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On June 27, in emergency session, Cincinnati’s City Council passed a 7% tax on billboard revenues as part of the City’s 2019 budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. A provision in the Ordinance bars the billboard companies from listing the tax as a separate item on customer invoices.

AAF Cincinnati is reaching out to our members and followers in support of Lamar Advertising Company and Norton Outdoor Advertising, both of which are challenging the constitutionality of the new tax. Court of Common Pleas Judge Curt C. Hartman has since granted their request for a restraining order, also ordering expedited discovery.

In support of these two advertising companies that are clearly being targeted with this tax, AAF Cincinnati has also reached out to our AAF 5^thDistrict volunteers (clubs in OH-KY-WV) and to Clark Rector, EVP-Government Affairs at American Advertising Federation headquarters in Washington, DC.

If you are an advertising, marketing or branding professional working in the Cincinnati area – whether with an agency, the media, a supplier to the industry, or a client company – please keep an eye on this and offer your support and assistance to Lamar and Norton. Also, whenever you can, help us deliver the message to the City of Cincinnati that the advertising community stands together in fighting this unfair, unconstitutional tax.

The next step in the legal process is a September 7 hearing for preliminary injunctive relief. If you are an Outdoor Advertiser in Cincinnati who would be willing to stand up in court and express your concerns about this tax, the outdoor companies would welcome your support. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Judy Thompson, AAF Cincinnati Executive Director, at 513.479.7306 or email her at [email protected]. She will put you in touch with the outdoor companies who need your grassroots support.

Thank you for your assistance with this vital matter.