City Council

Councilmember Ryan James serves on Cincinnati City Council with a deep commitment to community service, affordability, and economic opportunity for working families. Elected in 2025, he is the youngest Black man elected to Cincinnati City Council in the city’s history. Raised in a household that faced financial instability and housing insecurity, Ryan learned early the importance of strong community institutions, accessible opportunity, and responsive local government. Those formative experiences shaped his dedication to ensuring that no family in Cincinnati has to choose between stable housing, economic security, and a path to long-term success.

Before joining Council, Ryan built a career in the nonprofit sector focused on systems-level change and community impact. Most recently, he served as Director of Strategy at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, where he helped lead cross-sector initiatives addressing housing stability, economic mobility, and coordinated supports for families across the region. His work brought together public, private, and nonprofit partners to deliver measurable outcomes for residents.

On City Council, Ryan is focused on translating experience into action—advancing practical policies that reduce cost-of-living pressures, expand access to opportunity, and strengthen the foundation for inclusive economic growth. Guided by his roots in community service and accountability to working people, he is committed to ensuring Cincinnati remains a city where families can achieve stability, dignity, and a strong future.