Join this virtual informational session to learn more about ULI Columbus's REDI program and ask questions about the program and application process. Register for free, in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the zoom details.

ULI Columbus's Real Estate Diversity Initiative(REDI) is a comprehensive, 12-session curriculum designed to advance the real estate careers of traditionally underrepresented groups. Participants step into the role of a real estate developer, gaining direct knowledge and experience working in teams to produce a development plan, pro-forma, and marketing plan for a real project. REDI meets weekly from September 2- November 18 (Tuesdays, 5:30-8:00pm). Additional time outside of class is expected to successfully complete individual readings and group work activities. Participants are taught by a volunteer faculty of experienced, multidisciplinary, top-tier practicing real estate professionals serving as instructors, mentors and facilitators who share market-based knowledge and the wisdom from their experience.

Families across Cuyahoga County are struggling to pay the rent and there are simply not enough affordable places to live. Houses of worship, many of whom provide spiritual guidance to these families, can also help transform lives through affordable housing. During this 60-minute webinar, you'll hear from Enterprise Community Partners and local affordable housing leaders about the need for affordable housing in Cleveland, what Enterprise’s Faith Based Development Initiative is, and begin to understand how faith leaders can become champions for affordable housing in their communities.

You are cordially invited to the world premiere of "United: the Hidden History of the Humble Duplex", an original short film from Director Anita Kwan and the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio.

United tells the powerful story of how the modest duplex emerged as a symbol of middle-class strength and mobility at Columbus’ turn of the century. As segregation divided the country, the duplex was targeted and often outlawed throughout the region. But today, a new generation is reclaiming this architectural icon and reviving it as a tool for growth, wealth, and individuality. 

Join us at Studio35 Cinema & Drafthouse on Sunday, June 8th to be the first to see this compelling work. Doors open at 12:30 PM and the film begins at 1:00 PM. The screening will be preceded by remarks from the Director and followed by a panel discussion among community leader about the role the duplex is posed to play in our future.

This is a family friendly, all-ages event. Red carpet attire is certainly not required, but never discouraged! Photography will be captured during the event.

Let’s build together

Join us for Columbus Cooperates - Expanding the Solidarity Economy in Central Ohio, June 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM.

Solidarity is more than a value - it’s a strategy for building a more just and sustainable future. As challenges in housing, food, and economic inequality grow, the need for shared solutions has never been more important.

Join us at The Maroon, a cooperatively-owned arts and community space, for a gathering of people working to strengthen the solidarity economy in Central Ohio. We’ll explore what’s already happening locally and throughout Ohio, hear from changemakers advancing cooperative models, and learn what's possible when vision meets action.

Click here to learn more and register

Featured Speakers & Partners:

• Maroon Arts Group

• Black Men Build Columbus 

• Cleveland Owns 

• Co-op Dayton 

This event is dedicated to our brother and comrade Ernest Levert Jr., co-founder of Co-op Columbus. Ernest left us too soon but not before he planted the seed that continues to grow today. Ernest blessed us with his unwavering belief that a better world is possible, and that together we can build it.

We’ll be sharing more about our origin story and Ernest’s role in shaping this work in a future issue. In the meantime, learn more about Ernest's incredible impact and the people he touched.

Get helpful resources, meet mortgage lenders and counselors to start your pathway to homeownership!

PROVIDING HELP AND HOPE BY CONNECTING

TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES ON THE FIRST

FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH

Over the past five decades, gentrification has fundamentally reshaped America’s urban neighborhoods, creating complex dynamics of revitalization and displacement. Our recently released comprehensive analysis, Displaced By Design, reveals that gentrification, once confined to small parts of some cities, is on the rise across many housing markets.

The human cost is staggering. 

In gentrifying neighborhoods, populations typically decline for two decades before gentrification begins, followed by rapid demographic shifts. White, Asian and Hispanic populations grow while Black populations decrease. The process often involves developer-driven changes that prioritize profit over community preservation. Several factors drive this acceleration; housing supply shortages create scarcity and rising prices, construction costs push developers toward high-value projects, and social preferences have shifted from suburban to urban living, especially among young professionals seeking downtown amenities and cultural access.

The challenge lies in balancing revitalization benefits – improved infrastructure, services and economic opportunities – with preserving affordability and cultural identity. Gentrification can bring positive changes: better schools, increased safety, new businesses and rising property values for homeowners. However, these benefits disproportionately favor wealthier, often White newcomers while displacing lower-income residents and people of color.

Join NCRC’s Research team on June 5 at 1 pm ET as they comb over the report’s key findings and discuss its implications, as well as potential solutions. Without intentional intervention, gentrification risks deepening inequality and erasing neighborhood cultural fabric. As urban America continues evolving, understanding these patterns becomes crucial for policymakers, community leaders and residents working to create inclusive neighborhoods that honor both revitalization and cultural preservation.

It is exceedingly difficult to get by in the US economy without participating in the credit system. Rent reporting—providing data on tenant rental payments to at least one of the major consumer credit bureaus—has seen significant growth in recent years. The major credit scoring companies have begun adjusting scoring algorithms to include reported rental payments. Nonprofit housing providers, and public housing authorities have incorporated rent reporting, and several states and municipalities have encouraged the adoption of rent reporting.

Join us as we share findings from new research—results from the first randomized controlled trial that tests the impact of rent reporting on credit visibility and credit scores. Experts will also discuss the growth of rent reporting, and policy developments.

Join us for an engaging morning of data-driven insights and discussion at The Columbus Foundation. This special event will feature a presentation of the Giving USA 2025 report’s top takeaways by Dr. Una Osili, Associate Dean for Research and International Programs at the Indiana University Lily School of Philanthropy, and Christina Daniken, Editor-in-Chief of Giving USA.  

Following the presentation, we will explore the implications of these findings in the context of 2024-2025 philanthropic trends and include a funder panel with insights from three local funders on how giving behaviors are shifting in the current environment. RSVP below to reserve your spot! 

Spotlight Innovators from the Valuing Homes in Black Communities Challenge, hosted by Economic Architecture and the Brookings Institution, will share new innovations and strategies in the housing equity space. Hear from Ashon Nesbitt from the Florida Housing Coalition, Cat Goughnour from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and Gabe Ewing del Rio from the Homeownership Council of America on how new restorative efforts creating impact at the local, state and national level to advance fairness in the housing market.

The future of emergency shelter is at risk—your voice can help keep the doors open.

Emergency shelters across Central Ohio, like the YWCA Family Center, are losing critical funding in 2025. Without creating and investing in a new funding solution, shelters may have to close their doors, pushing thousands of families deeper into crisis. You can make a difference by joining YWCA Columbus virtually on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, to learn more about establishing a dedicated, sustainable funding source for our community's emergency shelter system. 

Supporters will learn more about the region’s homelessness crisis directly from residents of the YWCA Family Center and Family Center staff. They will also receive an advocacy toolkit with resources for urging elected officials to act now. 

Why You Should Attend

This substantive training provides a basic overview of the federal housing programs, recent changes, current trends, and issues facing practitioners. The training is designed for advocates with limited housing experience, but practitioners at all levels should benefit from this training. The panelists are experts in housing law who will cover a broad-range of topics in federally-assisted housing with real-world examples.

What You Will Learn

After completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Compare different types of federally assisted housing including the various HUD housing programs, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, and USDA’s rural housing programs.

• Define the key features of the various federally assisted housing programs including admissions, rents, and terminations/evictions.

• Apply substantive knowledge of tenants’ rights in the federal programs to a legal housing practice.

• Identify emerging issues in the field.

Who Should Attend

Practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of subsidized housing, as well as housing attorneys looking for tools to represent their clients in federally-assisted housing. The sessions will address issues pertinent to those new to federally-subsidized housing practice as well as experienced practitioners. 

Strong communities are the key to lasting fair housing solutions. Whether you're a housing counselor, advocate, or industry professional, you’ll leave with practical tools to support clients, strengthen neighborhoods, and drive real change — even in today’s challenging environment.
In this dynamic session, you’ll learn how to:

• Map and mobilize local networks to expand housing opportunities

• Partner with grassroots organizations to boost outreach and impact

• Turn community strengths into sustainable housing strategies

Let’s move from theory to action — and open more doors for the communities we serve.

Join us for an insightful discussion on one of the most pressing workforce challenges in our community—housing.

 At our upcoming Quarterly Chamber Luncheon, we are honored to feature Lark T. Mallory, Mallory Economic Development Advisors, as our speaker. 

Lark will delve into the intricacies of advancing community-driven development and housing trends and explore actionable strategies for Worthington to address this regional crisis. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a crucial conversation impacting our community's future. 

Date: Wednesday, May 21st 

Venue: J. Liu Restaurant & Bar 

Be sure to reserve your spot or reserve your table and contribute to shaping Worthington's role in tackling this vital issue.

Join COHHIO's advocacy team and guests to get 30-minute update on homelessness and housing policy developments in Columbus and Washington D.C.

Date & Time

• May 20, 2025 03:00 PM

• Jun 3, 2025 03:00 PM

• Jun 17, 2025 03:00 PM

• Jul 1, 2025 03:00 PM

• Jul 15, 2025 03:00 PM

• Jul 29, 2025 03:00 PM

• Aug 12, 2025 03:00 PM

• Aug 26, 2025 03:00 PM

• Sep 9, 2025 03:00 PM

• Sep 23, 2025 03:00 PM

• Oct 7, 2025 03:00 PM

• Oct 21, 2025 03:00 PM

• Nov 4, 2025 03:00 PM

• Nov 18, 2025 03:00 PM

• Dec 2, 2025 03:00 PM

• Dec 16, 2025 03:00 PM

• Dec 30, 2025 03:00 PM

Surprised by your recent property tax bill? You might not be alone. Ohio ranks 13th in the nation for local tax rates, and as property values rise, many regional homeowners are feeling a pinch. While Ohio schools take a big slice of tax revenues, property taxes also fund a long list of other critical services that communities want and need. But what’s driving property tax increases? Where exactly does the money go? Can something be done to help ease the blow to Ohio property owners? From restructuring policies to rethinking tax breaks, our panel will break down Ohio’s property tax puzzle with a look who pays, who benefits, and what happens next.

Featuring Greg Lawson, Research Fellow, The Buckeye Institute; Michael D. Cole, President, Columbus City School Board; Michael Stinziano, Franklin County Auditor, and with moderator Anna Staver, State Government & Politics Reporter, Cleveland.com/The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

If you’ve ever seen a promising development project stall—or collapse—because of zoning, permitting, or public opposition, you know that entitlements can make or break a deal.

In this fast-paced, 90-minute webinar, "Demystifying Real Estate Entitlements: A Practical Guide for Economic Developers," we’ll dive deep into the real-world mechanics of entitlements—from rezoning and site plan approvals to permitting delays and incentive timing.

Date:              Thursday, May 8, 2025

Time:              11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Brought to you from the Ohio Economic Development Institute and Montrose Group LLC, this webinar will feature real case studies, interactive discussion, and lessons learned from the field.

How do we move from bold fair housing commitments to real, lasting change?    Join PolicyLink and partners for a powerful, solutions-driven conversation that moves beyond theory and into action. From Policy to Power is not your typical AFFH 101 — this webinar will equip you with the insights, tools, and strategies to help your city or state lead the way in building durable, community-centered approaches to advancing Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH).    This is your opportunity to hear from national leaders and local changemakers shaping the future of housing equity — from hard-won lessons to model implementation practices.    Why You Should Attend:  • Learn how to identify opportunities in your own community including tools and model practices.  • Get inspired by real-world strategies from jurisdictions taking bold action — including community-government partnerships.  • Engage directly with advocates, organizers, and policy experts on overcoming the biggest barriers to implementation.  Featured Speakers Include:  • Rasheedah Phillips, PolicyLink  • Demetria McCain, NAACP Legal Defense Fund  • Thomas Silverstein, Poverty & Race Research Action Council  • Margaretta Lin, Just Cities  • Monique King-Viehland, MKV Zithande Consulting • City of Richmond Representatives  Whether you’re a housing advocate, local leader, policymaker, or community-based organizer, this session is for you. Come ready to learn, share, and move from policy ideas to powerful action. 

Join the Native CDFI Network for a ‘NCN Live’ discussion featuring the National Community Reinvestment Coalition’s
(NCRC), President and CEO, Jesse Van Tol, and Senior Policy Advisor, Kevin Hill. This webinar will provide critical updates on the status and future of the revised Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rule, including what potential changes or a full rescission could mean for Native CDFis and other mission-driven lenders.

As the CRA landscape continues to shift, our speakers will offer expert insights into the regulatory and legal developments shaping its future. They will also examine the implications for community-focused finance and share guidance on how Native CDFis can prepare for and respond to these evolving circumstances.

Effective street outreach begins with a strong foundation in data. Quantitative data helps identify demographic and geographic patterns in unsheltered homelessness, uncover resource gaps, highlight disparities, and measure the effectiveness of interventions. Equally important, qualitative data provides critical insights that shape broader strategies and ensure outreach efforts are responsive to community needs. This webinar will explore how combining quantitative and qualitative data can be used to analyze impact, drive informed decision-making, improve outcomes, and support more strategic, housing-focused outreach efforts.

NOTE: AHACO & CONVERGENCE Members may contact staff for a free registration code

Join us for an insightful discussion on how local nonprofit organizations, lenders, and industry professionals are collaborating to address housing supply challenges, expand homeownership opportunities, and bridge systemic barriers in housing finance. This session will highlight innovative strategies and real-world solutions from CONVERGENCE cities, featuring perspectives from nonprofit leaders, mortgage professionals, and other key stakeholders.

Date/Time:

• Wednesday, April 30 (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET)

Objectives:

• Understand the value of nonprofit partnerships in housing finance

• Identify opportunities to support emerging developers 

• Leverage digital tools and community programs to expand homeownership

• Apply lessons learned from CONVERGENCE cities

• Implement best practices from CONVERGENCE cities to expand affordable housing and homeownership opportunities in their markets

Experience Level:

• Entry-Level

• Intermediate

• Advanced 

Target Audience:

• Branch Managers and Heads of Production

• Loan Officers and Loan Officer Assistants

• Underwriting Managers and Underwriters

• Processors

• Closers

Speaker(s):

• D.J. Valentine, Vice President , Community Lending Mortgage Sales Manager, The Huntington National Bank (moderator)

• Carlie Boos, Executive Director, AHACO and CONVERGENCE Columbus

• Brody Wamble, Community Affairs Officer, Simmons Bank

• Leslie Russell Winder, Director, Community & Economic Development, Urban Affairs Coalition and CONVERGENCE Philadelphia 

About the Webinar

Date & Time: April 30, 2025 (1-2:15 PM Eastern)

Nearly 450,000 infants and toddlers are estimated to be experiencing homelessness in the US, and new data show homelessness is increasing at a time when access to housing and early childhood development programs are decreasing.

Join SchoolHouse Connection for the release of our second-annual report, Infant & Toddler Homelessness Across 50 States: 2022-2023.

We will share key findings, recommendations for federal, state, and local leaders, and hear from national partners and local providers about the impacts of homelessness on young children and strategies to combat it.

Presenters:

• Erin Patterson – Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, SchoolHouse Connection

• Patricia Cole – Senior Policy Officer, ZERO TO THREE

• Kate Barrand – President & CEO, Horizons for Homeless Children

• Tyese Lawyer – President & CEO, Our House

Single Family Tax Credit Public Forum

OHFA invites you to participate in a forum to present your comments on the draft 2026-2027 Single Family Tax Credit Allocation Plan. 

Individuals may attend in person or online via Microsoft Teams. The meeting information is below:

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

In-person: Ohio Housing Finance Agency

2600 Corporate Exchange Drive, Second Floor Committee Room

Columbus, OH 43231

Microsoft Teams: Join Here 

Participants will be given the opportunity to express their views about the updates to the draft Allocation Plan.