People interested in issues confronting the Greater Cincinnati community are regulars at the cathedral's Community Issues Forum from September through May. It takes place in the cathedral's lower level (the undercroft) every other Thursday at noon. The forums are free and open to all, and all programs include time for questions and answers. Attendees may bring their own lunch or buy one at the cathedral for $5.50.

Upcoming Programs

May 23, 2013: "Homelessness in Greater Cincinnati 2013," with speaker Josh Spring, executive director of The Homeless Coalition.

A year ago, a study on family homelessness showed a rising number of homeless families with children and an inability of the current shelter and service structure to serve this population. Meanwhile, the number of affordable housing units shrinks due to a decline in public funding. This lack of affordable units combined with unemployment and low paying jobs causes families and individuals to become homeless or to double-up with friends or family. Josh Spring will focus on these issues and describe the work of the Homeless Coalition to speak for its member organizations and to advocate for the homeless. As usual, time will be set aside for questions and comments from the audience.

June 6, 2013: "Update of the city of Cincinnati's 'Green Plan,'" with speaker Steve Johns, sustainability coordinator of the Office of Environmental Quality.

In the five years since the New Green Cincinnati Plan was adopted, the city has met its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by two percent a year. The plan has been a road map for Cincinnati to become a national leader in addressing global climate change. With a renewed emphasis on sustainability, making Cincinnati a healthier, wealthier and greener place, a plan update will soon be presented to City Council. Learn about the new proposals to reduce our waste, build more renewable energy facilities and more. As usual, time will be set aside for questions and comments from the audience.

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