North Columbus News

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, alongside Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, has announced nearly $25.9 million in grants and planned tax credits to promote housing growth across the state. This initiative is part of the third round of the Welcome Home Ohio program, which aims to invest a total of $100 million in grants to assist landbanks in purchasing, rehabilitating, or constructing residential properties for income-eligible residents.

In addition to these grants, $25 million in nonrefundable tax credits remains available for landbanks and eligible developers engaged in rehabilitation and new construction projects once a property is sold.

Governor DeWine stated, "Safe, affordable housing opens doors to better opportunities for families and strengthens the fabric of our communities." He emphasized that the Welcome Home Ohio program is creating pathways to homeownership while revitalizing neighborhoods.

Lt. Governor Husted highlighted the growing need for housing due to job creation and population growth in many communities across Ohio. "New jobs are being created in Ohio, and the population is growing in many communities. As a result, there is an increasing need for housing, and we must meet this demand to maintain affordability," he said.

Director Mihalik added that these investments are making significant impacts on communities throughout Ohio by providing homes that families can take pride in. "These investments are transforming our communities by creating homes Ohio families can be proud of," she noted.

The announcement includes more than $25.7 million allocated towards constructing, purchasing, or rehabilitating 130 homes along with $119,274 designated as planned tax credits supporting three additional homes' construction or rehabilitation efforts. Since its inception, the Welcome Home Ohio program has awarded nearly $60 million toward developing 440 owner-occupied single-family homes across 24 counties.

The program was established through collaboration with the Ohio General Assembly as part of House Bill 33 during their biennium budget bill discussions.