North Columbus News

Ohio State University recently hosted a speaker series addressing affordable housing challenges and potential solutions. The series, titled "Responding to the Housing Crisis," was organized by Ohio State's Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA) in collaboration with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).

"CURA and MORPC share similar goals – we are both committed to building more sustainable communities in central Ohio," said CURA Director Harvey Miller. He added that the series aimed to highlight valuable experiences and solutions for tackling the housing crisis in Columbus and across the U.S.

The concluding session on December 6 focused on "The State of Housing in Central Ohio." Panelists included Jason Reece from Ohio State, Carlie Boos of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, Lark Mallory from Mallory Economic Development Advisors, and Amy Riegel of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio.

Panelists discussed issues such as insufficient construction of new housing units to meet population growth. They also noted policies by some landlords that create barriers for prospective tenants. "That’s incredibly challenging if you’re lower income, if your income is in any way erratic, if you’ve got an eviction on your record," Reece explained.

Riegel highlighted additional obstacles like evictions and criminal records affecting rental opportunities. "If you committed a crime when you were 18 years old, is that still being used against you when you’re 42 years old?" she questioned.

Panelists suggested regional cooperation among municipalities to streamline zoning ordinances for constructing various-sized units. "As a home-rule state, local governments have tremendous autonomy over what can get built in their communities," Reece stated.

Charles Marohn, speaking at CURA’s November 15 session, recommended simplifying permitting processes to increase housing supply through starter homes and alternative dwellings like backyard cottages.

Marohn advocated for development strategies allowing neighborhoods to continuously add housing options: “We need a development strategy where every neighborhood can add housing all the time."

Collaboration between public and private sectors was deemed essential by speakers for solving the housing crisis. Reece emphasized home ownership as a path to security and wealth-building opportunities: “It’s about working within the system to make sure that we are being deliberate in creating those wealth-building opportunities."

For more information about upcoming events hosted by CURA, visit their website.