Brooke Rapp

Brooke serves as the Director of Community & Economic Development for The Port, where she leads sustainable real estate development initiatives through stakeholder coordination, New Markets Tax Credit management, and project oversight to advance The Port’s strategic goals.

Before joining The Port, Brooke served as the Director of Community Development for Uptown Consortium, Inc. In that role, she developed and implemented initiatives, secured funding, and integrated planning, design, real estate, placemaking, and transportation—all grounded in extensive community engagement—to benefit 48,000 residents, 1,000 businesses, and 75,000 employees. She also played a key role in UCI’s New Markets Tax Credit program, helping the team secure $65 million since her arrival. Brooke led efforts to stimulate economic growth in Uptown Cincinnati, forging strong relationships with partners and communities—connections that continue to be integral to The Port’s success.

Brooke holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s in Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University. She is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional and serves on the Advisory Board of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council. Brooke is currently part of Class 19 of the YWCA Rising Star Equity Leadership Program and is actively involved with the Urban Land Institute, the International Economic Development Council, and the Anchor District Council. She has also earned certifications in Leadership in the Public Sector from NKU and from the Cincinnati Cares Board Bootcamp.

A graduate of Cincy Next Class 7, Brooke co-chaired the Southwest Ohio Economic Development Association’s Young Professionals group for five years and has served on the boards of the Avondale Development Corporation, Short Vine Association, and the Mt. Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

Outside of work, Brooke serves on the University of Cincinnati Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) Alumni Council, is a Chapter Advisor for the University of Cincinnati’s Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and is a member of the Adventure Crew Raising Access & Diversity (RAD) Women’s Collective and Fleet Feet Cincinnati Running Club.