Meet Mayor Aharon Brown, of the City of Forest Park

Recently I had the opportunity to meet an up-and-coming leader in the community, Forest Park Mayor Aharon Brown. At 33 years old, Aharon is the youngest mayor in the city of Forest Park’s history. He is also only the fourth Black mayor of the city. The City of Forest Park is located in northern Hamilton County.

I am sure you wonder, as did I, how such a young man came to be in office.  Aharon is a Cincinnati native and attended Miami University and the University of Cincinnati. While studying at Miami University, he was given the opportunity to intern in Washington DC with the Inside Washington Program, which took him to Capitol Hill in the US House of Representatives. Aharon recalled he was often advised to take what he was learning and doing in D.C. and bring it home to Cincinnati. Aharon saw what the foreclosure crisis did to his community in the early 2000’s, forcing families from their homes and shuttering businesses. He saw predatory companies move in to snap up houses making it unaffordable for longtime residents. It was due to this experience that he took an interest in creating, preserving, and advocating for affordable housing. 

After learning about the work LISC does with affordable and equitable housing, Aharon accepted an internship with LISC Greater Cincinnati in 2017. As part of his experience, he was able to go out into the neighborhoods and learn more about their specific needs – and how best to relate to neighborhood residents. Aharon and fellow interns created maps of abandoned homes throughout all 52 Cincinnati neighborhoods. This work was accomplished by going into communities to view houses, take photos, and make notes on needed repairs. Through trial and error, Aharon learned that the way you approach community members is important. Making sure communities know why you are there and being communicative and friendly with neighborhood residents goes a long way. Aharon was able to gain insightful information about the abandoned homes, and about the needs of the community. This experience helped Aharon learn that the data you see on paper doesn’t tell the whole story.

During this time Aharon was also volunteering as a canvasser for local political figures and created relationships with them and other community leaders, which became invaluable as he continued to move forward in his career. He was encouraged by these individuals, who no doubt saw his passion, to become a leader in his local community to bring about the changes he was passionate about. He joined the Forest Park City Council, then when the then current Mayor chose to retire from the position, Aharon threw his hat into the ring after much encouragement from friends, family, and colleagues. The exiting Mayor endorsed this action, having watched Aharon for years during his time on the local politics scene and as a City Council member. He knew Aharon was a person of his word and that his heart was with the residents of Forest Park and what would be the best for the city, and Aharon won the election to become Mayor in 2021. 

Today Forest Park is booming with new developments, including a proposed space with dining and shopping that Aharon hopes will become the ever important “Third Place” where people can gather for community and connection.  In addition, he has assisted with large companies moving into the area, enticing both chain and local restaurants to open, as well as continuing his work to ensure his community has housing that is affordable for all.

Aharon is not in the position of Mayor for the glory, to build his ego, or to pad his resume. He is in it for the residents of Forest Park, and more broadly the residents of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

That is also his advice for the next generation of leaders. He advises that they not get into politics for building their ego or becoming “famous” but to think about what the purpose of these positions are – public service.

“You need to remember who you serve, the public”, he said.

LISC Greater Cincinnati is proud to be able to have Aharon as an intern Alumni. We take pride in providing hands-on experiences for our interns and co-ops to help equip them to become leaders in their communities. For current co-op opportunities, click here.

*Story updated 2/16/24