Husted, HUD Secretary in Columbus to discuss affordable housing

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) joined Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner in Columbus today to spend time with stakeholders in innovative housing developments and host a roundtable discussion with opportunity zone leaders.

“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.

Husted toured Vista Village, Columbus’ first transitional housing community made up of tiny homes. Vista Village offers a supportive environment for homeless men and women and those at risk of homelessness. Vista Village also teaches residents to perform chores and develop other living skills to take care of themselves and the homes they are living in.

“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,” said Husted.

Husted also toured Connect Housing Blocks’ 630,000-square-foot facility, where the initiative uses state-of-the-art equipment to produce apartment units 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,” said Husted.

Husted joined leaders at the Trolley District opportunity zone to tour the facilities and discuss how their innovation is creating jobs and opportunities. 

“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.

Husted also met with opportunity zone leaders for a roundtable discussion on how the budget law will strengthen Ohio communities by creating jobs and growth 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,” said Husted.

Congress created opportunity zones as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. Opportunity zones drive private sector investment to low-income areas through tax deferrals, reductions and, in some cases, the elimination of capital gains tax liabilities. The budget law made opportunity zones permanent, which means more economic opportunities for the 956,000 Ohioans and 54,000 Ohio businesses that are located in opportunity zones.