CINCINNATI (Feb. 27, 2026) — The City of Cincinnati and the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts have been selected to receive the Intergovernmental Cooperation Award from the Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA), recognizing their innovative partnership to create a coordinated eviction prevention system serving residents across the community.
The collaboration among the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Help Center, Clerk of Courts Pavan Parikh, the Cincinnati City Manager’s Office, City Councilmember Meeka Owens, and United Way of Greater Cincinnati began in late 2023 in response to a sharp rise in eviction filings. After Cincinnati City Council passed the Access to Counsel Ordinance guaranteeing legal representation for qualifying low-income tenants, the partners worked together to build a system that shares data, coordinates services, and delivers meaningful support in real time.
In September 2024, the partnership launched same-day legal representation in eviction court led by the Clerk of Courts Help Center—ensuring eligible tenants can meet with an attorney the morning of their hearing. From September 2024 through September 2025, attorneys filed 890 appearances serving more than 450 households. Of those cases, 93.7% resulted in positive outcomes for tenants, and 88.8% of completed cases were dismissed. United Way 211 provides centralized call intake, data coordination, and administration of rent assistance payments. With support from philanthropic partners, the initiative has expanded from two days per week to four days per week for City and County tenants facing eviction.
The OCMA award recognizes exemplary intergovernmental cooperation that strengthens public service delivery and improves community outcomes.
ABOUT THE HAMILTON COUNTY CLERK OF COURTS
The Office of the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, under the leadership of Hamilton County Clerk, Pavan V. Parikh (pronounced “PAH-vehn puh-REEK”), is the official record keeper and agent of Hamilton County’s Adult Justice System. The Deputy Clerks are responsible for accepting, handling, managing, and retaining all legal documents filed through the Municipal Court, the Court of Common Pleas and the 1st District Court of Appeals. In addition, the Clerk’s office processes applications for passports and all auto titles and watercraft titles. The Hamilton County Clerk of Courts office strives to provide professional, efficient, and accessible service to all customers.
