Last month during his second inaugural address, Governor DeWine beckoned people to “come to Ohio” boasting our state as one offering a brighter future and better life via our welcoming spirit. In his most recent State of the State address the Governor laid out some of the plans he will be focusing on in his second term – plans he hopes will improve the lives of residents while making the state attractive to new prospective growth. 

One of the measures he specifically addressed was the lack of adequate and affordable housing. He presented ideas for a “Low Income Housing Tax Credits” and “Single Family Housing Tax Credits” to stimulate the construction of more, desperately needed housing units. I wholeheartedly agree. Housing is one of our most pressing issues and we must discuss bold solutions. 

To provide the best possible opportunities for all Ohioans - current and future - we must actively work to resolve our lack of housing at all levels. What does that mean for central Ohio? That means we need to start thinking about housing from a regional perspective. We know that Columbus and the surrounding areas are growing quickly, with estimates of reaching 3 million people by 2050. We are working to make sure we have sufficient and suitable housing to support that growth. To achieve this will require fund raising, problem solving and coalition building at a regional level. 

This planning effort has already started with the convening of a Regional Housing Coalition. Along with City of Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus Partnership President and CEO Kenny McDonald, I am proud to join this important effort as one of three conveners. The purpose of this group to identify and implement actions that address the region’s core housing needs. The regional tools already at our disposal will need to be expanded and upgraded so that we can collectively address key housing needs and provide access to opportunities. If we are to remain economically competitive as a region, we must make inroads into this housing crisis that is plaguing our region and our country. Further, we must establish equitable policies that ensure safe and affordable housing for all existing and new residents to the central Ohio community.

I am excited to serve as one of the conveners for this effort and work to establish an innovative and long term strategy to support our growing community.  I am proud to lead AHT at a time when we are also considering our ability to affect change at the regional level.