Past Events

While politically divided, rural and urban areas both struggle with health care, child care and food access, an ongoing opioid crisis, and often, economic disinvestment. For this challenge, teams of 2 to 5 undergraduate students created policy proposals that benefit both urban and rural communities.

On January 13, 2025, finalist teams presented their proposals to guest judges Greg Hartmann (Partner, KMK Law), Liz Keating (Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber), and Karen Ryan (Executive Director of Government Relations, University of Cincinnati).

The winning team received an award of $300 per team member and continued on to compete with teams from other universities at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics in February 2025.

Author and former Chief of Staff to President George H.W. Bush, Jean Becker, sits down with Senator Rob Portman for a conversation about character and leadership highlighted in Becker’s recent book, Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush.

Portman Center Executive Director Andrew Lewis moderates a conversation with Senator Joe Manchin III (I-WV) and Senator Rob Portman.

Director Sherry Poland and Deputy Director Alex Linser, Hamilton County Board of Elections, talk with UC students and community members about Understanding our Bipartisan Election Process.

Inaugural Portman Center Symposium focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) convened local and national leaders in the policy space, including Dr. Daniel Ragsdale (Deputy Assistant National Cyber Director, White House), Sheryl Long (Cincinnati City Manager), Chip Pickering (CEO, Incompas), Rob Portman (former U.S. Senator representing Ohio), and Dr. Richard J. Harknett (Director, School of Public and International Affairs and Director, Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy, University of Cincinnati).

Council Members Reggie Harris and Liz Keating discuss Working Across the Aisle in Cincinnati politics.

Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Rob Portman discuss Civility in Polarized Times.