Columbus and Franklin County are laying the groundwork for a regional housing coalition as leaders say central Ohio struggles with a shortage of affordable housing.
“Our region is facing a critical housing shortage that’s impacting affordability and threatening our economic future,” said Council Member Shayla Favor, chair of the Housing, Homelessness and Building Committee. “We simply don’t have enough homes for our growing population and workforce.”
Favor said the coalition will bring together experts and organizations from across central Ohio for a coordinated, regional solution.
Columbus City Council unanimously passed funding Monday to establish the coalition. The city is contracting with Virginia-based Guidehouse Inc. to provide consulting expertise at a cost of $569,000 in a no-bid contract. Franklin County and the state of Ohio have already signed onto work with Guidehouse on the coalition.