In a Dispatch op-ed written by board member Carl Faller and titled “Solutions to affordable housing must come from all communities,” Faller advances the point of view that no one city can take the lead on creating affordable housing.
Re: Affordable housing plans get big boost Jan. 7: Addressing the need for more affordable housing in central Ohio is indeed a pressing issue for business executives and will impact businesses and the local economy moving forward.
Executives who identify the issue as a priority need to take steps to address the issue in communities where they work and reside, in addition to the city of Columbus
All communities in central Ohio must contribute to necessary solutions; allowing for increased density, the development of multi-family and mixed income communities, the acceptance of housing vouchers with source of income requirements and participating in state and federal programs designed to create rental housing opportunities.
Supporting federal, state and local legislators who back these measures is a good place to start if executives want to address the issue.
Business tax incentives and other economic development tools become underutilized if employees are unable to secure affordable housing in the region.
