The ADU pilot program sounds interesting. The zoning code rewrite needs to make it so someone doesn’t have to go through the rezoning process to build an ADU. 

 

I can see some of this ultimately making housing more expensive, though. 

 

City Council Unveils Initiatives to Include, Preserve, and Invest in Columbus’ Housing Portfolio

For Immediate Release
March 16, 2023

{Columbus, OH} -- This morning, Columbus City Councilmembers rolled out the Council’s 2023 Housing Initiatives to combat the ongoing housing crisis. The theme is “Invest, Preserve, and Include.” The initiatives align with the Columbus Housing Strategy to address the Columbus region’s housing crisis and foster equitable housing opportunities. Currently, housing is an issue at every level. Council’s housing initiatives aim to create solutions to issues regarding housing investments, preservation of current housing, and inclusion of all residents and landlords at all income levels. Each Councilmember will lead an initiative along with the community and stakeholder conversations. Councilmember Shayla Favor, chair of the Housing Committee, will lead several initiatives.

 

“We are at a critical point in our City’s history. With the expected growth of Columbus, comes challenges, with housing being at the forefront. The approaching housing crisis threatens the stabilization of families and more specifically families of low-income, and Black and Brown families.” said Councilmember Favor. “With these housing initiatives, City Council is acknowledging the challenges the housing crisis presents and outlining our commitment to providing tangible solutions.”

 

Investment

Homeownership Opportunities: Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla 

Creating generational wealth has been an uphill battle for communities that have been disenfranchised or redlined. This initiative will lead to partnerships with providers focusing on housing assistance and making homeownership more attainable.

 

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Pilot Program: Councilmember Emmanuel Remy

This program will focus on the creation of affordable accessory dwelling units on lots that currently house one single-unit dwelling. Adding an ADU doubles the amount of housing units at a low cost to the primary landowner.

 

Preservation

Wholesaler Regulation: Councilmember Shayla Favor

Creates licensed regulations similar to that of a realtor to prevent predatory practices.

 

Vacant and Foreclosure Registry: President Pro Tem Rob Dorans

A registry would give the ability to have up-to-date contact information for the owners of foreclosed or vacant properties and legally hold property owners responsible for leaving abandoned properties in disrepair.

 

Owner/Occupied Initiative Program: Councilmember Mitch Brown

This program will expand home repair grants to homeowners to include roof repairs. Home repairs, especially roof repairs pose significant hurdles for seniors to be able to age in place.

 

Inclusion

Office of Fair Housing: Councilmember Favor

 Legislation would create a robust fair housing office to hold landlords/property owners accountable and to protect the rights of tenants.

 

Pay to Stay: Councilmember Favor 

To allow residents time to secure rental assistance dollars without having an eviction judgment on their record.

 

Third Party Payment: Councilmember Favor

Legislation would require landlords to accept payment on behalf of a tenant if that tenant is not in breach of their rental agreement.

 

Legal Representation at Eviction Court: Councilmember Favor

In 2022, Council legislated $1.5M to create a more robust legal representation team at eviction court. Currently the demand for representation exceeds the supply of legal aid attorneys. This initiative will fund an additional year of work.

 

Retaliatory Action: Councilmember Favor 

This initiative will strengthen and clarify language from legislation passed in 2018.

 

Rent Increase Notification: Councilmember Favor

Legislation would require that tenants receive at least a 180-day notice of monthly price increase upon lease renewal.

 

Columbus Rental Registry: Councilmember Nick Bankston

A Rental Registration Program will protect the wellbeing of our residents and encourage both owners and occupants to maintain and improve the quality of rental housing. With the collection of a rental registration fee, millions of dollars will be generated and used for rental assistance, thus providing an “insurance policy” for landlords.

 

“As a part of the City’s overall housing strategy, Council is rolling out a package of housing policy,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “These policies aim to help working-class families build wealth, strengthen tenant protections, and prepare Columbus for projected population growth. This is the start of a community conversation so we need to hear from stakeholders, residents, and more to improve these ideas.” 

 

Council President Hardin will support member offices through the stakeholder engagement process while encouraging a vision of housing abundance where more homes of all shapes and sizes are accessible for all our neighbors.

 

These initiatives will be rolled out over the next 9-16 months, with extensive public engagement before legislation is formally drafted. To grow as a City, we need economic and housing development. If we fail to keep up with housing demand, people will leave and the population will drop. Council looks forward to interacting with residents and receiving feedback on these initiatives.

 

 

Coverage: 
https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/03/16/city-of-columbus-housing-strategy.html & https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2023/03/16/columbus-seeks-to-beef-up-rental-regulations/70015324007/ & https://columbusunderground.com/city-council-announces-new-housing-initiatives-bw1/

44 minutes ago, Lazarus said:

 

It's easy to see why the 2008-09 collapse was so dramatic when construction levels in 2002 were similar to today's.  Homes and old apartment buildings were being bulldozed every day in the 3C's back then, yet the suburban machine kept cranking out product.  

 

 

 

Way more multifamily gets built today as compared to 2002, so despite similar construction numbers there's still not enough SFH around in growing markets. Lowering birthrates were creeping up on SFH builders but the big birthrate killer (2008) hadn't happened yet.

1 hour ago, amped91 said:

The ADU pilot program sounds interesting. The zoning code rewrite needs to make it so someone doesn’t have to go through the rezoning process to build an ADU. 

 

I can see some of this ultimately making housing more expensive, though. 

 

City Council Unveils Initiatives to Include, Preserve, and Invest in Columbus’ Housing Portfolio

For Immediate Release
March 16, 2023

{Columbus, OH} -- This morning, Columbus City Councilmembers rolled out the Council’s 2023 Housing Initiatives to combat the ongoing housing crisis. The theme is “Invest, Preserve, and Include.” The initiatives align with the Columbus Housing Strategy to address the Columbus region’s housing crisis and foster equitable housing opportunities. Currently, housing is an issue at every level. Council’s housing initiatives aim to create solutions to issues regarding housing investments, preservation of current housing, and inclusion of all residents and landlords at all income levels. Each Councilmember will lead an initiative along with the community and stakeholder conversations. Councilmember Shayla Favor, chair of the Housing Committee, will lead several initiatives.

 

“We are at a critical point in our City’s history. With the expected growth of Columbus, comes challenges, with housing being at the forefront. The approaching housing crisis threatens the stabilization of families and more specifically families of low-income, and Black and Brown families.” said Councilmember Favor. “With these housing initiatives, City Council is acknowledging the challenges the housing crisis presents and outlining our commitment to providing tangible solutions.”

 

Investment

Homeownership Opportunities: Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla 

Creating generational wealth has been an uphill battle for communities that have been disenfranchised or redlined. This initiative will lead to partnerships with providers focusing on housing assistance and making homeownership more attainable.

 

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Pilot Program: Councilmember Emmanuel Remy

This program will focus on the creation of affordable accessory dwelling units on lots that currently house one single-unit dwelling. Adding an ADU doubles the amount of housing units at a low cost to the primary landowner.

 

Preservation

Wholesaler Regulation: Councilmember Shayla Favor

Creates licensed regulations similar to that of a realtor to prevent predatory practices.

 

Vacant and Foreclosure Registry: President Pro Tem Rob Dorans

A registry would give the ability to have up-to-date contact information for the owners of foreclosed or vacant properties and legally hold property owners responsible for leaving abandoned properties in disrepair.

 

Owner/Occupied Initiative Program: Councilmember Mitch Brown

This program will expand home repair grants to homeowners to include roof repairs. Home repairs, especially roof repairs pose significant hurdles for seniors to be able to age in place.

 

Inclusion

Office of Fair Housing: Councilmember Favor

 Legislation would create a robust fair housing office to hold landlords/property owners accountable and to protect the rights of tenants.

 

Pay to Stay: Councilmember Favor 

To allow residents time to secure rental assistance dollars without having an eviction judgment on their record.

 

Third Party Payment: Councilmember Favor

Legislation would require landlords to accept payment on behalf of a tenant if that tenant is not in breach of their rental agreement.

 

Legal Representation at Eviction Court: Councilmember Favor

In 2022, Council legislated $1.5M to create a more robust legal representation team at eviction court. Currently the demand for representation exceeds the supply of legal aid attorneys. This initiative will fund an additional year of work.

 

Retaliatory Action: Councilmember Favor 

This initiative will strengthen and clarify language from legislation passed in 2018.

 

Rent Increase Notification: Councilmember Favor

Legislation would require that tenants receive at least a 180-day notice of monthly price increase upon lease renewal.

 

Columbus Rental Registry: Councilmember Nick Bankston

A Rental Registration Program will protect the wellbeing of our residents and encourage both owners and occupants to maintain and improve the quality of rental housing. With the collection of a rental registration fee, millions of dollars will be generated and used for rental assistance, thus providing an “insurance policy” for landlords.

 

“As a part of the City’s overall housing strategy, Council is rolling out a package of housing policy,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “These policies aim to help working-class families build wealth, strengthen tenant protections, and prepare Columbus for projected population growth. This is the start of a community conversation so we need to hear from stakeholders, residents, and more to improve these ideas.” 

 

Council President Hardin will support member offices through the stakeholder engagement process while encouraging a vision of housing abundance where more homes of all shapes and sizes are accessible for all our neighbors.

 

These initiatives will be rolled out over the next 9-16 months, with extensive public engagement before legislation is formally drafted. To grow as a City, we need economic and housing development. If we fail to keep up with housing demand, people will leave and the population will drop. Council looks forward to interacting with residents and receiving feedback on these initiatives.

 

Cincinnati is proposing some similar measures. Some of them will run afoul with established landlord/tenant laws in Ohio and will be overturned by the courts, but that wont stop some on city councils from wasting taxpayer money and passing them anyway to signal their virtues. 

1 hour ago, GCrites80s said:

Way more multifamily gets built today as compared to 2002, so despite similar construction numbers there's still not enough SFH around in growing markets. Lowering birthrates were creeping up on SFH builders but the big birthrate killer (2008) hadn't happened yet.

 

I'd be interested to see a full accounting of the housing types, since condominiums aren't being built at all in many markets, after having been a dominant housing type for many years.  

 

Also, we aren't seeing existing apartment buildings turned into condos in the way that was commonplace - and often comical given the mediocrity of the property - 2000-08.  

 

I think condos are a manifestation of developers fearing a building won't fill up fast enough which is not an issue in today's market. With condos they started making at least some big money (sales, not just some rent) back right away if the building didn't fully rent immediately. 

Edited March 16, 20232 yr by GCrites80s

1 hour ago, GCrites80s said:

I think condos are a manifestation of developers fearing a building won't fill up fast enough which is not an issue in today's market. With condos they started making at least some big money (sales, not just some rent) back right away if the building didn't fully rent immediately. 

 

But it also has to do with lending since I think the banks fear the exact same thing.  We saw it all over in 2008 - new condo developments sitting half (or more) empty until 2015.  

 

People get mired in HOA conflicts and swear they won't buy into an HOA again but I don't believe it.  Condos will be back at some point.  

 

 

Not enough condos show the kind of appreciation that other properties do as well --affecting the lending environment. 

13 minutes ago, GCrites80s said:

Not enough condos show the kind of appreciation that other properties do as well --affecting the lending environment. 

 

Except a brand-new condo can still command top dollar, and that's what motivates new construction.  

 

 

 

 

Yes. The difference here is if we're talking about the lending environment for the developers or for the buyers. And how many people pay cash for a new condo in a particular development. 

6 hours ago, Brutus_buckeye said:

Less red tape to develop to bring down the administrative costs is an easy fix (you could tie it to affordability even and allow those types of projects to speed through). Government should offer more low income housing credits to encourage development. If Cities or state have the ability to do the same that would certainly encourage more low income development.  Neither are phenomenal fixes and certainly come with issues too.  Obviously, it would not be great if the city of Columbus offers a ton of housing credits and low income housing perks to developers because that is all that will be developed in the city and all wealthier people will go to Dublin or other suburban markets which is not good for the city either. The goal is coming up with a good mix.

 

I was reading a report from a housing economist recently that said that the goal is housing units. It does not matter if it is low income or high income. If you build class A, then it will open up room in the existing housing stock for more middle and lower market renters. Yes, the lower income will pay higher rent than their prior place (because of supply and demand) but they also are getting a unit that is nicer than they previously would have. Instead of a unit at $600/month with metal cabinets, old gas stove, etc. they get a unit with a better kitchen, dishwasher, & newer fixtures for $800/month. Yes, the rent increase sucks but a lot of that is eaten up by inflation anyway. Ultimately, any housing, Class A or Class C helps the poor. 

 

On your first point, to wit: Only between one-quarter and one-third of the competitive (9%) Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that affordable housing developers apply for each year get funded.  These are the credits that can make or break proposed new-construction affordable housing projects of 50 units and up (the OHFA Web page there suggests 25+ units, but most competitive LIHTC projects aim higher), because the tax subsidies can leverage private capital significantly greater than the same subsidy if the government were to just write a check to a developer in the same amount.  The program compliance requirements ensure that properties developed with these subsidies maintain their affordable-housing allocation for at least 15 years, and quite often 30.  The low percentage of projects that get funded (and the fact that there is only one competitive funding round each year) makes each funding round high-stakes for affordable housing developers, though, and is a major barrier to entry (even more than real estate development generally).

 

Nationwide, the percentages are similar for New Market Tax Credits (NMTCs), with $14.8 billion requested nationwide in 2022 from a pool of $5 billion.

 

Last Thursday, the Biden administration's FY2024 budget blueprint was released and includes a significant increase in LIHTC funding, along with the creation of a brand-new "Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit" (NHTC) that I'm not as familiar with (and haven't spent as much time familiarizing myself with because of course it could never see the light of day or could change drastically in the sausage-factor of a divided Congress).  I and certain others involved in affordable housing development here hope, though, that it involves tax credit subsidies for the currently underprivileged stepchild of housing development, "workforce housing," which is basically homes that are above the technical definition of affordable housing but also not luxury, e.g., middle-income starter homes.

 

On your second point, people not realizing that was a significant factor in one of the more contentious City Council disputes here in Akron recently, regarding a proposal to sell city land to a private developer for the development of high-density urban-neighborhood-style luxury housing.  Opponents questioned why we were entertaining a proposal to build luxury housing when we have a shortage of affordable housing, to which there were two responses: first, Akron is heating up significantly, as noted in that article @amped91 posted upthread (Columbus was one of multiple major Ohio markets heating up faster than the national average), and second, exactly what you were saying--giving higher-income folks move-in-ready luxury housing stock prevents some of them from bidding up other housing nearby.

I personally have seen residential move from Class A to Class B rather quickly in the Columbus market in the 2000s and 2010s. There is no guarantee in the 2020s so far though. 

34 minutes ago, Gramarye said:

 

On your first point, to wit: Only between one-quarter and one-third of the competitive (9%) Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that affordable housing developers apply for each year get funded.  These are the credits that can make or break proposed new-construction affordable housing projects of 50 units and up (the OHFA Web page there suggests 25+ units, but most competitive LIHTC projects aim higher), because the tax subsidies can leverage private capital significantly greater than the same subsidy if the government were to just write a check to a developer in the same amount.  The program compliance requirements ensure that properties developed with these subsidies maintain their affordable-housing allocation for at least 15 years, and quite often 30.  The low percentage of projects that get funded (and the fact that there is only one competitive funding round each year) makes each funding round high-stakes for affordable housing developers, though, and is a major barrier to entry (even more than real estate development generally).

 

Nationwide, the percentages are similar for New Market Tax Credits (NMTCs), with $14.8 billion requested nationwide in 2022 from a pool of $5 billion.

 

Last Thursday, the Biden administration's FY2024 budget blueprint was released and includes a significant increase in LIHTC funding, along with the creation of a brand-new "Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit" (NHTC) that I'm not as familiar with (and haven't spent as much time familiarizing myself with because of course it could never see the light of day or could change drastically in the sausage-factor of a divided Congress).  I and certain others involved in affordable housing development here hope, though, that it involves tax credit subsidies for the currently underprivileged stepchild of housing development, "workforce housing," which is basically homes that are above the technical definition of affordable housing but also not luxury, e.g., middle-income starter homes.

 

On your second point, people not realizing that was a significant factor in one of the more contentious City Council disputes here in Akron recently, regarding a proposal to sell city land to a private developer for the development of high-density urban-neighborhood-style luxury housing.  Opponents questioned why we were entertaining a proposal to build luxury housing when we have a shortage of affordable housing, to which there were two responses: first, Akron is heating up significantly, as noted in that article @amped91 posted upthread (Columbus was one of multiple major Ohio markets heating up faster than the national average), and second, exactly what you were saying--giving higher-income folks move-in-ready luxury housing stock prevents some of them from bidding up other housing nearby.

I would like to see more affordable housing and a return of "starter homes" that are smaller than what is being built now. Families are different now-with fewer children and sometimes no children at all-and many of these smaller families would still like to live in a SFH. 1,200 square feet and 1.5 baths for a family of five is different than the 1,200 square foot place needed for a couple with one child, a couple with no children, or even a single adult. The big families are just not coming back in any significant way(unless you have multi-generational housing/maybe certain immigrant or cultural groups).

 

Working families and just anyone who does not need to live in the hottest neighborhood could all benefit from a return to smaller homes. They can be built on smaller lots too-people do not use or need big yard like they used to. Kids are not out playing in their own or in neighborhood back yards like they used to(before cable TV, the internet, gaming, etc.) You can fit two smaller 1,200 square foot homes on the same size lot as a 2,400 square foot home, and maybe even make the same profit. A 65 or 70 foot wide SFH lot could be cut in half and there would still be room for two smaller homes. We really need a return and normalization of smaller "starter" or "workforce" type SFH  housing. 

It does happen when the market isn't so constrained. Take a look at the neighborhood just east of the intersection of N. Hamilton and Thompson Roads.

1 hour ago, Toddguy said:

I would like to see more affordable housing and a return of "starter homes" that are smaller than what is being built now. Families are different now-with fewer children and sometimes no children at all-and many of these smaller families would still like to live in a SFH. 1,200 square feet and 1.5 baths for a family of five is different than the 1,200 square foot place needed for a couple with one child, a couple with no children, or even a single adult. The big families are just not coming back in any significant way(unless you have multi-generational housing/maybe certain immigrant or cultural groups).

 

Working families and just anyone who does not need to live in the hottest neighborhood could all benefit from a return to smaller homes. They can be built on smaller lots too-people do not use or need big yard like they used to. Kids are not out playing in their own or in neighborhood back yards like they used to(before cable TV, the internet, gaming, etc.) You can fit two smaller 1,200 square foot homes on the same size lot as a 2,400 square foot home, and maybe even make the same profit. A 65 or 70 foot wide SFH lot could be cut in half and there would still be room for two smaller homes. We really need a return and normalization of smaller "starter" or "workforce" type SFH  housing. 

This, my wife and I don’t want children and only need a 2 bed 2 bath or 1.5 bath at most. I would love something under 1000 sq ft and a possible basement. We don’t have a desire for anything bigger, and just want to be able to afford a first home, and I don’t want a massive house and don’t need it. 

Edited March 16, 20232 yr by VintageLife

Report: Columbus Metro Adding 12,000 Housing Units for 26,000 New Residents Each Year

 

According to a new report from Apartment List, the Columbus region permitted the construction of 6,673 new apartment units and 5,616 new single family homes in 2022, which ranks it as the 19th most active metro area for housing development in the US.

 

That number may not be enough to ease the supply and demand curve, given that the Columbus region has grown by an average of over 26,000 new residents per year for the past two decades, with no signs of slowing down.

 

“Today’s high interest rate environment has slowed single-family home construction, but apartment construction remains strong,” explained Rob Warnock, senior research associate at Apartment List. “Today there are nearly one million apartments under construction across the nation, more than at any point since 1970.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/report-columbus-adding-12000-residences-per-year-for-26000-new-residents-we1/

 

Columbus' housing shortage: Can City Council's agenda turn the tide?

 

Columbus City Council's recently announced steps to boost housing don't immediately address the region's shortage, says Jon Melchi, executive director of the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio.

 

Council unveiled a series of 12 initiatives grouped around three key areas identified by Mayor Andrew Ginther: preserve, invest and include.

 

But Melchi argues there is a missing component.

 

"There's not a single proposal on that list that would increase housing in the short term," he said. "Preserve and invest without create is problematic. This is not a knock on those 12 proposals, but I just don't see anything that directly addresses building more units."

 

According to a recent BIA report, the region falls well short of the number of units needed each year to meet demand.

 

"It's not enough," Melchi said of the policy package. "The challenge will be in how the details of those (strategies) are worked out ... but there wasn't a single proposal that will lead to increased housing production, which is something our members are concerned with."

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/03/24/housing-strategy-follow-up.html

 

Central Ohio affordable housing advocates say a state affordable housing tax credit can help keep up with increased demand

 

Central Ohio affordable housing advocates are calling for a new state housing tax credit after the region didn't fare well in the latest round of federal tax credits distributed by the Ohio Housing Financing Agency.

 

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program is a federal tax incentive program designed to increase the supply of affordable rental housing by helping developers offset the costs of developments.

 

OHFA has roughly $30 million annually from the federal government to allocate across the state. Projects are scored based on the "qualified allocation plan."

 

From 2015 to 2022, Franklin County averaged about six 9% tax credit awards. This year, Franklin County got one award for senior housing. With the award, Woda Cooper Cos. will build 44 units on vacant land on Obetz Road. The only award in Central Ohio for housing that's not restricted by age went to a Homeport project in Delaware County.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/06/01/affordable-housing-tax-credit-ohio-dewine-budget.html

10 Hottest Zip Codes 2023

 

Is your zip code on the hottest list for 2023? Here's which cities made the top 10.

 

1. 43230, Gahanna, Ohio

2. 06489, Southington, Connecticut

3. 07450, Ridgewood, New Jersey

4. 01810, Andover, Massachusetts

5. 18064, Nazareth, Pennsylvania

6. 46322, Highland, Indiana

7. 48183, Trenton, Michigan

8. 06851, Norwalk, Connecticut

9. 14534, Pittsford, New York

10. 63021, Ballwin, Missouri

 

Given Gahanna is smack dab in the middle of downtown Columbus and Intel, this is not surprising at all.  The whole area just continues to grow grow grow...

City Announces Plan to Expand Tax Abatement Program

 

In response to new data showing a dip in housing construction this year, the City of Columbus today announced a new proposal to significantly expand its residential tax abatement program.

 

Instead of only being offered in certain neighborhoods – those designated as a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) by City Council – the new policy would expand eligibility to new housing built nearly anywhere in the city.

 

High interest rates, construction costs and other factors are combining to slow down housing construction at a time when it is needed the most, city officials told Columbus Underground. Rents in the region, although higher than ever, are not high enough to make up for the rising costs, meaning that even some projects that have already gone through the zoning and approval process are stalled, as developers and banks wait for a change in the economic conditions.

 

According to city building permit data, housing starts are down about 10 percent compared to last year. Regionally, the decline is about three percent – so far this year Central Ohio has added 14,000 jobs but only 8,962 housing units.

 

“I think we have all agreed collectively that we need to accelerate our housing production,” said Erin Prosser, the city’s assistant director of housing strategies. “I don’t think that’s even a question any longer…getting there is now the trickier part.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/city-announces-plan-to-expand-tax-abatement-program-bw1/

 

Columbus could get city-wide tax incentives for new housing

 

Columbus' residential tax abatement policy may soon expand to cover the entire city.

 

Today, the community reinvestment areas program incentivizes residential development with an affordable component in about two dozen areas defined as "ready for opportunity," "ready for revitalization" or "market-ready." Since 2018, the policy has helped more than 7,000 units get built, nearly 2,000 of them affordable, according to city data.

 

Monday night, city staff will present a plan to Columbus City Council that would expand housing incentives to all areas of the city. Council could vote on the legislation as soon as December.

 

The goal, according to city staff, is to accelerate homebuilding, particularly near job opportunities. Columbus added 14,000 jobs over the last year but only 8,900 units of housing in the same period, according to city data.

 

City Council President Shannon Hardin said the number of homes being built in Columbus right now should be considered a "five-alarm fire."

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/11/20/columbus-residential-tax-abatements-city-cra.html

 

Central Ohio developers, homebuilders say city-wide residential tax abatement policy is coming at a critical time

 

Central Ohio developers and homebuilders say Columbus' proposed city-wide residential tax abatement policy is coming at a critical time.

 

The proposal, presented to Columbus City Council Monday, would expand community reinvestment area benefits to the entire city. The goal, according to city staff, is to accelerate homebuilding, especially near job opportunities.

 

Jon Melchi, the executive director of the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio, said he's supportive of the policy and would encourage other Central Ohio municipalities to take similar steps. The well-documented housing shortage in Central Ohio, high interest rates and high building costs make it the perfect time for policy like this, he said.

 

"Clearly we've had a housing shortage, and unfortunately we're not going to close the gap in 2023," Melchi said. "We're supportive of any policy that helps bring housing units online. I'm appreciative of the city's willingness to be aggressive and creative with solutions."

 

Columbus added 14,000 jobs over the last year but only 8,900 units of housing in the same period, according to city data.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/11/21/columbus-tax-abatements-incentives-homebuilding.html

 

How Central Ohio could increase its housing supply – and how that would help businesses' bottom lines

 

Central Ohio could solve its housing crisis with more inclusive zoning policies, according to one expert.

 

Richard Kahlenberg, a veteran researcher and writer on education and housing policy, says there are two big problems when it comes to exclusionary zoning.

 

"One is it increases segregation between economic groups and racial groups," he told me. "But it also, because of the bans on multifamily housing, drives up the price of homes. It simply constrains the overall supply of housing in a metropolitan region.

 

"And so when there's high demand, the prices just keep going up," he said.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/11/28/richard-kalenberg.html

 

Mayor Andrew Ginther says new tax abatement policy, zoning changes can help solve housing 'crisis'

 

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther says Central Ohio's housing shortage has risen to "crisis" level.

 

"Our community is growing faster than we've ever grown before. And so we have to do things differently to get the number of units built that we need," Ginther said in an exclusive interview. "Our quality of life, our affordability and, frankly, our economy are at risk."

 

The mayor, re-elected to a new four-year term last month, recently chatted with Columbus Business First about his plans to get more housing built. Those efforts include a new city-wide residential tax abatement, an ongoing zoning code overhaul and an influx of affordable housing bond dollars to help projects cross the finish line.

 

"We need to do everything in our power to do more to facilitate construction," Ginther told me.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/11/29/ginther-housing-crisis-incentives-abatements-zonin.html

 

Columbus passes city-wide residential tax abatement, looks to approve more housing measures in 2024

 

Columbus City Council has passed a number of housing initiatives aimed at addressing the region's housing crisis, with more expected to follow in 2024.

The council in March announced 12 priorities it hoped to carry out over the next year to 18 months. Monday night it approved a city-wide expansion of the city's residential tax abatement policy, the seventh priority on the list to land approval.

Other initiatives approved this year include the following:

• Pay-to-stay anti-eviction measures.
• Third-party payment legislation.
• Retaliatory action legislation.
• More funding for legal representation in eviction court.
• An expanded home repair grant program.
• Funding for a down payment assistance program.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/12/12/columbus-city-council-housing.html

 

City to Triple Funding for Community Shelter Board

 

The City of Columbus announced this week that it would be directing $9.4 million in federal funds to the Community Shelter Board (CSB) for homeless outreach. The newly-announced funding from the American Rescue Plan Act is in addition to $5.5 million for the agency that was approved on Monday by City Council, as part of the city’s 2024 budget.

 

All together the CSB will be receiving $14.9 million, which is nearly triple the amount the agency received last year, according to a press release.

 

“Since 2020, the City has invested more than $50 million with CSB to combat the impacts of COVID and a shrinking number of housing units on our most vulnerable population,” said Mayor Andrew Ginther, in a statement. “Homelessness is a complex issue and not one the City can fight alone. It impacts the county as well as our businesses. We need our public and private partners in the region to step up so we can provide safe shelter for those living on the land today, and also get ahead of the growing issue in the future.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/city-to-triple-funding-for-community-shelter-board-bw1/

Central Ohio's zoning barriers are a reason for fewer housing starts, developers say

 

Central Ohio developers say regulatory issues are to blame for a slowdown in housing projects in a region in desperate need of more residential units.

 

The number of housing permits issued in Central Ohio dropped 17% in 2023, falling to their lowest level since 2019, according to a new report from the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio released this month.

 

Tre' Giller, CEO of Metro Development, said he thinks the 2023 numbers may be foreshadowing what is to come this year.

 

The perfect storm of banks tightening their lending and interest rates rising made an already difficult regulatory process more challenging.

 

"The consensus is that we need more housing, but there is no consensus on how to get there," Giller told me.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/03/19/housing-construction-columbus-zoning-hurdles.html

 

9 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

Central Ohio's zoning barriers are a reason for fewer housing starts, developers say

 

Central Ohio developers say regulatory issues are to blame for a slowdown in housing projects in a region in desperate need of more residential units.

 

The number of housing permits issued in Central Ohio dropped 17% in 2023, falling to their lowest level since 2019, according to a new report from the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio released this month.

 

Tre' Giller, CEO of Metro Development, said he thinks the 2023 numbers may be foreshadowing what is to come this year.

 

The perfect storm of banks tightening their lending and interest rates rising made an already difficult regulatory process more challenging.

 

"The consensus is that we need more housing, but there is no consensus on how to get there," Giller told me.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/03/19/housing-construction-columbus-zoning-hurdles.html

 

Said this on Reddit and was told that doesn’t have a huge impact. It is very clear that is probably the number one issue, follow by interest rates. Other booming cities don’t seem to have a problem building with these rates, so it’s clearly another issue. Hopefully they get this zoning changed soon, or Columbus will be even more behind. 

What is the gist of these purported zoning issues? Is it too difficult to build in downtown, within the city, or are we talking farm fields with hardly any infrastructure?  

31 minutes ago, surfohio said:

What is the gist of these purported zoning issues? Is it too difficult to build in downtown, within the city, or are we talking farm fields with hardly any infrastructure?  

It affects the city the most. The zoning rules make it very expensive and hard for developers to build density. If they get turned down for any reason, they have to spend a lot more money to fix stuff. It’s very expensive for developers to try and build when commissions will fight them on stuff. 
 

an example of this problem was a 17 story development for the corner of Lane and High St, so campus. The commission said it was too tall and needed reworked, which is dumb, considering it’s campus and one of the most walkable and dense areas in the city. The developer came back multiple times, making changes each time to match what the commission wanted. They got turned down every single time and gave up on the project. I’m sure it wasn’t cheap to rework the design every time. 
 

The new zoning codes that are being worked on would make that development a very easy development and would be approved based on being in a desirable dense area. 

Edited March 20, 20241 yr by VintageLife

How Central Ohio's new Regional Housing Coalition might work

 

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and other regional leaders this month announced an organization charged with a goal of adding 200,000 new housing units to the region in the next decade. But what exactly will the nonprofit do and how will it be run?

 

The Regional Housing Coalition, an effort Ginther has championed since 2021, will identify funding sources and available land, prioritize projects and lead other initiatives for municipalities around Central Ohio, Ginther said.

 

"We all know that without sweeping, immediate and coordinated action to build more housing supply to meet the rising demand and bring down cost, we will lose what makes Central Ohio so special and what has made us so successful," Ginther said during a recent press conference.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/11/27/regional-housing-coalition-erin-prosser.html

City housing forum will address proposed accessory dwelling unit pilot program

 

Columbus residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the city's proposed accessory dwelling unit program and other housing initiatives.

 

Columbus City Council proposed the ADU policy in 2023 as part of a broader housing strategy, several parts of which have already become legislation, including registries for vacant or foreclosed properties and new tenant protections.

 

ADUs, which are often called "in-law suites," are secondary, self-contained living units located on the same lot as a primary residence.

 

An official start date for the ADU pilot program is still uncertain, but Niyah Walters, legal analyst for Columbus City Council, said she's in the process of getting the program off the ground.

 

"(If we see more ADUs) is really going to depend on whether residents are more open to alternative forms of housing," Walters said. "Columbus has grown significantly in the last 10 years. ... We're developing into much more of an urban area.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/12/11/adus.html

 

1 hour ago, ColDayMan said:

City housing forum will address proposed accessory dwelling unit pilot program

 

Columbus residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the city's proposed accessory dwelling unit program and other housing initiatives.

 

Columbus City Council proposed the ADU policy in 2023 as part of a broader housing strategy, several parts of which have already become legislation, including registries for vacant or foreclosed properties and new tenant protections.

 

ADUs, which are often called "in-law suites," are secondary, self-contained living units located on the same lot as a primary residence.

 

An official start date for the ADU pilot program is still uncertain, but Niyah Walters, legal analyst for Columbus City Council, said she's in the process of getting the program off the ground.

 

"(If we see more ADUs) is really going to depend on whether residents are more open to alternative forms of housing," Walters said. "Columbus has grown significantly in the last 10 years. ... We're developing into much more of an urban area.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/12/11/adus.html

 

Would love any and all of them, hopefully this gets going soon. 

Council Votes on Housing Legislation, Speed Limit Reductions

 

Council also passed several ordinances related to housing at last night’s meeting, the final one of 2024.

 

One ordinance, sponsored by Council President Shannon Hardin, will establish new regulations around wholesaling, which is when buyers put a property in contract and then find an investor to buy it at a markup before even taking ownership of the house. The new ordinance, which will go into effect in July of next year, requires wholesalers to register with the city, disclose key information to buyers, and report their transactions.

 

Councilmember Shayla Favor sponsored legislation to establish an “access to counsel” policy to provide legal services for renters facing eviction, and a new requirement that landlords provide notice 60 days or more in advance of any rent increase over ten percent.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/council-votes-on-housing-legislation-speed-limit-reductions-bw1/

Columbus City Council passes legislation to protect homeowners, renters

 

Columbus City Council Monday passed legislation to protect homeowners and renters.

 

As part of a broader housing policy, city council approved three legislative items that will require residential wholesalers to register with the city of Columbus and meet new marketing standards; create an access to counsel policy to help those at risk of losing their homes; and create a requirement for tenants to get at least a 60-day notice of rent increases when renewing their lease.

 

Last March, city council announced a dozen legislative priorities to help address the housing crisis in Columbus. With these three most recent legislative moves, council has passed nine of the 12 policies.

 

Council Member Shayla Favor, chair of the housing committee, led the charge. Monday was her final council meeting before taking her new role as Franklin County Prosecutor. The remaining council members will vote to appoint someone to fill her seat until the end of her term, which runs through 2025.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/12/17/housing-policy-columbus-city-council.html