Why Our CEO Is Leading OLN Out of Downtown Cincinnati
August 6, 2025
Our CEO’s open letter exposes downtown Cincinnati’s safety and failures, driving OLN’s relocation to Blue Ash for a safer reliable future.
Our CEO Speaks Out
Earlier this month, Victor Louis, OLN’s founder and CEO, fired off an open letter to Cincinnati’s mayor and council. He painted a grim picture of open drug use at Fountain Square and unchecked graffiti along major roads. Potholes sat unaddressed until one cost OLN over $5,000 in repairs. He stressed these problems have slowly eroded downtown’s appeal. Louis warned that what some deem “manageable” issues are driving away customers and investors.
A Clear Breaking Point
Louis singled out a violent July 26 brawl that left a woman unconscious and rattled the community. The incident sparked heated debates over race and public safety. He criticized civic leaders for spending on ribbon-cuttings while letting core services crumble. He argued such misplaced priorities only heighten frustration among residents and businesses. “Without swift, professional leadership,” he cautioned, “more companies will follow ours out.”
Hard Data, Harsh Reality
WCPO data show 1,023 reported crimes downtown so far this year, a 31% jump over the four-year average. Broken streetlights cast neighborhoods in shadow, and public defecation goes unchecked in some areas. Employees say they no longer feel safe commuting into the urban core. That fear translates to fewer workers on the street and lower foot traffic for local shops. Louis called this a feedback loop that city hall must break.
Blue Ash Answers the Call
In response, OLN will shift its 35-member team to Blue Ash later this month. Suburban officials “called, they bugged me—they wanted us to be there,” Louis quipped. They delivered move-in-ready offices days before he even asked. Their proactive outreach stood in stark contrast to Cincinnati’s delays. By offering swift, no-hassle support, Blue Ash proved eager to earn and keep business.
A Podcast Plea
On the August 5 episode of the “Bill Cunningham” podcast, Louis unpacked his decision in detail. He contrasted Cincinnati’s slow responses with Blue Ash’s rapid, respectful partnership. He emphasized that businesses demand more than safe streets—they need prompt, professional collaboration from local government. He urged Cincinnati’s leaders to rebuild trust through action, not just rhetoric. His message: the window to retain investment is closing fast.
A Clear Call to Action
As OLN settles into its new headquarters, Louis’s letter stands as a rallying cry. Cincinnati must refocus on public safety and infrastructure upkeep before more firms depart. It needs open, ongoing dialogue with the business community to understand and address real concerns. Swift repairs, better lighting, and regular engagement can restore confidence. Only then will the city keep investment, talent, and its downtown alive.
