Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Senator Jon Husted and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development visited Columbus to review efforts aimed at expanding affordable housing. During the visit, Husted observed several local initiatives that focus on providing stable homes and fostering economic growth in underserved areas.

Husted toured Vista Village, which is Columbus’ first transitional housing community made up of tiny homes. The facility provides support for homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness by teaching residents chores and other life skills necessary for independent living.

“Columbus is doing thoughtful work to expand affordable housing in our communities, and I got to see that firsthand today. Ohio communities need innovative solutions to lower housing costs and build stronger neighborhoods,” said Husted.

He added, “Columbus communities want to care for each other, and Vista Village is showing the nation what people of faith can accomplish in partnership with private contributions. Vista Village helps people who are struggling chart a path to stable housing by equipping residents to become self-sufficient. Not only is rent in Vista Village affordable, requiring residents to work in exchange for their housing prepares them to build healthy homes and careers for the long run. The Ohioans who built Vista Village have shown dedication to their neighbors living in the Village and to the greater Columbus community.”

Husted also visited Connect Housing Blocks’ 630,000-square-foot manufacturing facility where apartment units are produced using advanced equipment from start to finish.

“Connect Housing Blocks is meeting Ohio’s housing needs through innovation. They’ve harnessed advanced manufacturing to lower housing costs and build more homes. Increasing efficiency while maintaining high-quality across every build isn’t easy, but it is key to helping more Ohioans establish safe, stable homes,” he said.

The tour included a stop at the Trolley District opportunity zone, where former trolley service facilities have been repurposed into spaces that now house a food market, workspaces, and apartments.

“The Trolley District was once an abandoned trolley service center. Thanks to the innovation that opportunity zones have afforded this community, it now hosts a food market, work spaces and apartments. These tax incentives fuel opportunity zones that are creating jobs and hope in Columbus and across the state and country,” said Husted.

Senator Husted participated in a roundtable discussion with leaders from various opportunity zones about how recent changes in budget law will support job creation and economic development in low-income communities.

“Opportunity zones are driving job creation and economic growth in low-income communities. I’m proud that the budget law has made these tax incentives—and the success they bring to Ohio communities—permanent. Talking with opportunity zone leaders about how they are driving affordable housing solutions in Columbus underscores that their model could spark success and stability in other parts of Ohio as well,” he stated.

Congress established opportunity zones under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 as a way to attract private investment into low-income areas by offering tax deferrals or reductions on capital gains taxes. With recent legislative changes making these zones permanent, nearly one million Ohio residents along with thousands of businesses stand to benefit from expanded economic opportunities.