Portsmouth City Council is taking steps to re-establish a tool designed to help turn underused city properties into jobs, new businesses, and tax revenue.
On Monday, council held a first reading of legislation to create the Portsmouth Community Improvement Corporation (PCIC). If approved after the required three readings, the PCIC would serve as the city’s official economic development agency, with council appointing board members and approving an operating agreement.
A CIC, or Community Improvement Corporation, is a nonprofit organization that works closely with local government but can operate with more flexibility. That allows it to:
- Work directly with developers
- Buy, sell, or manage property more efficiently
- Accept private funding or donations for projects
- Move development deals forward faster
Portsmouth actually created a CIC back in 2017, but its state registration has since lapsed. City leaders say bringing it back is crucial to support current projects on city-owned properties, which could include new businesses, housing, or commercial developments.
Council documents note that private donations could help fund PCIC efforts, and that the organization will focus on creating jobs, improving the local economy, and generating tax revenue.
The PCIC will also serve as the city’s formal economic development agency, meaning it will act on behalf of Portsmouth to attract, retain, and expand commercial, industrial, and research projects. Board members will include the City Manager, City Solicitor, City Auditor, Community Development Director, and one resident appointed by the mayor .
A wider trend in the region
The move in Portsmouth mirrors a recent step by Scioto County, which formed a nonprofit economic development agency in the wake of corruption indictments that left the county’s development efforts in flux. That agency is currently recruiting an executive director to lead its initiatives and coordinate with government, businesses, and residents .
Both Portsmouth and Scioto County are working to rebuild public trust while providing a more streamlined way to manage development, attract investment, and create jobs in Southern Ohio.
