Hamilton County has opened its doors to the future by unveiling the new Central Campus, which is now home to several essential county services. The inauguration began with a street naming ceremony, dedicating the address as Patricia McCollum Way, after a celebrated community advocate whose impact on Hamilton County has left an indelible mark. The launch of the Central Campus, detailed in a recent article, introduces a modernized approach to public service coordination, promising improved access and interdepartmental collaborations.
Located at 1701 Patricia McCollum Way, the Central Campus stands as a beacon for streamlined operations in the county. The ribbon-cutting event, held on Wednesday, featured local officials and community members coming together to celebrate the milestone. Not yet fully occupied, the campus is poised to house the Hamilton County Office of Addiction Response, Developmental and Disability Services, Environmental Services, Job and Family Services, Public Health, Veterans Service Commission, and the Regional Crime Information Center (RCIC). Hamilton County Job & Family Services has already begun operations on-site during the campus's first week of service.
"This week marks a new home for Job and Family Services and an important step forward in how we serve our community," said Stephanie Summerow Dumas, President of the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners, according to the Hamilton County official release. Dumas emphasized the integration of key departments into a central location as a testament to the county's commitment to efficient service delivery and financial prudence. The strategy encompasses the sale of five former county buildings to partially fund the project, accompanied by anticipated long-term savings from avoiding deferred maintenance costs.
Vice President Alicia Reece remarked on the strategic use of space, noting that the Central Campus is a step towards minimizing Hamilton County's physical footprint, while creating avenues for affordable housing and venues supporting the workforce and students. Additionally, Commissioner Denise Driehaus drew attention to the significance of naming the access road after Patricia McCollum, highlighting the connection between McCollum's spirit of nurturing families and the ongoing efforts of Children's Services.
