Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, City of Columbus | City of Columbus website
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, City of Columbus | City of Columbus website
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has announced the formation of the Regional Housing Coalition, a collaborative effort to address housing issues in Central Ohio. The coalition aims to enhance the speed and scale of housing projects across various sectors and jurisdictions.
The initiative seeks to expand and diversify the region's housing supply, which is expected to lower costs and improve affordability. Mayor Ginther emphasized that Columbus should not be the only city providing housing solutions, stating, “If you work in Central Ohio, you should be able to live in Central Ohio.”
For more than ten years, new housing construction has lagged behind job creation and population growth. Projections indicate a potential shortfall in homes by 2030, contributing to increased rent and home prices. Redfin Realty data shows that prospective buyers need an annual income of at least $90,000 to afford a home, while the median income is $76,000.
In 2021, community leaders including Mayor Ginther, Lark Mallory (then president of Affordable Housing Trust), and Kenny McDonald (then president of Columbus Partnership) initiated discussions on maintaining regional affordability amid economic growth. They established four task forces focused on supply, affordability, equity and advocacy, and coordination.
Lark Mallory stated that convening key stakeholders was crucial for addressing the housing crisis through four main pillars. The task forces engaged over 150 stakeholders to create a comprehensive action plan addressing Central Ohio's housing needs.
The establishment of the Regional Housing Coalition was deemed necessary for leading a coordinated approach to building more affordable housing. Reynoldsburg Mayor Joe Begeny noted that affordable housing affects everyone and highlighted local efforts in Reynoldsburg.
Kenny McDonald underscored the importance of planning and bold action for sustaining regional growth while maintaining community character and school performance.
In upcoming months, regional partners will collaboratively develop the coalition’s business plan to ensure effective implementation of housing solutions.
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