The Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati City Council approved the broad outlines of an economic development reform plan Wednesday as recommended by a mayoral commission.

But the 7-2 vote only postponed debate on what are likely to be the most controversial aspects of the plan. City Council must still pass an ordinance granting eminent domain authority to a new, unelected development authority.

Vice Mayor Alicia Reece said she'll insist that any ordinance establishing a development authority mandate that half its board members be African-American.

Mayor Charlie Luken shot down that idea, saying it would lead to a precedent that the Board of Health and Recreation Commission would have similar racial quotas. And he once again urged City Council not to pick apart the development authority's powers.