COLUMBUS, OHIO— Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC), in partnership with the Ohio REALTORS® , introduced on Tuesday, March 25th at the Ohio Statehouse Housing Ohio: Tools for Development. The event featured the official release of a comprehensive toolkit designed to assist local communities across Ohio in creating high-quality, attainable housing.
Housing Ohio: Tools for Development includes:
- Guidance on common zoning adjustments that will help spur development by reducing barriers to building.
- Two free building plans that will reduce costs for developers and shorten development timelines.
- A guide on how to set up a pre-approved plans program at the local level. Such a program will reduce permitting timelines and increase certainty in the permitting process, and thus, reduce costs for developers.
“Housing Ohio: Tools for Development is a game-changer. By providing a streamlined approach to home design and development, this resource empowers local leaders, builders, and policymakers to create high-quality, attainable housing efficiently while preserving architectural integrity. Ohio REALTORS® is proud to collaborate with the Greater Ohio Policy Center on this innovative tool to help meet the evolving needs of Ohio’s housing market.” said Ohio REALTORS® President Michelle Billings.
“There are thousands of vacant lots across the state, especially in Ohio’s legacy neighborhoods and cities. We are thrilled to offer practical tools that will accelerate infill development and provide quality housing options. We are grateful for Ohio REALTORS® leadership on this issue,” said Alison Goebel, Executive Director of the Greater Ohio Policy Center.
Those speaking at the press conference included:
- The Honorable Michelle Reynolds, Ohio State Senate District 3
- The Honorable Sharetta Smith, Mayor of the City of Lima
- Michelle Billings, President of the Ohio REALTORS
- Patrick Bravo, President of the Ohio Land Bank Association
- Erica Spaid Patras, Director of Research at the Greater Ohio Policy Center
The Housing Ohio toolkit marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for attainable housing and will play a pivotal role in shaping Ohio’s housing future. Ohio REALTORS® and the Greater Ohio Policy Center are proud to present this resource to the public and encourage all community leaders, builders, and policymakers to visit HousingOH.org to learn more about how this toolkit can benefit their local housing initiatives.
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About the Greater Ohio Policy Center
Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization with a mission to improve Ohio’s communities through smart growth strategies and research. Our vision is a revitalized Ohio. We undertake original research and analysis, develop pragmatic policy recommendations and advocacy strategies, and deploy our convening power to meet the needs of Ohio’s local change-makers. We operate statewide.
About The Ohio REALTORS®
Ohio REALTORS®, with more than 36,000 members, is the largest professional trade association in Ohio. Leading with expertise, professionalism and an entrepreneurial spirit, REALTORS® in Ohio are committed to their clients and communities.
Contacts: Veronica Cardello, Asst. VP of External Engagement, Ohio REALTORS® 614.228.6675 or cardello@ohiorealtors.org
Jason Warner, Dir. of Strategic Engagement, Greater Ohio Policy Center 614.224.0187 or jwarner@greaterohio.org
