Cincinnati Business Leaders Oppose CPS Property Tax Levy Ahead of Upcoming Vote
By Johnathon O'Halloran, WKRC
Thu, October 15, 2026
With voters set to decide a major Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) property tax levy in November, local business leaders are publicly opposing the measure, arguing that the district hasn't provided enough detail about how the money would be spent.
Business Opposition
The Cincinnati Business Committee and the Regional Chamber have voiced their opposition to the proposed 7-mill property tax levy, stating in two letters to CPS that they "can’t support the plan" and consider it "ill-advised."
Reasons for Opposition:
- Lack of transparency regarding how $66 million generated by the levy would be spent.
- The 7-mill increase is deemed too high.
- The district has not completed its facilities master plan.
- Concerns about jeopardizing the existing children's services levy.
CPS leaders have warned that failing to pass the levy could result in drastic cuts and potential loss of local control.
CPS Response
Superintendent Shauna Murphy responded to the second letter, emphasizing the importance of the levy for both students and Cincinnati's future:
"Issue 4 is now before the voters. Cincinnati’s business leaders have long said that strong schools are essential to the region’s growth. This is a moment to stand behind that commitment."
The committee suggests CPS withdraw its ballot question for 2026 and instead work towards a levy for the following year.
Voter Decision
Voters will go to the polls on November 3 to decide the fate of the levy, with CPS leaders describing it as a "critical" vote for the district.