Photograph courtesy U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
With a population of roughly 311,000, Cincinnati is your quintessential “big little city” in the United States. (Greater Cincinnati, which includes Northern Kentucky, has a population of 2.2 million—and growing.) Our city is a microcosm of so many other American cities; a perfect sample size in terms of local government and city planning. Just ask Reginald (Reggie) Harris, a former Cincinnati city council member who recently accepted a new role in Washington.
Harris spent almost three years on city council after being elected in 2021. In September 2024, Harris announced he’d accepted a position as deputy assistant secretary of economic development with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and given the recent change in administration and subsequent end of his appointment, began a new role as Chief of Staff for Congressman Greg Landsman in January. Harris sits down to discuss his move from local to federal government and the importance of affordable housing.
Tell us about your work on Cincinnati City Council. What are some of the ways that role prepared you for a job in Washington?
Relationships matter. Building honesty, trust, and respect is crucial to moving important projects through large organizations/agencies. I’ve always said the government isn’t an abstract, non-sentient being—the government comprises people who are impacted by the very policies they work on. Centering relationships and accountability go a long way in being an impactful leader.
Was it always your dream to work in federal government?
It wasn’t. My only dream was to become a professional ballet dancer, and that’s exactly what I did in my first career. I am in public service [today] because I am a mission-driven person. When confronted with injustices, inequities, or problems, I am determined to be part of the solution.
Your list of accomplishments in Cincinnati is impressive—you served as chair of the budget and finance committee and vice chair of the equitable growth and housing committee, worked as a licensed therapist and for an affordable housing developer, and were appointed as a commissioner to the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority. On a more personal level, you are the first openly gay Black man to be elected to Cincinnati City Council. What were your takeaways from these experiences?
My takeaways from my personal and professional experiences are one and the same. 1) Life is better when folks live in strong communities. 2) Preserve what is good and correct what causes harm. 3) Name it and claim it. 4) Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. These are common idioms that have served me well in my life.
What makes you passionate about addressing housing needs in the U.S.?
It’s serendipitous to then be appointed to a leadership position at HUD. My passion for housing stems from my grandmother and her ability to buy a house in 1973 on the south side of Chicago. My grandmother bought her home utilizing a now-defunct HUD program called Section 235, which allowed participants living on a fixed income to obtain a subsidized mortgage and money for home insurance. It was a game-changer. Her purchasing the house changed the trajectory of my family and set us on a course for generational wealth building.
What’s next?
After my time at HUD, I am stepping into the role of Chief of Staff for Congressman Greg Landsman. I am particularly excited about this opportunity as it allows me to oversee three congressional offices in Cincinnati, Lebanon, and Washington, D.C., manage a team of 16 full-time staff, and serve as the Congressman’s top advisor on legislation and policy. This role draws on my diverse experiences in the arts, social work, affordable housing, campaigns, and politics. I am also eager to continue learning about Capitol Hill, Congress, and how Washington, D.C., operates.
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