By 1808Delaware
Central Ohio’s growing population and booming job market have created an urgent need for housing solutions. In response, the Columbus Regional Housing Coalition has been established, aiming to address the housing crisis by facilitating the construction of 200,000 new homes over the next decade, including 80,000 affordable units. Announced by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and regional leaders, this initiative represents a bold, collaborative approach to housing development.
Among the first partners in this effort is Delaware County’s rapidly-growing City of Sunbury. This partnership exemplifies the coalition’s commitment to leveraging regional collaboration for maximum impact.
Increasing the Housing Supply
At its core, the coalition seeks to expand and diversify the housing stock in Central Ohio. By reducing housing shortages, the organization aims to make homes more affordable for families, individuals on fixed incomes, and senior citizens.
This ambitious housing target addresses a significant challenge: Central Ohio is projected to face a housing deficit by 2030. The current landscape shows that a homebuyer needs an annual income of $90,000 to afford a median-priced home, far above the median household income of $76,000.
To achieve its objectives, the coalition will focus on:
- Breaking down barriers: Simplifying zoning regulations, addressing high construction costs, and improving permitting processes.
- Promoting equity: Ensuring that affordable housing options are distributed across communities rather than concentrated in certain areas.
A Regional Approach to Shared Challenges
The coalition’s strategy involves bringing together cities, counties, and stakeholders across Central Ohio. Partners like Reynoldsburg, Fairfield County, and Sunbury play key roles in this collective effort, demonstrating that regional problems require regional solutions.
By creating a shared vision, the coalition aligns resources across jurisdictions to avoid duplication and maximize impact. This unified effort ensures that no single community bears the entire burden of meeting housing needs.
Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Development
Operating as a nonprofit, the coalition leverages a public-private partnership model to secure funding for housing projects. This structure allows the organization to attract investments from private sector stakeholders and federal grants, complementing local housing initiatives.
“Through partnerships with local governments, developers, and funders, we can scale up housing production to meet our region’s growing needs,” explained Erin Prosser, Columbus’ Deputy Director of Housing Strategies.
Examples of funding sources include:
- Federal affordable housing grants.
- Private investments.
- Local affordable housing bond dollars.
Progress to Date
Central Ohio has already demonstrated its commitment to increasing housing production:
- Residential permits rose by 21% in 2024.
- Over 6,500 new housing units were built, with 17% designated as affordable.
The coalition’s work builds on these successes by scaling efforts across the region. Guidehouse, a consulting firm, is helping finalize the coalition’s business plan, set to launch in early 2025.
Empowering Local Governments
The Columbus Regional Housing Coalition will support municipalities by providing:
- Technical assistance: Helping cities navigate zoning regulations, construction costs, and permitting challenges.
- Data sharing: Centralizing housing market data to guide strategic decision-making.
- Advocacy: Promoting state and federal policies that support affordable housing initiatives.
For smaller municipalities like Sunbury, this support is invaluable. Many cities lack dedicated housing staff, making the coalition’s expertise a critical resource for driving progress.
Prioritizing Equity and Inclusivity
A cornerstone of the coalition’s mission is ensuring that housing solutions benefit all communities. By focusing on economic diversity and preventing displacement, the organization promotes inclusive growth across Central Ohio.
“Affordable housing isn’t just about cost; it’s about creating vibrant, equitable communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” emphasized a coalition representative.
Looking Ahead
The coalition’s immediate next steps include finalizing its business plan and securing funding to implement its ambitious goals. Early initiatives will focus on high-priority areas, streamlining housing development across jurisdictions.
Central Ohio’s housing crisis requires a bold, unified approach. By combining resources, expertise, and innovative strategies, the Columbus Regional Housing Coalition is poised to transform the region’s housing landscape—ensuring sustainable growth for decades to come.
Image by Garik Barseghyan from Pixabay
