are: assuring economic prosperity; diversity and equity; balancing development and the environment; and increasing governmental cooperation and citizens' participation in government.

        Ron Miller, executive director of the county's Regional Planning Commission, said about 160 specific strategies have been brought forward by the volunteers. He said some of them might be implemented by 2003, but has no idea how much it will cost to implement any of the strategies.

        “We hope to bring six to eight forward next year,” Mr. Miller said.

        Some of those strategies are:

        • Take findings from the Department of Justice investigation of the Cincinnati Police Department and adopt them countywide.

        • Build more mixed-income housing developments.

        • Take a countywide stance against discrimination based on sexual orientation — in employment, housing and public accommodations.

        • Adopt land use regulations through zoning, earthworks, subdivision regulations, and Public Works Department to protect natural resources and promote the development of an integrated green-way system.

        • Give existing neighborhoods priority in upgrading infrastructure.

        Hamilton County Commissioner John Dowlin said Compass is trying to break down barriers that prevent good planning.

        “If we face issues and not take positions, we will change Hamilton County,” he said.

        The year-long Compass process cost more than $200,000. The ideas must be approved by the Regional Planning Commission this summer.

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