The Cincinnati Central Riverfront Master Plan is the result of a public participation planning process begun in October 1996. Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati engaged Urban Design Associates to prepare a plan to give direction in two public policy areas: 1) to site the two new stadiums for the Reds and the Bengals, and 2) to develop an overall urban design framework for the development of the central riverfront which would capitalize on the major public investment in the stadiums and structured parking.

A Riverfront Steering Committee made up of City and County elected officials and staff was formed as a joint policy board for the Central Riverfront Plan. Focus groups, interviews, and public meetings were held throughout the planning process.

A Concept Plan was published in April 1997 which identified three possible scenarios for the siting of the stadiums and the development of the riverfront. The preparation of a final Master Plan was delayed due to a November 1998 public referendum on the siting of the Reds Stadium.

Once the decision on the Reds Stadium was made by the voters in favor of a riverfront site, Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati appointed sixteen prominent citizens to the Riverfront Advisors Commission who were charged to "recommend mixed usage for the Riverfront that guarantees public investment will create sustainable development on the site most valued by our community". The result of that effort was The Banks, a September 1999 report from the Advisors which contained recommendations on land use, parking, finance, phasing, and developer selection for the Central Riverfront. The final Master Plan includes The Banks recommendations from the Advisors.

The Paul Brown Stadium (open in August 2000), the redesigned Fort Washington Way and the Intermodal Transportation Center (completed in 2001), the Great American Ballpark, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and underground parking have been constructed.  Currently Phase One of the Development is being constructed and street improvements including the relocated Mehring Way, Ted Berry Way, Freedom Way and the reconstruction of Main Street are nearing completion.

The City and the County support the regional development of light rail transit linking the airport, Northern Kentucky, the Central Riverfront, Downtown Cincinnati, and the University of Cincinnati by way of split tracks on eastbound Second Street and westbound Third Street.